Trip Planner: USA / Arizona / Tucson / Museums / Arizona State Museum

Arizona State Museum, Tucson

(120+ reviews on the web)

Natural History Museum Museum

The Arizona State Museum, founded in 1893, was originally a repository for the collection and protection of archaeological resources. Today, however, ASM stores artifacts, exhibits them and provides education and research opportunities. It was formed by authority of the Arizona Territorial Legislature. The Museum is operated by the University of Arizona, and is located on the university campus in Tucson.HistoryNative peoples have existed in the North American continent for more than ten millennia. ASM investigates habitations, lifeways, art and communication in which these peoples in the Southwest engaged.Museum staff investigate archaeological sites of past occupiers of North America to discover how people lived, what they ate, what they wore and how they created their art. These people lived day-to-day, created homesites and villages that, in many cases, have crumbled or been destroyed by natural forces.An early and significant director of the Museum, Emil W. Haury, conducted numerous archaeological excavations in the Southwest and taught students and others about his methods and discoveries.CollectionsASM holds artifacts created by cultures from the past as well as those presently active. The types of artifacts include pottery, jewelry, baskets, textiles and clothing. Archaeological objects were unearthed during excavations by museum staff and others. Ethnological items (those not acquired from excavation) have been donated by Native American tribes, acquired from individuals, as well as purchased by ASM.

Put Arizona State Museum into our Tucson travel itinerary maker to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Tucson.
Source

Create a full Tucson itinerary

Plan your trip to Tucson

Get a personalized plan

A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferences
Customize it

Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules
Book it

Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% off
Manage it

Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.

Plans in Tucson by other users

3 days in Tucson BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, shopping, popular PREFERENCES: August, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in Tucson BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, culture, outdoors, historic sites, hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, culture, outdoors, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 7 days in Tucson BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, culture, outdoors, historic sites, popular PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 4 days in Tucson BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, shopping, popular PREFERENCES: July, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 6 days in Tucson & Phoenix BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, hidden gems PREFERENCES: October, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 15 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, popular PREFERENCES: June ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 9 days in Arizona BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, slow & easy, hidden gems PREFERENCES: October, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Slow & easy 11 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, hidden gems PREFERENCES: June ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 17 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, popular PREFERENCES: June ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 60 days in Arizona BY A USER FROM CANADA September, culture, outdoors, hidden gems PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 4 days in Tucson & Weehawken BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 14 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, culture, relaxing, historic sites, slow & easy, popular PREFERENCES: June, culture, relaxing, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Slow & easy

View more plans

Reviews

TripAdvisor

gmm421

I wasn't sure about this when we went there, but I'm glad we did. There is a lot of information, and it was interesting to see parts of past Native American history occurring in our modern times. I re... more »
desertaviator

I have been to the museum several times. The collection is amazing. Be sure to take a tour to get the most out of your visit. more »
Phil C

An interesting few hours were spent browsing the extensive tribal exhibits. An extensive collection of artefacts, coupled with stories and historical time lines make this a must do in Tucson. Nice mus... more »

View more on Trip Advisor »

Google

Andy Chesley

My son and I went several weeks back, and we both loved it. The facilities on the university campus are always immaculately kept, and full of history. My son loved the Native American exhibits, especially the pottery. Seriously, you're missing out if you don't take advantage of the university's facilities and explore what's around.

more less
Paul Schulte

This is a great museum right on the edge of the UA campus. One section tells you at great length about the growth and demise of the Hohokam and the other part tells of the tribes still active in the Southwest. How they were originally, how outside influences affected them and how they are now. Fascinating!!!!

more less
Mikey B

Amazing artifacts and displays . Learn about American Indian culture and see real artifacts . Very clean and nice inside and very comfortable couches to sit and relax.

more less
Arman Garcia

Very beautiful in presenting history, but it's all about native culture. Which is great, but I was also looking forward in other history categories.

more less
Richard Hintz

Summary based on one visit: --didn't have high expectations, but found the exhibits quite interesting --reasonable entry fee --parking in fee lot nearby --some very nice items in the store, especially better quality Hopi silver. Prices seemed lower and variety of higher quality pieces greater than some other places. If you're making a significant purchase, inquire whether it makes financial sense to join the museum for the discounts.

more less