Museums & Galleries
5 Tucson Gems for When You Need to Escape the Heat
With its abundance of natural beauty, fusion of cultures, and world-class university, it’s no surprise Tucson enjoys an incredible art scene. Boasting dozens of galleries and artist cooperatives scattered across the different boroughs, there’s something for every taste. But whether you’re looking to escape the desert heat or spend an afternoon cultivating wonder, here are a few destinations that are quintessentially Tucson.
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
Established in the 1950’s on 10 acres of land, the gallery’s many buildings celebrate the work of world-renowned Arizona artist Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia. Along with rotating exhibits, there are six permanent collections of paintings that trace historical events across the Southwest, with a focus on the native cultures of the area.
6300 N Swan Rd
Madaras Gallery
Voted Best Gallery in Tucson multiple times, Diana Madaras has been painting the American Southwest for 25 years. Known for her vivid use of color, Madars has used her success to advocate for abused animals and raised large sums for many charities across the Southwest.
3035 N Swan Rd
Philabaum Glass Gallery
Arizona’s only all-glass gallery, Philabaum’s showcases more than 70 renowned glass artists with a focus on the founder, Tom Philabaum’s work. Mr. Philabaum and his wife, Dabney, opened their first glass gallery in Tucson in 1982 on Congress St. Since the Philabaums retirement, long-time manager and University of Arizona grad, Alison Harvey now owns and runs this unique gallery with her husband.
2840 E Skyline Dr Ste 100
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
First opening in 1975, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and encompasses an entire city block of historic buildings in downtown Tucson. The museum houses nearly 12,000 works of art. With collections such as the Art of Latin America, Art of the American West, Indigenous Arts, and Modern and Contemporary Art, there’s something for everyone at this Tucson classic.
140 N Main Ave
University of Arizona Museum of Art
On October 27, 1956 more than 250 paintings found their permanent home when the gallery official opened at the UAMA's current location. Along with world-class rotating exhibitions, the museum holds permanent exhibits for American Art, Contemporary Art, European Art, and Modern Art where you can see works from 15th century Italian masters to modern icons such as Georgie O’Keeffe.
1031 N Olive Rd
Children’s Museum Tucson
Looking for something to do with the kids? Founded in 1986, the CMT moved to the beautiful historic Carnegie Library in 1991 and boasts 10 interactive art, literacy, and science-based exhibits geared for children up to ten. Along with a beautiful courtyard perfect for imaginative play, the CMT is a perfect place with our littlest visitors.
200 S 6th Ave