Escape the summer heat with a day at one of these 10 cultural hubs to feel the he(art) and soul of Arizona’s most creative talents.
Wonderland is right! This breathtaking butterfly conservatory is the largest in the country and features butterflies from around the world. The rainforest conservatory allows guests to interact with the butterflies, and watch the life of a butterfly develop in front of you in the Butterfly emergence gallery. Don’t leave without meeting the rainforest reptiles, honeybees and arthropods that also call Butterfly Wonderland their home. 9500 E. Via de Ventura, 480.800.3000, butterflywonderland.com
The Heard is dedicated to advancing American Indian art from the first-person perspective, particularly from those living in the Southwest. Current exhibitions showcase digital art, textiles from contemporary Navajo weavers, and intricate small format works of jewelry and specialty items. 2301 N. Central Ave., 602.252.8840, heard.org
You don’t need a Western film to feel immersed in the stories of the region. Scottsdale’s Museum of the West celebrates the transitions in culture from the old West to the new through education, outreach and exhibits. Auditory learners will feel at home here as eight of the museum’s exhibitions include an accompanying self-guided audio tour. 3830 N. Marshall Way, 480.686.9539, scottsdalemuseumwest.org
Inspired to feature instruments from around the world, Musical Instrument Museum’s founder Bob Ulrich reached past the Western classical instruments that are typically featured by musical museums to cultivate a collection of musical tools used daily on a global scale. An institution divulging into rich cultures from over 200 countries through the display of over 8,000 instruments will convince you of its motto: “Music is the language of the soul.” 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., 480.478.6000, mim.org
Automobile enthusiasts will find their place in the Penske Racing Museum, which displays cars and significant tokens from the racing dynasty. Fifty years of racing experience and its victories are on full display on the first floor of the museum, while the second features the Turn 4 Cafe and Boutique. 7191 E. Chauncey Lane, 480.538.4444, penskeautomall.com
Peggy Moffitt modeling an ensemble designed by Gernreich from his fall 1968 collection. PHOTO ©WILLIAM CLAXTON LLC/COURTESY OF DEMONT PHOTO MANAGEMENT & FAHEY/KLEIN GALLERY LOS ANGELES, WITH PERMISSION OF THE RUDI GERNREICH TRADEMARK
The largest art museum in the Southwestern United States does not disappoint when it comes to featuring global art. While Phoenix Art Museum offers a variety of mediums, fashion lovers should flock to the summer exhibits displaying the most daring fashion trends of the past. Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich is active until Sept. 26 and showcases Gernreich’s body-positive and gender-fluid designs from the ’60s and ’70s that still impact fashion today. 1625 N. Central Ave., 602.257.1880, phxart.org
Incorporate art into your weekly routine with Scottsdale’s Art Walks. Held every Thursday from 7 to 9PM, the tour will lead you at your own pace through the downtown Scottsdale Art District for festive viewings of its galleries to the sounds of live music. East Main Street, scottsdalegalleries.com
Explore Scottsdale’s most iconic landmarks with this fun twist. This app-led scavenger hunt will direct you around Scottsdale to learn about its rich culture and history. For those with a competitive edge, complete the trivia questions and photo challenges in an attempt to beat the Scottsdale high score. There are even themed hunts perfect for company team building, date nights, birthday and bachelorette parties. 3855 N. Marshall Way, 833.202.7626, letsroam.com
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art reminds us that art can inspire change within artists and audiences alike. Be sure to see Division of Labor: Women Shifting a Transnational Gaze, which highlights 10 female artists’ perspectives on how labor connects to perceptions of identity, femininity and equity at the United States and Mexico border before it closes on Aug. 22. 7374 E. Second St., 480.874.4666, smoca.org
Visit one of the most Instagrammable museums in Scottsdale and immerse yourself in 3D art pieces. These optical illusions let visitors become a part of the art as they snap pictures. Surprise Your Eyes offers private event scavenger hunts created with team building and corporate events in mind for those looking to reconnect. 9500 E. Via De Ventura, 480.291.5083, surpriseyoureye.com
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