Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit the Tucson Museum of Art

First established in 1924 as the Tucson Fine Arts Association, the Tucson Museum of Art originally made its home in the Kingan House on Franklin Street in the El Presidio Historic District.

Now, in its 90th year, the Tucson Museum of Art is located on a 72,000 square foot property in the heart of downtown Tucson with a beautiful collection of exhibits by local and international artists.

As a private, non-profit organization, it “operates exclusively for the visual, aesthetic, literary, and educational promotion of the arts.” In addition to the main galleries, the Museum cares for five on-site historic properties – La Casa Cordova, The J. Knox Corbett House, The Edward Nye Fish House, The Romero House, and The Stevens/Duffield House.

The Museum is open every day except Monday. Children under age 12 are always free and there are special discounts for active military, college students, veterans, and seniors.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where is the Tucson Museum of Art located?

In Downtown Tucson.

The address is: 140 N. Main Avenue, Tucson 85701.

What are the hours?

Mondays CLOSED
Tuesdays 10:00am-5:00pm
Wednesdays 10:00am-5:00pm
Thursdays 10:00am-8:00pm
Fridays 10:00am-5:00pm
Saturdays 10:00am-5:00pm
Sundays 12:00pm-5:00pm

The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Why would I visit the Tucson Museum of Art?

To admire artwork by local and international artists
To visit historic homes
To enjoy a meal at Cafe a la C’art
To meander through the outdoor courtyard on a pleasant day
To spend time in downtown Tucson

How often do the exhibits/displays change?

There are three waves of exhibitions per year – summer, fall, and spring. Exhibits change every four to five months.

How much does it cost?

Admission is $12/adults, $10/seniors (ages 65+), and $7 for college students (with ID) and teens (ages 13-17). Admission is free for youth (ages 12 and under), active military, veterans, and museum members.

The first Thursday of the month is FREE for everyone, 5:00pm-8:00pm.

The second Sunday of the month is free for residents of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.

Can I become a member of the Tucson Museum of Art?

Yes. There are a number of different membership types available, including student/teacher/artist ($25/year), individual ($40/year), family ($50/year), sustaining ($100/year), and patron ($250/year).

Membership benefits include unlimited free admission to the galleries and the Historic Block properties, invitations to exhibitions and special events, and discounts on classes.

What is the parking situation?

The Museum has a free lot for visitors on the north end of the historic block off Washington Street. Metered street parking is also available as well as a number of pay parking garages/lots around the Museum.

What should I wear?

The Tucson Museum of Art has air-conditioning and heating, depending on the season.

What should I bring with me?

Water bottles and a camera are recommended. Note that flash photography is not permitted inside the museum.

Are bathrooms available?

Yes.

What is the best season for visiting the Tucson Museum of Art?

Year-round!

Which days of the week are the most and least crowded?

The least crowded times are in the summer in the afternoons.

DINING

Is outside food allowed? Are picnic tables available?

Food is not allowed in the galleries, but you can certainly have a picnic in the courtyard!

What dining venues are available on-site?

Cafe a la C’Art is open Monday-Friday, 11:00am-3:00pm and Saturday-Sunday for all day brunch, 8:00am-3:00pm.

Menu options for lunch include sandwiches ($9.95-$11.50), burgers ($975-$10.95), and salads ($9-$12.75). Soups and desserts are also available. There is no children’s menu, but the cook will prepare grilled cheese sandwiches for children for $4.

What restaurants are located NEAR the Tucson Museum of Art?

There are a plethora of outstanding dining options in the area! Our top picks within walking distance are:

La Cocina, 201 N. Court Ave. (less than 500 feet away) – tacos, salads, sandwiches, outdoor seating
Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink, 101 E. Pennington St. (0.3 miles away) – pizza, pasta, drinks
Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery, 266 E. Congress St. (0.5 miles away) – burgers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, beer, wine, cocktails, outdoor seating, delicious homemade ice cream in unique flavors
Maynards Market, 400 N. Toole Ave. (0.5 miles away) – soups, salads, sandwiches, steak, fish, vegetarian
Cup Cafe, 311 E. Congress St. (0.5 miles away) – indoor & outdoor seating, breakfast, lunch, dinner

BABIES & KIDS

What ages would be best suited for a visit to the Tucson Museum of Art?

Because the museum does not offer any “children’s zones” or “touch-and-feel” exhibits, toddlers may not be the best audience for the museum. I spent about 90 minutes on the property with my 7-year-old and 5-year-old. They both enjoyed meandering the grounds and perusing the artwork. We even brought sketchbooks along so they could try their hand at copying their favorite piece!

The Museum offers “extensive kid’s programming including a Summer Arts Program, school tours, in-school programs, and Picture This! a free program on First Sundays.” Youth, ages 18 and under, always attend the Museum for free.

Should I bring a stroller?

The museum is stroller-accessible and wheelchair-accessible.

Is there a designated area for nursing moms?

No. That said, there are benches outside in the courtyard.

Are changing tables available?

Yes.

EVENTS

Can I have my wedding at the Tucson Museum of Art?

Yes. There is a sliding scale depending on time of the year, week, and day. For more information, contact Marianna at Rentals@TucsonMuseumofArt.org. The spaces can be seen here.