First established in 1924 as the Tucson Fine Arts Association, the Tucson Museum of Art originally made its home in the Kingan House on Franklin Street in the El Presidio Historic District.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?
The Tucson Museum of Art is in Downtown Tucson. The address is: 140 N. Main Avenue, Tucson 85701.
What are the hours?
- Mon CLOSED
- Tues-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm
The Museum is closed on Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s 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, 10:00am-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 ($35/year), individual ($50/year), family ($60/year), sustaining ($120/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.
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 a beautiful on-property eatery with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food is delicious and the setting is inspired.
Cafe hours are as follows:
- Sunday-Tuesday 8am-3pm (2pm for summer until Labor Day)
- Wednesday-Saturday 8am-9pm
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! 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. Kids (ages 5+) will enjoy meandering the grounds and perusing the artwork.
The Museum offers extensive children’s programming including a Summer Arts Program, school tours, and in-school programs. Kids, ages 12 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.
MISCELLANY
Is the Tucson Museum of Art active on social media?
Yes! You can follow Tucson Museum of Art on Facebook and on Twitter.
What else do I need to know before I go to the Tucson Museum of Art?
That just about covers it. Have a great time!
