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Phoenix Art Museum
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
1625 N Central AvePhoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 257-1222
- Hours:
Wed 10 am - 9 pm
Thu-Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
117 reviews for Phoenix Art Museum
Review Highlights
"You can step nose-to-nose with an Ansel Adams photograph."
(in 13 reviews)
"Nice to have Arcadia Farms there too."
(in 11 reviews)
"The sculpture garden is also worth a visit - very peaceful..."
(in 8 reviews)
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117 reviews in English
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Review from Marina M.
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
This museum participates in the Bank of America Museums on Us program. On select weekends, Bank of America customers get free admission to the museum. I was delightfully surprised the last time I dropped by and admission ended up free for me and my boyfriend.
Info at: http://museums.bankofa.../
On a more relevant note, this museum is awesome. Really great contemporary art collection. This museum has a photograph by Vic Muniz, from his project he did in collaboration with workers at one of the world's largest landfills in Brazil. This project was the topic of Wasteland, an AMAZING documentary that was nominated for an Oscar. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the photograph at the PAM after watching the documentary. Good times.
PS: The cafe on site is not very good. They don't even have an espresso machine. If need be, I would recommend getting coffee beforehand or afterwards. -
Review from Bruce K.
I had no idea that a city such as Phoenix would have such a world class art museum. Ignorance on my part and I was glad to have it brushed away by the culture in this lovely and well organized museum.
$10 for a visitor and I was able to get nose-to-art with a Picasso, Pissaro, Money and several O'Keeffe's. There is a big focus on art of the Southwest and of Mexico but there are lots of other fantastic pieces here. Some ancient stuff (a 4000 year old vase) and some more modern stuff (the Cruzieros display) are a lovely mix of new and old. I particularly enjoyed the gallery of Stallings photographs that followed the construction of the bridge at Hoover Dam. (I've added that to my bookmarks, btw.)
The Great Hall seems like an excellent place to have a gathering and the sculpture garden was also quite lovely (though it was surprisingly cold outside today).
Parking is easy and the museum has a free map that helps you find your way around the galleries. The only thing that I felt was missing was an audio guide. I really like to have some help with interpreting the art and understanding what I'm enjoying. -
Review from Mike C.
Wait what?? Phoenix has an art museum?!? Are you shitting me? Really? Yah I guess so...
It's a little bit of everything in here. And when I say everything I mean, stuff from the Renaissance all the way up to and including a lot of modern and contemporary art. They have a few impressionists and post-impressionists art as well.
During my visit here they also had the Mexican artists exhibit. Paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries from famous artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Garcia and others were part of this temporary exhibit. But most paintings are modern.
There are two full buildings here, with 3 full floors each so one can come here and be immersed into the arts and sculptures for several hours.
The staff were super friendly. And this is a great museum to take the kids or have a field trip. The museum store is pretty nice and they also have a cafe. They have random tours throughout the day, and it's free. So just jump right in one when they offer a tour. There's a nice little garden and walking path in between the two buildings so take a stroll there too if you have the chance.
So yes, they do have an art museum in Phoenix.Listed in: Cultured Club
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Review from Sue C.
Tempe, AZ
12/16/2011
I grew up with annual visits to the Cleveland Art Museum, so I guess my expectations of what should be in an art museum is pretty high. By that standard this is a 4 star museum with a nice diversity of exhibits.
Even though the basic $10 admission is fair, the extra charge for some exhibits can be quite high. For example, when they had the Dutch Masters exhibit I thought the admission was more than I expected. However, it was less expensive than an actual trip to Holland to see the same exhibit in its home museum.Listed in: Fun-day with the kids or…
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Review from Linda G.
Phoenix, AZ
1/27/2012
Recently took my 8 year old daughter to this museum for the afternoon. After providing her with a "scavenger hunt" interactive activity for her to use throughout the museum, we proceeded to the south wing. Several pieces of art had ropes around them or signs asking not to touch or take photos of the items; several others did not. Obeying the signs, my daughter touched a sculpture. Oh, the horror! A security guard descended on her like she out of Mission Impossible. Upon asking her not to touch the item, I then asked her what we could touch/take photos of, since their policy is confusing. She was extremely rude to me, told me we obviously had no "museum etiquette" and if we didn't like the policy we could leave. I proceeded to tell her that I have been to several museums, including the Smithsonian, where the policies are very clear, and all I was asking for was clarification. She continued to be rude and another security guard arrived and told us we had to leave. I asked politely to see the manager and he refused. He was very large and was physically trying to intimidate me. I felt physically threatened as he proceeded to escort me and my now-terrified daughter our of the museum. He refused to refund our money, even though we had been there less than 20 minutes. He was also rude and extremely disrespectful and intimidating. I called and left two messages on a general number with no return phone call. I would not recommend this place and will never take my family or friends there again.
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Review from christina p.
Phoenix, AZ
8/28/2011 7 Check-ins Here
There's fantastic art to be seen here! Everything about this museum is great -- from the literal walls (architecture) to the art within them!
I'm partial to tours, personally. I like to know a little more than the title and artist which can be read on the plaques. It helps me to hear some background about a piece to generate more curiosity about the work. I strongly recommend spending a little time exploring their website before you go to read up on the pieces. It really gives your appreciation of the art a whole different perspective.
The films and lectures are interesting -- learned a lot about Ansel Adams, for example. I especially enjoyed the Cezanne exhibition. Some of my favorites from the "regulars" are the Philip Curtis room and the conceptual work: Guillotine of Sunlight. Of course, everyone loves Yayoi Kusama's fantastic installation!
It's only $10 admission to begin with, but the admission fee is waived for a donation on First Fridays from 6-10 pm and Wednesdays from 3-9 pm. And, those days they're open "late," otherwise, they close kinda early (5 p .m.)
Or, just join (I think it's $75) and support culture in Phoenix! -
Review from Nora V.
Tolleson, AZ
12/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
This museum has come a long way from it's humble beginings in Phx. I remember when I was a kid in the 80's my trips to the museum were always followed up by visiting the adjacent Central Phx Public Library where I spent a lot of my youth pouring over any subject that I wanted. My parents never kept me out of the adult sections. They thoguht if I could read it that's all that mattered. I loved the museum & library & still do. Now a member of the museum I realize just how very much the Phx Art Museum has to do all year long. Great place to be & lose yourself in the art. Tip - Become a member to support the Arts in Phx.
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Review from Lindsay J.
Phoenix, AZ
10/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I am obsessed with this place! I cannot say enough amazing things...I love their exhibits...I love Arcadia Farms inside...I love the architecture and design of the building...I love the staff (they are so helpful)...the gift shop is fabulous (I got the cutest watch bangle)...I love the giant red t-rex out front...I love the kids area (or at least my son does)...I love the diversity of the art! I would recommend getting a membership because it allows you to be able go all year long with your loved ones and family! You can have weddings here and they are beautiful! They have events here all the time if you sign up for emails or become a member...at least just go once and you will fall in love!
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Review from Jessica W.
Phoenix, AZ
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've lived in Phoenix for 16 years and just visited the Phoenix Art Museum for the first time last week. What a huge mistake (my haste, not the museum)! This place is amazing; beautiful building, gorgeous grounds and massive in size. The modern/contemporary section was my favorite by a mile, with a collection easily on par with other museums I've been to worldwide. I can't wait to go back and see what I missed! A+++
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Review from Vicki N.
Glendale, AZ
6/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went to the Phx Art Museum for the first time. It was First Friday so it was free to check out the museum.
A woman stopped us inside and said she was giving a tour at 6:30 of the Theatre De La Mode ( http://www.phxart.org/... ), so we gathered around her and she was quite knowledgeable and had good information. She told us alot of history of Paris haute couture. The exhibit was exquisite, I wanted to touch the fashions so bad like a little kid. But they had an alarm around it.There were beautiful gorgeous hand made gowns and dresses by people like Balenciaga and other designers from the post-World War II France era.
After showing us that exhibit , the tour guide also showed us the South Wing of the museum and some other interesting art installations.
I want to go back to the Phx Art Museum. It's a large museum and there is no way to see the entire thing in one visit, they have some great, curiously interesting pieces with facinating backgrounds.
There was a cuban band playing in the museum on this night,after the tour we all gathered near the band and just danced a bit while having drinks. -
Review from Camille H.
Phoenix, AZ
10/13/2011
I was so impressed with this museum. I've been talking about it nonstop and it seems the only people not favoring it are comparing it to the MOMA, National Gallery and the like. That's like when my ex mother in law didn't like Fazoli's because it wasn't authentic Italian food. We're not New York (or DC or any place like that) but for Phoenix, this museum is impressive. Lot's of big artists and my sweet pea and I are big fans of the firefly room, a hi-lite for any four year old.
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Review from Monique H.
Phoenix, AZ
1/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm so grateful that we have this lovely museum because these are some of the exhibitions that have come through here and stayed with me:
Frida Kahlo
Rembrandt
Passport to Europe
Ansel Adams
Cezanne
Defining Moments - Judy and Sidney Zuber
Really great spots inside here to steal some time to just sit and reflect. By far, one of my favorite places in Phoenix. -
Review from Monica J.
5/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I purchased a membership to the Phoenix Art Museum last year and I am very glad that I did. Coming to the museum gives me a chance to relax and feed my soul with art on a regular basis. The membership entitles you to bring another adult along so that is also a plus since it has given me a chance to introduce the museum to other friends and family members for free.
Just in the year or so that I have been going it seems like this place is continually improving itself. I have to admit that when I first moved to Phoenix I was disappointed at the museums here and I still feel like we are not up to par with other cities of the same size. It is nice to see one art/culture venue that is striving to be better. I have not been able to partake in all the events that they hold (tours, lectures, movie screenings, etc) since they mostly seem to fall on weeknights. But I still have managed to see all the rotating exhibits (my favorite was the one on Cezanne and his contemporaries) while they are there. It is great to have an excuse to get out of the 'burbs on the weekend and come enjoy downtown... or I guess its uptown... or midtown? Anyway, I think they're doing a great job and this is a real Phoenix gem. -
Review from Christine A.
Cerritos, CA
12/2/2010
There's no arguing with a museum that's admission is pay-what-you-can after 3 p.m. two nights a week and not closing until 9 at night.
The museum has a couple pieces by Diego Rivera, Monet, Degas, and other well-known artists; however, I couldn't help but stare mesmerized at this blob projection on a three-dimensional object that was babbling to itself calming things when it was green, becoming more aggressive as it turned red. It was in the contemporary art exhibit on the lower floor, and it looked like Slimer from the "Ghostbusters" movies. Yeesh..
You're allowed to take pictures in the museum, so long as you don't use flash or photograph pieces that say you shouldn't. -
Review from Steve G.
4/4/2011 7 photos
I had the privilege of attending this past Friday for the Phx Art Museums "First Friday" event. This time is was a floral themed event.... where local floral artists were paired with different pieces throughout the museum.
It was really very wonderful! I had not been to the Phoenix Art Museum for many years (since the Monet Exhibit). And I had the impression that this time it was MUCH BIGGER than I ever remembered it.
I loved the diversity of the art exhibits. My personal favorites are the more modern multimedia type pieces.
There was a live performance art group when I was there... they were awesome... but very odd all at the same time.
I look forward to attending again next month. I would very mch like to make it a routine. -
Review from Sean S.
9/20/2010
I really like this museum a lot.
It's very accessible, both physically (light rail just yards away) and artistically,
is spacious and enjoyably laid out - though I wish they'd built more UP instead of wasting so much land,
have a really nice courtyard,
a great event space,
friendly staff, and
fascinating & fun events.
Summary:
I'm very glad to be a member here and will be renewing it next year :)Listed in: Midtown Phx
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Review from CJ S.
San Tan Valley, AZ
5/11/2011
Have enjoyed many exhibitions at this museum over the years. A few that immediately come to mind are: Splendors of Ancient Egypt, Monet at Giverny, El Greco to Picasso, Dale Chihuly: Installations, Norman Rockwell: Pictures for the American People, Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art, and Richard Avedon, Photographer of Influence.
There is also one permanent installation, "You Who are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies" by Yayoi Kusama, that I just have to revisit from time to time. Love the feeling of walking around the corner and "disappearing" into a dark room filled with color-changing strings of lights, which are reflected repeatedly in the mirrors that line the walls, ceiling, and granite tile floor. Would love to have a room like that at home!
Have had a couple of less-than-satisfactory encounters with docents/staff and have seen children running/slamming into things totally unsupervised, but those were very few negatives over years of wonderful experiences.
Also enjoy the Arcadia Farms Cafe, which serves delicious meals and desserts.
Definitely recommend.
P.S. Decided to drive out there today after writing this review, and had another enjoyable visit that did not disappoint. Delicious meal with excellent service, new exhibits to see and old favorites to revisit. Even if you don't live close by, it is worth the drive. -
Review from Nicole P.
Phoenix, AZ
6/26/2011
There is a lot to take in and the exhibits (traveling and permanent) are interesting, but sometimes I don't understand the cohesiveness of the galleries at PAM. Mostly I appreciate the accessibility to Ansel Adams' work thanks to their partnership with the Center for Creative Photography. Also I find it pretty wonderful that they offer free admission every Wednesday from 3-9pm.
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Review from Golnaz P.
Gilbert, AZ
9/7/2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this museum. It has a lot of great artwork and the collections are diverse too. They have modern art, Mexican, Asian, Impressionism (MONET!!!), paintings, sculptures, pottery, and funky stuff. You can spend a lot of time there. It is spacious and a well kept museum. I really recommend it. I say go on First Friday so you don't have to pay the admission cost.
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Review from Sheila L.
Scottsdale, AZ
The Ann Boenfy Taylor exhibit was very enjoyable and the people working there are so nice. This musuem is beautiful and the bldg is so pretty as well.
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Review from Alex C.
Tucson, AZ
10/23/2011
My dear love and I went to the museum on a romantic date, and had such a lovely time. I hadnt been to the museum in years and it was a lot of fun to see some paintings I remembered from my childhood like the Frida Kahlo. They firefly room is utterly transporting as well. Frankly, I dont know if it was the art or my dear love that made the evening so wonderful, but we will go again soon. I strongly recommend a strolling date here. Wednesdays and maybe one other night are free. Oh and here's a tip-if you cant find a space, park across the street at the Viad Tower. Its free if you exit from the north side.
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Review from josephine L.
Gilbert, AZ
7/13/2010
Loves the recent Cezanne show. In fact I've seen it twice in the last week. I need to find out more about who curated the exhibit as it is very fine. The Oriental collection is very nice and soothing.
The Downtown Chamber Group gave a wonderful concert in the great hall on Sunday. I wonderful and unusual program of saxophone and harp. I think it is great to have music in the galleries. I liked the musicians being on a platform. since the room isn't banked one can see the performers.
A few things I'm not so crazy about:
The great room is this awesome space for large art. Sunday I sat and looked at it for several hours. You know, not such great art. I find the Terrill boring and the other pieces uninteresting.
The cafe never quite lives up to its promise. My lunch companion barley touched her lunch and the waiter never asked why or offered a box.
Enough grousing I love the place and go often. -
Review from Tim G.
Tempe, AZ
8/22/2011
I love this museum. The architecture is gorgeous. They have great collections. My girlfriend and I went to see the Modern Mexican exhibit last Wednesday when admission was free. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It was my third visit to PAM and I always leave feeling energized and inspired. I highly recommend it.
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Review from Michael L.
Phoenix, AZ
11/16/2010
We have been to the art museum many times over the years, it always gets better.
The current cowboy exhibit is as usual good, even though it is not my cup of tea. One good thing, I saw an artist name that I recognize as being on one of our pieces at home. The difference between ours and the pieces in the museum is ours has no cowboys in it, just animals. But we will have to investigate.
The exhibit we went to see for the most part was, Extending the Runway Tatiana Sorokko Style. It did not disappoint at all.
Of course we also enjoyed the rest of the exhibits and Phoenix should be very happy with this venue. -
Review from Patrick H.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had some extra time the other day and stopped in here to kill some time. I'm a member and have been here on many occasions. I really like the Philip Curtis paintings.
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Review from Lauren K.
11/8/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Let's be honest, Phoenix has developed a reputation as a city without any culture. It's institutions like the Phoenix Art Museum that are proving how untrue that statement is!
Phoenix Art Museum is one of my favorite places in town, with the standard awe-inspiring pieces as well as traveling exhibits that keep me coming back. It's a great mix of new artists and classics like Picasso and Monet...and includes some great exhibits like Peter Wegner's Guillotine of Sunlight or my personal favorite Yayoi Kusama's fireflies exhibit. Step into this darkened room and experience millions of "fireflies" in a moment you'll never forget.
With great promotions like Target's free Wednesday nights and great programs for the under 21 crowd, the Phoenix Art Museum stands as an example of all that the Phoenix cultural scene has to offer. -
Review from Gabi M.
6/14/2008 3 Check-ins Here
I had to wait a few days to write my review of the Phoenix Art Museum because I thought I would be able to process everything I saw during a recent visit. I was wrong. I think I need to go back again and again because there is so much to take in... it was my first visit but it certainly won't be my last.
They have so many amazing exhibits and the 4 stories hold so many diverse pieces, i was literally in awe during my tour. Shout out to Mark P and a huge thank you for walking me through your second home! I don't even know where to begin, but a few of my favorite areas were the sculpture garden (it's manicured perfectly), the fashion design collection (I learned about the real meaning of 'couture') and the contemporary art collection (specifically 'Mass' made of burnt wood, wire, and string as well as the mirrored, sound proof, LED lighted room (talk about getting lost in time). There is so much more that I'll have to go back to see more of and the exhibits are constantly changing...
Phoenix Art Museum also offers a ton of events and activities including films, workshops, demonstrations, and discussions. There is also a really great area for the kids and teens as well as an Arcadia Farms on the premises. Next year they will be celebrating their 50th anniversary, so I'm sure there will be plenty more unique festivities around that as well... don't wait to go though, go now! I had no idea what I was missing out on until I went - you should too!Listed in: Downtown Diva Destinations..., Culture Vultures
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Review from Ceci G.
10/21/2010
Amazing collection for PHX!! Well never thought to find this place in this city. So next time I hear people saying there is no art going on in PHX...wait a minute! there is a place!!
Haven't been there in a year, but I will probably stop any "first friday" -
Review from Nathan S.
5/7/2008
My favorite thing about the Phoenix Art Museum is that they manage to showcase southwestern art without it being the total theme of the museum. I am not much of a fan of cowboy painings and whatnot but I can appreciate them when I can also cart around to modern art, sculpture, photography, classic art and the likes.
They also get some great special exhibits! I actually got a chance to work for their audio tour company during Norman Rockwell and China's Forbidden City and it was tons of fun!
I feel like I should find the gift shop more lame than I do. They have terrific magnets, local jewlery, shirts, books, even dishes. It's like one of those nifty calalogs that come in the mail with random things you never knew that you wanted.
The staff is my experience has always been helpful and pleasant.
How can you not love this place? -
Review from Heather C.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/16/2009
Since EVERYONE knows there's no culture in Arizona, my husband and I decided to waste an afternoon at the Phoenix Art Museum. And it's really too bad their collections of American, Asian, Contemporary, and European art are non-existent, for example.
All sarcasm aside, not an easy feat for me, I really enjoy this museum. Not having visited since the Yelp pARTy, I was anxious to come back. Granted, I did miss the free food and drink, but it was still a great way to spend an afternoon. I love the newly designed interior and I hope Kusama's "fireflies" exhibit stays forever. I seriously wish I could camp out here. I also really enjoyed Klett & Wolfe's "Charting the Canyon," exhibition. If you are a fan of the Grand Canyon, this is a must see. The two have layered their images with 19th century drawings and mid-century photos of the same locales. Crazy inspirational, thought-provoking, creativity here.
With the hot weather ready to pounce, the Phoenix Art Museum is a great way to spend the day. Just don't bother to look for a fish taco on your way.Listed in: Fun for the Un-Fit
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Review from Kevin N.
6/12/2008
Honestly, I saw some things here which I cannot describe. It's not that I don't *want* to describe them (what good is secret art, right?), and it's not like I don't have a decent command of the language. Heck, it even occurs to me that I've been hitting more than my fair share of museums of late. That said...I literally saw things here that were as visually arresting, as challenging to the senses, as anything I've seen in many moons. Things that made you question your perspective from both a literal and figurative sense, and I came away impressed. Phoenix, you have a great museum right in your backyard. And if you weren't positive of that already, they're busy lining things up all the time to make that a forgone conclusion.
I'm not just talking about some of the amazing pop art I saw (a weakness of mine, admittedly), the haute couture fashions designs that were pretty amazing up close (with stylized photos of the intricate stitching to boot). I saw some things here that were as amazing as they were immersive, and if I lived closer, you can be certain that I'd darken the door lots. If you do nothing else here, do try to find the spatial light installation: what I can only attempt to describe as spatially placed color evolving pendant lights in an otherwise pitch black space, encased in mirrors. You won't know where you are, exactly, but you'll scarcely wanna leave.
They're bringing in the King Tut exhibit one day soon, but don't wait until that hits to stop by. You find something here to make your senses, even your sense of self, tingle.Listed in: When in Phoenix!
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Review from Alicia B.
Boston, MA
12/10/2007
Art. Everywhere. Even in the architecture. That's what I like about the Phoenix Art Museum. From fashion to photography to sculpture and the revolving door of special exhibits, this museum has an appeal. Sure, you may not encounter the rarest of paintings, but you can come face-to-face with a Monet, O'Keeffe or Warhol. You can step nose-to-nose with an Ansel Adams photograph. You can get inches away from a slurp and slap of oil onto canvas, then slowly back away until the entire image comes into view. To me, that's the beauty of it, along with your own interpretation. Some pieces draw you in while others are, to you, more boring than spilled soy sauce (sart = soy as art).
General Admission is $10. If you have a KAET Passport, you can get a two-for-one. Even better, it costs nothing on Tuesday evenings... AND they are now open FREE for First Fridays, from 6 to 10 p.m. So, there's no excuses to not check out the Phoenix Art Museum on a semi-regular basis. Or, if you like it alot, you can even try to volunteer there.
I'd say there's something about an art museum that is relaxing, almost like a slow, tender lull into dreams. Yet, beneath those dreams are quaking moments of creativity.
Conclusion: Phoenix Art Museum is a terrific way to spend a couple hours. -
Review from Adam P.
Phoenix, AZ
3/9/2009
Five Good Things and Five Bad Things About The Phoenix Art Museum: Or Ten Things You Can Say About The Phoenix Art Museum and Sound Pretentious.
Good Things
1: Yayoi Kusama' piece "You Who Are Getting Obliterated In The Dancing Swarm Of Fireflies". If you were lucky enough to be in any city were the Ecstasy exhibit toured a few years back, this will definitely bring back memories of that experience. This was the one piece that I felt really made the visit to this place. It's probably the most engaging piece they have at this museum. It's like Cornelia Parker's "Anti-Mass" on acid (a piece which is also housed in this museum and worth checking out).
2: The samurai armor and weapons section. Overall, I thought the Asian Art exhibit at the museum was kinda "meh". It's the usual pottery and calligraphy fare, but this was something I was not expecting and was pleasantly surprised.
3: The Khalo, Riveras, O'Keefes, Picasso, Keith Harring, and Candida Hofer. These are really the finest pieces of non-classical art that are housed here. Be sure to check them out.
4: The museum has a couple of lookout spots with great views of the city hidden away at various corners.
5: The architecture and design of the building alone are works of art. Everything from the fountain outside to the spaces created inside that really allow you to engage in the art form.
Bad Things
1: For me, the art here is kinda hit or miss. I feel like a few of the pieces are really good and engaging, where some of others are just average to dull.
2: Waaaaaaaay too much Western Art. I know it's a part of our state's history, but really? I could go to some gallery in Old Town that pedals this stuff to tourists and old money in Scottsdale whose idea of fine art is a place mat set from the Louvre.
3: The last couple of traveling exhibits that came through here are so-so. Generally, all art museums are like this. Not everything they decide to show is going to please everyone, and I can accept that.
4: There really aren't a whole lot of sculptures or installations here. I don't think the museum should limit itself to a majority of paintings and photography. Something different would probably break up some of the monotony you start to feel after 30 mins.
5: The museum's store kinda sucks. I like a museum store to have tons of books, dvd's, or other hard-to-find art-related items that I can really only get at a museum store. I felt like this place was decently stocked with their books but everything else is just kinda kitschy shirts and an overload of Frida Khalo memorabilia. -
Review from Heather J.
Bay Area
10/27/2010
I am always impressed by this art museum. They have amazing exhibits, wonderful touring exhibitions, and an awesome contemporary and modern art collection.
I love the atmosphere of this museum. The layout of the museum is fantastic and it's very fun to walk around. I like how they give plenty of space between each painting so that you can stop at look at a piece and you're not in someone else's way. Also, the staff at this museum is very friendly and helpful which you do not find at every art museum. They're willing to answer silly questions and they know alot about each of the exhibits which is awesome.
Some of my favorite pieces were:
Frida Kahlo's The Suicide of Dorothy Hale
The Tatiana Sorokko exhibit with beautiful dresses and a photo collage
And some of the larger installations in the contemporary art collection
Also,
Wednesdays after 3, the Phoenix Art Museum is free! -
Review from Lisa M.
Phoenix, AZ
6/24/2008
Yes, the Phoenix Art Museum has both fantastic visiting exhibits as well as wonderful permanent collections--but did you know they also put on an amazing wedding?
My Husband and I got married there in March--our ceremony was in the sculpture garden and the reception was held in the Grand Ballroom. Their event planners were helpful and always available when I had questions, and the caterers with whom they work all offered delicious options at a variety of price ranges. The Phoenix Art Museum's bar, Artenders, was a little harder to contact and communicate with, but they were honest and accurate in their billing, and they made good drinks. But really, most importantly, the entire evening was simply beautiful, and everyone had a lovely time. The art that surrounded us just made the whole evening--now, I am of course biased--magical. I have had several people tell me (unsolicited) that ours was one of the best weddings they have ever attended.
Phoenix Art Museum: educational place for an afternoon get-away from the heat, and also a beautiful and memorable place to get hitched to your honey! -
Review from Jackie T.
7/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Even though a big chunk of it was under construction, I was able to spend a few hours there. The tour guides are friendly.
I'm one of the many who adore the "You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies" exhibit. It's surreal to say the least. -
Review from Stevey P.
Phoenix, AZ
3/19/2007 1 Check-in Here
I'm a bit conflicted about the Phoenix Art Museum. I was just talking about that to someone doing graduate work at ASU in museum studies - who also seemed to agree with me.
While it's a good museum and the expansion has given it more space and a more sweeping, dramatic entrance, they could have worked out a few more kinks in the layout and flow of the museum. The boundaries between galleries are not exactly clear. You're not entirely sure which gallery you've entered. It still feels disjointed after the expansion, and a few galleries are built like Avondale cul-de-sacs. Perhaps I've been to too many museums on the coasts, and I'm being nitpicky here, but the layout does strike me as rather odd.
Phoenix Art Museum is still a great way to pass the day. The collection is stronger than I expected with an emphasis on American art from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the visiting exhibitions are always impressive. Make sure to check out the photography gallery and the contemporary art gallery with the hanging LED lights / dark room - you'll feel kinda drunk and woozy without the $60 bar tab. Past exhibitions have included Annie Leibovitz and Frank Lloyd Wright. There's a great view of the Central Corridor skyscrapers from the glass wall overlook on the 3rd floor! -
Review from Johnny A.
Phoenix, AZ
7/22/2010
I enjoyed seeing the Cezanne collection. It's just like pictured in the book. I spent time reading about his works and his influence on composition and form. As in other museum I've visited, one really can't take pictures of their best display. It's really a place to walk around for a couple of hours when one doesn't feel rush.
I wanted to be surprise to see Classical sculptures and hand made works of art and I didn't see any here as, I'm very particular about the historical eras and movement of interest . Leave that to the big city museums. The fact that they have high end borrowed art and a place like this in Phoenix makes it a must for resident to see once in a while what the civic offering provides. This place is half a block off the light rail makes it convenient. -
Review from Amanda B.
Tucson, AZ
7/24/2008
Once upon a time, I used to live near the Phoenix Art Museum and would stop by at least twice a month on the free day. Eventually it became a bit dull and felt like I had seen everything, but somehow I still kept returning and held my breath for the changing exhibits to switch out. There's a lot to be said for a free air conditioned place that isn't home and the art museum is an amazing place to visit.
Now that I only visit a few times a year and have free admission at all times, I still love the art museum and appreciate it quite a bit more. All of the docents I've encountered have been knowledgable and I love the remodeling they've done.
They're constantly putting on special events, including lectues, movies, book groups, and musical acts. These events are generally free or available at a low cost and are a nice extra touch to an already lovely place. -
Review from Adam M.
East Village, Manhattan, NY
1/25/2009
This is one of my favorite places in the valley - there's always something new here, and it's big enough that I don't often get to walk the entire thing in one visit.
If you visit often, I recommend a membership. $75 gets you in for free, but the $200 level gets you invited to all 4 private exhibition event evenings. The $100 level gets you invited to two.
They host frequent lectures and all kinds of interesting events. You can always find something going on, on their calendar.
Some of the permanent collection I am very fond of... Seeing the same exhibitions a bunch of times is kind of like visiting an old friend. There is always something new to appreciate. The rotating and visiting exhibits are always well presented, as well.
Arcadia Farms is a fantastic place to eat, the healthy slow food really fits. I mean, what do they serve at the Met in NY? They have a shitty cafeteria. We have Arcadia Farm bitches! OK so the Met has a huge Egyptian temple and Dutch masters paintings, but we have this weird reflective black plastic concave/convex thing and a dark room full of hanging LED's and mirrors.
There is more culture in Phoenix than the out of date yogurt in your fridge!
