Heard Museum

As a privately-owned museum in the heart of Phoenix with a focus on American Indian art, this is one of the major attractions for visitors. The museum offers a unique perspective of what Native American art is all about. From traditional to contemporary, the Heard Museum invites tribal communities from all over the country to contribute their stories, artifacts, sculptures, paintings, pottery, and other artistic and cultural output to present a distinct angle of what it means to be a Native Indian. With three locations in Phoenix, the museum is one of the 33 landmarks known collectively as the Phoenix Point of Pride.

Since its establishment in 1929, the Heard Museum has sought to be the one-stop place for everything Native American. The main location in downtown Phoenix has 10 halls that feature various exhibits dedicated to the Native Americans in the Southwest. Along with the other two venues in the Greater Phoenix area, you’ll expect to see beadwork, textiles, Katsina dolls, pottery, basketry, sculptures, and paintings that reflect the evolving artistic trends in the American Indian art and culture over the years. And while the North museum focuses on the Four Corners region, the Surprise museum is more devoted to the Navajo weavers and artists. El Mercado de Las Artes In November of every year, the Heard museum becomes the setting for one of the most colorful festivals in the region. El Mercado de Las Artes offers both Native Indian as well as Hispanic artists a venue to express their art. From strolling mariachis to colcha embroidery, santos, and tinwork, visitors immerse themselves in the lively art and culture in a rare treat seldom found elsewhere. In addition, other festivals and fairs are held all year round. From the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest to the Indian Fair and Market, the Heard Museum has established itself as one of the main venues for everything Native American.

As part of the museum’s mission to give exposure to Native American art and supporting the artists, the shop offers a wide variety of genuine pieces of art that the museum bought from the artists. As you walk around the shop you’ll notice the high quality of the pieces of jewelry, weaving, pottery, paintings, and Katsina dolls on sale. Books by Native American writers are also sold there including rare publications and out-of-print collections. The Heard Museum is a testament to the rich history, culture, and art of Native Americans and as such, it is one of the best attractions in Phoenix.