Top 8 Entry-Free Museums In Phoenix, Arizona

free museums in phoenix
Peter
Peter 
Updated
| 4 min read

One of the primary reasons why most people do not visit museums is the expensive cost associated with the entry and payment for the activities and viewing of different exhibitions. Eliminating or reducing these costs attracts enormous numbers of visitors, both adults and kids alike. Phoenix is one of the areas that is known for its wide variety of exciting and informative free museums. Skip the hustle of being a member and take a casual visit to these places to enjoy the variety of things they offer, such as exhibitions. Scroll down for these top entry-free museums in Phoenix, Arizona and let them tempt you to venture and enjoy unlimited fun and education.

1. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Museum

Isn’t this photo cool?! We appreciate Billy Ellison for sharing this Fan Friday photo with us!

Posted by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Friday, 6 March 2020

If you thought you wouldn’t find museums at airports, you would be surprised — this airport has three free family-friendly museum exhibits.Jump on the free sky train that drops you at the airport at no cost at all. Then, spend a beautiful day at their museums. However, do note that the art exhibits rotate so make sure to visit occasionally for a much wonderful experience. The art exhibitions here are more than impressive, featuring a high degree of creativity. Get to learn the various stages this center underwent before reaching its current state. You can also dive into the science and technology of airplanes and avionics. Every exhibition is placed on a table for you to understand in clear terms.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Museum

Address: 3800 E Sky Harbor Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States

Website: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Museum

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

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2. Phoenix Police Museum

Phoenix-Phoenix Police Museum-Fallen Officer Memorial
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marine 69-71 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Most people are not even aware that the famous phrase “you have the right to remain silent” originated in Phoenix, Arizona. Visit this museum to understand the long history of the city’s police through its exhibition of historical equipment, photos, and stories passed through word of mouth. They also have a huge selection of activities geared towards entertaining the whole family. With free admission, you get access to a variety of information and exhibitions that delve into the history and development of Phoenix’s police force. Children will adore the fun activities offered right at the police museum.

Phoenix Police Museum

Address: Historic City Hall, 17 S 2nd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States

Website: Phoenix Police Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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3. Shemer Art Center and Museum

Shemer Art Center-2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Visitor7 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Founded back in 1984, this art gallery and museum is a source of valuable information and lots of entertainment. It focuses on culture and art that it creates a massive impact on every visiting person. If you are lucky, you can meet a known artist since the museum regularly holds such events. They also offer art classes to their students as they strive to improve their understanding, as well as to make them embrace their culture and history. The museum, though small and straightforward, has so much to offer.

Shemer Art Center and Museum

Address: 5005 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

Website: Shemer Art Center and Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

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4. Arizona Capitol Museum

Arizona Capitol Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Taylor Arrazola used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This one takes you through the history of Arizona from its very beginnings. Here, you’ll get to know some rare but essential things that mark the history of Arizona as a state. The museum details the state’s cultural development, technological advancement, and historical artifacts. The facility also offers many hands-on activities to help you learn about history, culture, and socio-organization of this great state. There are over 20 exhibitions, each with something interesting and informative to offer to its visitors. Do not miss out on the series of interactive talks and public events that the state occasionally offers.

Arizona Capitol Museum

Address: 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007, United States

Website: Arizona Capitol Museum

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 2pm; Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

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5. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson

Posted by Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson on Saturday, 7 March 2020

This museum is the ideal solution for those who love traveling on two wheels. The facility has over 3,000 square feet (278 square meters) of space showcasing information about the classical history of motorcycles. Motorcycle enthusiasts can engage with the products of over 37 manufacturers of these classical two-wheeled machines. As such, this museum is your free ticket to see, touch and learn of rare brands and makes from the past and current ones. The center has more than you would expect when it comes to motorcycles. If you have kids, this is the perfect spot to take them and more so if they have a great interest in motorcycles. Learn, ride and have fun through the tour of this gorgeous and gigantic museum.

Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson

Address: 13850 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022, United States

Website: Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson

Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm; Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm

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6. Wells Fargo History Museum

Posted by Mysti VanAken Rainwater on Friday, 28 February 2020

Wells Fargo has been in the market for decades, and its museum harbors its rich history. Visit with your kids to explore their history, which began with simple stage wagons. Each of their stands offers entertainment and education. It is the one place where you will never get bored or frustrated. Visit with your kids for they have many children’s activities that will help with their thinking and creativity. Children and adults alike can get stimulated and entertained when they come face-to-face with the engines and other artifacts harbored at this museum.

Wells Fargo History Museum

Address: 145 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States

Website: Wells Fargo History Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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Museums that are free on certain days

7. Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Looking for a unique and whimsical setting for your special event? Book your event at the Museum! Our Atrium is a...

Posted by Children's Museum of Phoenix on Sunday, 8 March 2020

This museum packs a load of fun on a three-story building harboring different activities and items for entertainment. The high structure creates an urge to try out the climbing structure, noodle forest, tricycle car wash, and so much more. You can visit the art castle to observe, learn and engage in different activities with your kids. The art and craft center strives to help your child learn and create art as that is what this place campaigns for. Through the museum’s three-story building, kids can explore and play with others, improving their physical and mental skills. Make sure to not miss on the free admission days every first Friday of the month.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States

Website: Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: Adults: 12 USD; Children (aged 1 and under): Free

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8. Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum - Cummings Great Hall - 19 June 2008
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chanel Wheeler used under CC BY-SA 2.0

For over 60 years, Phoenix Art Museum has provided educational programs and visual arts to its visitors. It strives to have a supply of art exhibitions all-year-round for those who tour the museum. Its collection of art in the gallery comes from over 19,000 works of European, Asian, Latin, American artists. Of course, the artworks feature a mix of both modern and contemporary design. Yearly, the museum has something interesting to offer — including lectures, films, and tours geared to entertain, educate and stimulate visitors from all ages and walks of life. You can also support the museum during their voluntary donation sessions on Fridays and Sundays. Whether through paid or unpaid admissions, they have something of value for you and your family.

Phoenix Art Museum

Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Website: Phoenix Art Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat:10am - 5pm; Sun: 12 - 5pm; Wed: 10am - 9pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Adult: 18- 23 USD; Seniors: 15- 20 USD; Students with ID: 13- 18 USD

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Phoenix it is

28 floors rising above Phoenix, I spy a church hanging in there
Source: Photo by user Carl Black used under CC BY-SA 2.0

There’s nothing to complain about with such an extensive selection of free museums. Each of them is entirely free or has an open day. It does not mean that the quality of their service lowers due to free admission; instead, it goes a notch higher. Make sure to tour these museums for maximum fun and learning while in Phoenix, Arizona.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Writing has always been a passion of mine ever since I was a child, for the last two years, I've specialized in travel writing. When I have time, I'm traveling to exciting places and drinking...Read more

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