As the weather heats up into the triple digits, the desire for outdoor adventures transitions into a need for air-conditioned activities. In and around Tucson, many museums provide entertainment and education sans the sweltering hot temps.
The presence of a vast array of museums dotted throughout Southern Arizona means an area of interest exists for any knowledge-thirsty guest. The following are exhibits and showings in the Tucson vicinity this summer.
At the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, the summer brings with it a plethora of exhibitions in addition to a fantastic collection of ongoing showcases at the museum. Of particular interest at present is the Andy Warhol Portfolio: Life and Legends exhibit. Tucsonans can view and appreciate the work of the initiator of the pop art movement until July 4th. Also on showcase at the venue is the work of acclaimed Tucson muralist, David Tineo. The exhibition titled “Viva David Tineo: A Retrospective of Tucson’s Muralist and Art Educator, will be on display until Independence Day.
The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block also realizes the importance of hands-on expression of art. The Museum offers summer art camps and ceramics as well as other art classes though out the entire year.
For an interactive experience, the Arizona Historical Society’s Tucson Chapter will offer their Museum Youth Curator Experience Program from July 12th through July 30th. The program, which operates under the acronym (MYCE), allows teens to research, design and create their own art exhibits. Students are guided throughout the process by museum professionals, who instruct on the details of museum exhibit construction.
For children and kids at heart, a visit to the Tucson’s Children’s Museum is a must-do this summer. From a Dinosaur Canyon exhibit complete with robotic life-sized dinosaurs to an ocean discovery center to a hands-on art studio where young artists can grow, the Children’s Museum of Tucson has an exhibit to please even the most discriminating museum go-er.
To Learn More
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to o 5 p.m., Sundays noon to 5 p.m. 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson. 520.624.2333, www.tucsonmuseumofart.org.
Arizona Historical Society—Tucson Chapter Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 949 E. 2nd Street, Tucson. 520.628.5774, www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org.
Tucson Children’s Museum Open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 200 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson. 520.792.9985, www.tucsonchildrensmuseum.org.
