Brush up on the arts and cultures of the past and present by visiting new exhibits at the Valley’s museums.

Arizona Science Center

Step aside Jack Sparrow and Davey Jones, the Real Pirates are taking over. Arizona Science Center will transform one of their exhibit rooms into a fascinating frenzy of pirate life from the only pirate ship found in U.S. waters on Oct. 2. www.azscience.org

Desert Botanical Garden

Stop by the Desert Botanical Garden, perhaps the only outside museum in the Valley, and visit these spectacular exhibits. Mariposa Monarca Monarch Butterfly Exhibit will be at the Maxine and Jonathan Marshall Butterfly Pavilion from Sept. 24- Nov. 27, and Monet’s Giverny and Other Edens, Richard Nilsen’s collection of photos from Monet’s inspirational sceneries opens Sept. 29-Nov. 13. www.dbg.org

Carver Muesum

The Carver Museum will be showcasing A Blessing To One Another: John Paul II and The Jewish People, an exhibit dedicated to the reconciliation of Catholic and Jewish heritage. The exhibit has been traveling for six years round the country, and will be making its stop at the Carver Museum Oct. 26-Dec. 11. www.carvermuseum.drupalgardens.com/content/events

Phoenix Museum of Art

Phoenix Museum of Art always something new to offer and you don't want to miss these upcoming exhibits. The West Select, A New Western Classic—an expansive look at the American west through the art of over 30 distinguished artists opens Oct. 23- Nov. 20. The Art of Engraved Firearms by Ray Wielgus—a retired Tucson resident who, during a 34-year period, made a total of 67 engraved guns, spending an average of 560 hours on each firearm opens from Sept. 24- Dec. 10. www.phxart.org/exhibition

Heard Museum

Marvel upon the exquisite artistry and woodwork design by the acclaimed artists, Rick Bartow and Nathan Hart at the Heard Museum. Inspired by the native patterns of the region, Bartow and Hart showcase their prized work from Oct. 21-Nov. 14. www.heard.org/events/festivalsevents