We finally made it to the Phoenix Art Museum! It was a very hot day and we wanted to go out and…read moreabout somewhere where it was indoors and cool! This was the ticket! Plus I wanted to see the Italian Florentine Baroque, The Haukohl Collection. The parking was easy and ample. We were early so the parking lot was almost empty. Upon entering, I noticed they offered discounts for veterans for $20.00. I saved $10.00! They informed us that a couple of exhibits were closed for renovations. That didn't bother me since I was mainly here for the Florentine exhibit, which is where we started our self guided tour. The exhibits features more than 30 rare 17th and 18th century paintings and sculptures showcasing Florence's artistic legacy under the Medici Grand Dukes. The exhibits were beautiful. Each told their own story. Each painting were characterized by bold symbolism, vivid colors, and dramatic contrast of light and shadow. I read each plaque next to each painting. I highly recommend viewing this exhibit in person as this is the largest holding of Florentine Baroque art outside of Italy. Of course we toured the remaining exhibits that were open. It was $20.00 x 2 well spent. I love museums and I'd wish I would visit them more. Summer is the perfect time to visit them as it keeps you out of the summer heat!

Update: new visit / new rating change…read more I recently visited on Friday June 5 evening on their free[smart] First Friday to view the Colorwear exhibition. Upon my viewing, a plus-size punk poseur wearing all-black of a docent named "Teri" approached me and touched my hand that was holding my govt phone as I was videoing; it had on a green ring that let me know the recorder was on and looked like she was saying something about it*. I was hearing-impaired and hinted to her to write it down to be sure. She said she was sorry but refused/was too lazy to write it down, so I had to 'guess'. I went to the manager (Asian) and told him that "Teri" touched my hand uninvited. He embarrassingly apologized and handed me 2 free passes in the future. That's it. After that weekend, I contacted the museum via VP and got a "Kay" who took down my report. She contacted me back and left a message stating that "Teri" did nothing wrong because she didn't smack or use force. I contacted "Kay" back and reiterated that "Teri" had no right to touch me in any way or form and that it's called an assault because it was an uninvited touch. You're only permitted to touch a stranger if you had a question or wanted to compliment someone, NOT to dominate! I also tried to add that it's a violation of the ADA to refuse any assistance to visitors with disabilities. "Kay" was clueless and refused to let me continue the ADA part and even admitted that she never spoke to "Teri" but just referred the incident to the director assuming that the director talked with "Teri". She also interrupted me as I explained the violation of that touch. Unprofessional. I contacted the director "Rita" who stated she had no idea of such incidence happening associated with "Teri". She said that Teri is a volunteer and that there's nothing she could do about a "Teri". B.S. Both workers and volunteers are required by law to obey the same ADA! She also rushed me to end the conversation because she had to leave minutes ago or else her boss would bug her to go home already = unprofessional. Right (eye rolling). *I was at the museum on an assignment and had to re-film the part that "Teri" interrupted. The thing I figured was there was an African-American docent (very professional) who accompanied me by taking a photo of me by the display, something led from there that I was not aware of. Why didn't "Teri" approached HIM and ask. Why me?? A docent's job is to engage with visitors, not boss or follow around(!) They even get grumpy when visitors asked them to help take pictures of them standing by the displays. I am receiving more and more reviews of how abusive some docents are towards visitors with disabilities and also visitors with young children. Past & present. I was going to think that maybe some of those visitors did something wrong. I will be reporting this to the proper agencies that handle this type of misconduct by a business. People in Arizona often display pure hatred towards disabilities, calling it an 'inconvenience'. Shame on you, Phoenix Art Museum. If you are in the same class and must go to this museum, be sure to bring a bodyguard with you and don't be alone- ever. I suspect that "Teri" felt comfortable approaching me because I was (seemingly) a lone visitor. Good luck.

Very fun and interactive art pieces! Make sure to pull up the descriptions on your phone for an…read moreeven better experience. Some fun pieces, some unique, and some inspirational artwork as well.

Overall this was a really great experiences. I'll start with saying that the space itself for which…read morethe exhibits were in, could have some more things done and touches to it. The seating could definitely use an upgrade in every space. This would make a difference immediately and just on its own. The interactive rooms could use some support to hide the supports that create the structure for the display. Why? Seeing the display in certain ways detracts from being lost in the experience. I've been to a couple other exhibits like this and in at least one, the structure was hidden making it more immersive and 'trippy'. It's surprising to me actually, that in such a 'nice and fancy neighborhood' that the little things were lost. I won't go into the rooms much because it's better to experience in person. I love exhibits like this that are interactive and brain activating. They make you wonder and think.. we hence 'WONDER' spaces. Truly so unique and cool to see. *Maybe not worth nearly the cost. There's a variety of things to see, non the same. We sat in each room for min of 15 min with others being a little longer I think. I think if you like these kind of events, this is a great experience. Also, the staff were wonderful! So helpful and kind. Thankful for that! It was an easy check in process. Heads up to come early and figure out parking, there's tickets for every 15 minutes of entry but you have to get them online

I've been coming to the Mesa Arts Center for years! For graduation ceremonies of the university i…read morework at. The staff are friendly and helpful. The sound engineers are very knowledgeable. There are two green rooms we use - both have the space to accommodate approximately 40 faculty members who make up the stage party. I sing the national anthem for the graduation ceremony and let me simply say how amazing their sound system is. There used to be no sound delay. The sound is crisp. And I think the sound system makes me sound even better than I really am!! lol The lobby area is spacious and great for after-ceremony gatherings. It truly is a great place! I also have contemplated taking some of the arts classes they offer. I haven't found time in my busy schedule but I do know they offer a variety if classes. I look forward to when I can take a class!!

My mom and I came here for the first for the Shen Yu. Great event we go every year but this year we…read moredecided to try the mesa location. We chose the sitting on the higher levels which we liked but don't chose the edge of the row cause then you can't see the side of the stage. Choose more in the middle. I was not happy with the bathroom stall I used. It seems when so many other people slam their doors my door became unlocked and opened on me while using the restroom. The bathroom was very clean!! The other annoying part was there was only one person working the concession stand. So we couldn't get anything. Cause our intermission ended by the time we got to the front of the line.

Was in the area from out of town and I wanted to see this beautiful house in person. I wasn't able…read moreto go inside but the outside is so pretty Love all the details. It's truly breathtaking

I grew up in an old victorian house and thought it would be fun to bring my dad here for a tour…read morewhen he was in town visiting. We ended up being the only ones on the tour which was nice. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny. The entire house has been restored to represent how the original owners would have it set up as closely as possible. The inside details are gorgeous and intricate. Our tour ended up being more like 45 minutes because it was just us and we didn't ask questions. It was a great way to spend a little bit of time before our next activity.

We visited the museum on a weekday morning. We enjoyed the displays of rocks from various parts of…read morethe earth, the Arizona-Mexican artifacts, and of course the dinosaurs, especially the aquatic dinosaurs. This museum has an active dinosaur fossil dig - you can watch and even talk to the paleontologist working on it! There's lots to see and enjoy here, including real elements from a jail that held prisoners from the 1830s to the 1970s!! The gift shop is reasonably priced and you can even purchase a "memory bag" filled with pencil, notebook eraser, etc, for only $2.50 each.

Paid $14 and only stayed about 40 minutes. There were multiple groups of school children that were…read morerunning around, screaming, jumping and bumping into everything. I expect that behavior to be tolerated at a children's museum, not a public museum where a basic level of respect and decorum is expected for EVERYONE inside. Wish I could say I enjoyed it but the hundreds of screaming children ruined any experience I could have had and left with a migraine. **Would appreciate museums to have specific days for "field trips" or hours for school days. Unfortunately many museum experiences are ruined due to the behavior of unruly children, and I'm still the one paying full price.

Wowww, I have heard about this garden for sometime but finally I made it happen to visit…read more As soon as you stepped in-- you already find yourself in the right place; calm, peaceful, beautiful and simple. The garden is well maintained and organized, quiet place for give yourself quiet time and meditation. The garden is not that big place to walk around, but it's definitely worth it if you feel like need to escape and looking for nature therapy--this is the one! Give yourself more time to sit back and enjoy the greenery. The staff is super friendly and welcoming! I will definitely come back again soon.

Beautiful grounds! I…read morewent in June in the early morning and it got hot fast. It's a small park so very doable for a quick in and out of your area short on time or want to avoid the heat. It cost about $15 for an adult ticket. No food or drinks are allowed on the grounds. I thought I could walk around with my morning coffee it had to quickly drink it before entering the park.

Albesila is a traveling art exhibition, passing through various cities in the US and is designed by…read moreAlan Parkinson. Held at Mesa's Pioneer Park, it was here for 2 weekends and has since moved on for its next stop in Virginia. We went on the last Sunday before the show ended here in AZ. Parking was plentiful at the park and it was a short walk to the sculpture. It was a chilly day so I'm glad we bought our tickets in advance since there was a long line for tickets at the door. As a result we didn't wait too long, maybe a few minutes after getting our tickets scanned. Since the entire exhibition consists of plastic inflatable sculptures, shoes are not permitted in order to prevent any damage to the structure. There's some cubby holes off to the side next to the entrance where you can store your shoes while you're inside. Although the structure is meant to be maze-like it was a fairly straightforward walk through everything. It was fun walking through the different "rooms" of various colors. Those red rooms are intense! There are some illuminated patterns on the ceilings of some of the domes to serve as landmarks. The main dome had a brilliant display of pattern and color and I also liked the other main landmark called The Tree, which had some circular above ground cutouts within the structure. It was a pretty short walk through the entire exhibition. You have around 30 minutes to be inside but we were done in maybe 15 minutes. When you exit there are some food trucks along the street if you feel like grabbing a bite to eat. When we were here they had Philly cheesesteak, coffee, and Udder Delights food trucks. The price was reasonable, $7 per person so overall I felt satisfied for how much we paid.

I waited in line for an hour in 50 degree weather for this? I was done in 5 minutes. All it is, is…read morea bunch of bounce house connected together without the fun of the bounce. I'm pretty sure even the three year olds were unimpressed.

Dani Ivana Mitchell…read more Leo Where so nice helped take pictures and explained everything to us!!

I had my first experience at this museum & it was such a good one!…read more My favorite part was capturing the illusions in my photos! There are so many illusions to choose from. I loved that they had stickers that helped navigate you to on how to take the perfect picture with the illusion within it. The customer service was 10/10. The staff was so helpful and offered to take photos for us. If we were having a trouble finding the illusion, they would guide us through it. This is the perfect activity for a date night, solo date, or family fun day! There is something for everyone!