The Heard Art Museum in Phoenix AZ

If you’re visiting Phoenix and are interested in art, you’ll want to check out the Heard Art Museum. It is located at 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Founded by Dwight Heard in 1931, the private museum specializes in American Indian art and is home to the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. The museum also features an onsite gourmet café. Here are some things to keep in mind before you visit. Hopefully this article helps you plan your next trip to Arizona.

Heard Museum is a private, not-for-profit museum

The Heard Museum is a private, not for-profit museum in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to the advancement of American Indian arts. The museum presents both contemporary art and traditional art to give a comprehensive look at the culture and history of American Indians. Supported by donations, members, and the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the Heard Museum is dedicated to bringing awareness to Native American art and culture.

It was founded by Dwight Heard

The Heard Art Museum Phoenix AZ was founded in 1929 by Dwight and Maie Heard. The founding family’s mission was to preserve cultural heritage. It was in the same year that the museum opened. It exhibited Native American artifacts. The museum’s high-rise buildings soon became a major attraction in the Valley of the Sun. The museum also helped to promote tourism in the area, bringing $10 million in 1929.

It hosts the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

The World Championship Hoop Dance Contest returns to Heard Art Museum Phoenix AZ on February 8-9, 2019. This unique event features over 80 competitors from 30 different Native American tribes. The goal of the contest is to showcase the culture of each dancer by demonstrating their artistic expression through hoop dancing. Many of the dancers wear elaborate regalia that communicates a story through movement and rhythm. It is not theatrical, but it is part of the dancer’s culture and traditions.

It has a gourmet cafe

The Heard Art Museum Phoenix’s new Coffee Cantina offers an authentic Native American experience with seasonal menu selections and locally roasted coffee. The cafe extends its seating into a tranquil outdoor sculpture garden. For those who prefer to stay indoors, the museum’s cafeteria also serves breakfast and lunch. The museum’s gift shop offers authentic Native American art and children’s gifts. The cafe also sells books on Native American art, desert life, and special exhibits.

It has a gift shop

A great way to remember your visit to the Heard Art Museum is to purchase a souvenir before you leave. The museum is a private institution in Phoenix, Arizona that focuses on American Indian art. In addition to art pieces, you can buy other souvenirs to remember your visit. If you plan to visit the museum several times, you might want to consider buying something from the gift shop while you are there.