Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West facts for kids
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| Established | 2015 |
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| Location | 3830 N. Marshall Way Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 United States |
| Type | Museum |
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a cool museum in Scottsdale, Arizona. It opened in January 2015. This big, two-story museum covers 43,000 square feet. It shows off the amazing art, culture, and history of the American West. You can learn about 19 states in the U.S., parts of Western Canada, and Mexico.
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Discovering the Museum's History
The idea for Western Spirit came from a former mayor of Scottsdale, Herb Drinkwater. He wanted a place to celebrate the history of the American West. The museum opened its doors in 2015. It is owned by the City of Scottsdale. A non-profit group helps run the museum every day.
The museum building is quite large. It has eight different areas for exhibits. There's also a theater with 135 seats. You can explore the outdoor sculpture courtyard. Don't forget to check out the museum store! Since 2015, Western Spirit has been a special partner with the Smithsonian. From 2016 to 2021, True West Magazine called it "The Nation’s Best Western Museum."
What the Museum is All About
Mayor Drinkwater and others wanted Scottsdale to be a top spot. They wanted people to learn about the West's history. This includes Indigenous Peoples, Spanish and Mexican settlers, and early pioneers. The museum aims to show "Where the Old West meets the New West."
The museum isn't just about old things. It's about sharing stories. It wants to help visitors explore the unique heritage of the West. You can see rotating exhibits of art and artifacts. There are also interactive experiences and live performances. This helps you discover the American West for yourself.
Exploring the Museum's Design
The building for Western Spirit was designed by Christiana Moss and Christopher Alt. They are architects from Studio MA. The outdoor areas were designed by landscape architects Colwell and Michele Shelor. Both the inside and outside of the museum are "LEED Gold Standard certified." This means they are designed to save natural resources.
The building's look tells a story about the West. The concrete on the outside looks like the ribs of a saguaro cactus. This also helps shade the building. There's a "weeping wall" in the courtyard. It collects rainwater and recycles water from the air conditioning. This water then helps water the plants outside.
You'll see cool patterns that look like old saddles or barns. Inside, the lobby smells like Western red cedar. This brings the outdoor feeling inside. The upper parts of the museum represent the "New West." They protect the lower parts, which show the "Old West." The courtyard is the center, and the design lets you wander and explore.
Amazing Exhibitions to See
The museum has many different exhibits. They change often, so there's always something new to see!
Current Exhibitions
- Light and Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis
This exhibit shows over 900 photos by Edward Curtis. He was a photographer and adventurer. From 1900 to 1930, he traveled across the American West. He visited over 80 Indigenous Peoples groups. He took thousands of pictures and made early motion pictures. His 20-volume book, The North American Indian, is very important. It shows his amazing work and respect for Native Americans.
Ongoing Exhibitions
- Courage & Crossroads: A Visual Journey through the American West
See a special tomahawk given to Meriwether Lewis on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. You can also see Kit Carson’s messenger pouch. These rare items tell stories of the American West in the 1800s and early 1900s. There are over 100 paintings and sculptures. Artists like Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell are featured.
- Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection
This exhibit celebrates six centuries of the Hopi people and their culture. It has over 65 beautiful examples of Hopi pottery. An interactive video shows how Hopi pottery is made. You can see works by Nampeyo, a very famous Hopi potter. Her descendants' work is also on display.
- Dr. Rennard Strickland’s Profound Legacy: The Golden West on the Silver Screen
This exhibit honors Dr. Rennard Strickland. It shows posters and lobby cards from his huge collection. He collected over 7,000 Western and Indian movie posters. This collection is very important for learning about movies and the West.
- The A.P. Hays Spirit of the West Collection
Check out a collection of 1,400 Old West items. Many are very rare! You'll see revolvers, rifles, saddles, and more. Learn about working cowboys, Wild West shows, and Western movies. There are also items from outlaws and lawmen.
- Of Spirit and Flame: John Coleman Bronzes from the Collection of Frankie and Howard Alper
See more than 20 bronze sculptures by John Coleman. He is an award-winning artist from Arizona. He creates amazing art about the American West. An interactive video shows how bronze sculptures are made using the lost-wax method.
Past Exhibitions
The museum has hosted many other cool exhibits over the years, including:
- Arizona Highways: The Art of Our Photography
- The Morton and Donna Fleischer American Military Saddle Collection
- Maynard Dixon's American West
- Charles M. Russell: The Women in His Life and Art
- The Taos Society of Artists
- Marjorie Thomas: Arizona Art Pioneer
- A Salute to Cowboy Artists of America
The Museum Store
The Sue and Robert Karatz Museum Store is a great place to find unique gifts. Phoenix Magazine even called it the "Best Place to Get AZ Stuff." You can find pottery, books, jewelry, and items for kids. All purchases are tax-free. The money helps support the museum. You can visit the store without buying a museum ticket.
