Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West — Attraction in Scottsdale

A gem of an art and cultural institution. From the building itself, to the art/objects held within and the excellent staff, this a true asset for western art.

The building is striking and a work of art. The deep, rich color and textures give visual interest before you even step inside. There are art sculptures outside as well. This richness is throughout the interior as in the sculpture garden.

The museum collection is varied and presents a decent number of native items and points of view as well. I really enjoyed the exhibit on pencil artist and more, Paul Calle. His legacy was jokingly encapsulated best by a docent who said he was the greatest artist you never knew about.

The staff are another standout element of this youngest museum Smithsonian affiliated institution. There are docents and staff all over. The docents are providing hourly tours of different exhibit galleries with tons of context and opportunities for questions.

The gift shop is small and has many tasteful western art items. I liked the wood Arizona state map journals and cowboy boot Christmas stockings.

The museum, only open since 2015, has the feel of a long established institution. They showcase local artists as well as present a full breadth western art. I look forward to what new...

To most people the idea of the Old West has been formed by television (both bad and good), artists like Russel, Remington and others. This museum really expands on that by showing other painters as well as exhibits that really define the West in all its grandeur and glory.You get to see exhibits up close and personal so you can judge the size and massiveness of the buffalo. You get to see clothing, bead work and faces in tremendous detail. The faces do remind you of the harshness and toughness that is the Old West. It is a rare experience to see various artists interpret the Old West. Rather incredibly there is something for children and tourists as well. There is an opportunity to create pictures that takes them back to the Old West. You can pose with a horse that looks like you are in the Old West. Please do take the time to take a picture with children and adults alike. It is a memory that will stay with you for a very long time.The other thing that I took away with me was the fact that there was no attempt made at political correctness or analysis. It was simply a rendition of the Old West and I really appreciated that aspect. This is a trip that is well worth of your...

If you’re a fan of Southwestern, Native American, or anything Cowboy related you have to check this museum out. I was in town visiting family from Los Angeles and was pleased to find a large and informative museum out of the big city. They have tons of exhibits divided into 2 floors and different sections.

Currently there is an extensive exhibit on the photography of Edward Curtis. He documented Native American and Western life and on display are some truly great images of a time that will never come back around again. The images saved that part of history in a way which is great to see. They also have a lot of western themed art on display as well as all sorts of spurs, lassos, saddles, chaps, and all sorts of cowboy gear from Texas style to California style, which I knew nothing about coming in so it was nice to walk away with a lot of information about something I thought was just standard.

Overall it’s a great museum with a lot of great content. I spent about 90 minutes but could have stayed longer. Parking is also really easy in the area and free, which is nice change for me. I would recommend and will be back again sometime...