The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures — Attraction in Tucson

It's not often that I give a 2-star review, especially for a museum, but I felt so inclined for this one. When I visited here with my family, I approached the young woman at the front desk and asked her about the place, etc. I had normal questions about the place. The woman didn't have much to say and referred me to the hand-out trifold brochure every chance she got. Well, I don't want to sit and read the trifold brochure; I've got three kids. She didn't mention that there's stools you can borrow for kids to use. (Again, I had to "discover" this fact buried in the brochure.) And she also didn't discuss the price with me, but simply said, "It's $35 total." I asked her if I could have a small pencil (you know the type they give you at putt-putt golf that's 2.5 inches long and barely writes), which was sitting in a box directly next to the counter top. She replied, you can BORROW one. At that point I understand that she's the irritated librarian that you feared when you were in grade-school. She's been working in a sound-insulated environment too long and she should walk outside and realize that the world is LOUD. I get it, it's a museum. But if they're giving scavenger hunt maps to kids in hopes of attracting new business then they should consider hiring an employee that is more kid-friendly and understands that parents sometimes need to hear it verbally because they've got toddlers spinning them in circles. I'm not the "cater-to-me-parent" either. I don't expect hand-outs for being a dad (or mom), but I would recommend coming here and knowing that YOU'RE KN YOUR OWN AS SOON AS YOU WALK IN. And to be clear, I'll probably go back here someday, but I want the owners to know that they should pay closer attention to their staff. (Still a cool place...

This place has a lot of tiny dioramas! The good: Lots of mini depictions of scenes, things, and places. A big highlight was the graphite pencil tips sculpted with seemingly impossible detail! Staff is friendly, and they seem to have genuine enthusiasm for the museum. The so-so: the first recommended stop on the museum tour is the viewing of a film about miniatures. Said film is too long and too cheesy. Say less and just allow the displays to speak for themselves. I tried very hard to watch the entire thing, but I couldn't make it through, and I noticed that as other people entered the "theatre," they also became bored quickly and moved along, especially the kids, which is who I think it was targeted too. The bad: A fair number of the displays are really dusty, seemingly poorly preserved, and in varying states of disrepair. To be fair, many are old, and I doubt the original creators are maintaining the displays, but the lack of cleaning/upkeep of the miniatures creates a dilapidated feeling to the museum. Also, kids(and adults)tend to press their faces and place their hands onto the protective glass for the displays so the staff should be regularly cleaning the glass... they don't. It's worth the admission fee to check out the craftsmanship required to make such mini marvels! I just wished that the displays showed more reverence for those mini marvels by keeping them clean and repairing or removing the ones that were falling apart. It was an enjoyable afternoon and worth taking the time to check it out, but skip the "theatre" as it doesn't add anything informative or even...

If you are looking for something different in Tucson, this is the place to be. Every piece in the exhibit is very well put together and detailed. Though there is a brief description of certain displays, not a lot of story is told. However a lot of representation throughout certain points of our past is displayed whether it is factual or based on fiction.

My favorite spot to look at was the Winter Wonderland and Halloween town, but the other parts of the museum did not disappoint. Not sure how often they change the displays but it is always fascinating to look through. A lot of effort has been put into putting things behind the glass and it shows.

The gift shop wasn't all that great, nothing there that screams "I was here" most of the trinkets were gag gifts of miniature things like smallest board game (which fits the theme) however even those things were limited.

If you just walk through the exhibit, it might take you only 30 minutes, however there is so much detail to look through and appreciate, it took me a solid 2 hours. I suggest you take your time and if you want something extra to do, they have a list of things to look for like a scavenger hunt. Well worth the price of admission. Overall a...