Going Museum Hopping on Phoenix's Metro Light Rail

Those traveling to Phoenix can leave the car behind and savor the city's museums thanks to Phoenix's Metro Light Rail system . The Valley Metro website offers complete information about fares and schedules.

After boarding the Light Rail, get off at the Encanto/Central Avenue Stop. This is home to The Heard Museum, a Phoenix landmark located at 2301 N. Central Avenue. This showpiece of Southwestern architecture consists of 130,000 square-feet of galleries, classrooms and performance spaces dedicated to showcasing Native American art. After the young couple settled in Phoenix in 1895, they build at 6,000 square-foot house called "Casa Blanca" that featured Spanish-style architecture and was situated in what was then called north Phoenix. Over the years, the Heards build up a collection of Native American artifacts and art that they featured in their home before opening the Heard Museum in 1929.

Since then the museum continues to add to their collection, thus offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the variety of Native cultures with a particular Southwest focus. Also, the museum has undergone a number of expansion has opened community museums in North Scottsdale and Sunrise.

In addition to showcasing art, the museum offers living Native artists an opportunity to sell their works. The Berlin Gallery at the Heard Museum shop opened in November 2007. This 2,400 square-foot retail gallery gives collectors an opportunity to purchase Native fine painting, sculpture, photography, prints and drawings by 22 master and up-and-coming artists. Also, the Heard Museum Shops located at the Heard Museum in Phoenix and North Scottsdale features and authentic items from several hundred artists that are available for sale. Also, one can shop for these items via the museum shop's website. In particular, be sure to check out their extensive selections of katsina dolls.

Take a break from touring the Heard Museum, Phoenix by stopping off at the Café at Heard. They offer food service for visitors and indoor and outdoor seating in the museum's primary spacious 4,800 square foot courtyard.

The Heard Museum is open every day except December 25^th from 9:30am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Museum admission is $15 adults; $13.50 seniors (62+); $7.50 students with a valid student ID; $7.50 children (6-12) and free for Children under 6, Heard Museum members and Native Americans.

Then take a short ten minute walk south to the Phoenix Art Museum located 1625 N. Central Avenue . This museum houses more than 18,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. For over fifty years, this community epicenter has offered live performances, films, festivals and educational programs. Those with children might want to check out PhxArtKids an interactive space for children. The museum is open Wed 10am to 9pm; Thursday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm . The museum is closed on major holidays. Admission is $10 adults; $8 senior citizens (65+) and full-time students with ID; $4 children ages 6 to 17; and free for Children under 6 and Phoenix Art Museum members. Also, the Museum offers free general admission for all Wednesday evenings, from 3pm to 9pm and on First Fridays from 6pm to 10pm. Some special exhibitions have an additional fee.

If one has very active children in tow, one might want to consider skipping the museum and stopping instead at the Arizona Science Centerat 600 E. Washington Street for some interactive hands on fun. To get to this museum, get off at the at the 3^rd St./Jefferson stop. The Arizona Science Center is open 10am to 5pm and is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check the website for any days when they may be having extended hours. Admission is $12 adults; $10.00 seniors (62+); $10.00 children (3-17) and free members. Additional charges apply for the Planetarium and IMAX shows.