Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

Museums, Historical Sites, and ZoosUnited States11-50 Employees

Stories have the power to inspire, change history and celebrate cultures. At Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (SMoW), we bring authentic stories to life through Western and Native American art, artifacts and living cultures. Guests see the West from a whole new perspective at our Smithsonian Affiliate destination, which connects visitors of all ages to the Western lifestyle — past, present and future.

Located in the heart of Old Town and surrounded by lodging, eateries, shops and galleries, SMoW is a right-sized museum and takes about 1 to 2 hours to tour. Come-and-go same-day admission allows guests to get a bite to eat and return later to experience more. We feature permanent and rotating exhibitions, which keeps the experience fresh so that when guests return at a later date (and they always do!), they see a new perspective again and again.

You’ll experience iconic Western art – including contemporary artists’ work – pristine Navajo chiefs’ blankets; a collection of 1,400 examples of Old West cowboy gear; a tribute to the Hopi People with pottery spanning six centuries; and lots of fun social media-worthy photo opportunities, like our Western Spirit Trail 3D illusion mural that literally places you in the Old West. We also offer lots of events, gallery tours and educational activities.

Guest experience our LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified environmentally conscious building. A work of art that tells a modern Western story.

Visit us and gain a new perspective of the American West today!

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