Phoenix/ Arts & Culture
Published on January 14, 2019
Where to go: The 5 best museums in Phoenix

Japanese Friendship Garden. | Photo: Marlyn A./Yelp

Looking to try the top museums around?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top museums in Phoenix, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're in the market for museums.

1. Heard Museum

Photo: ed u./Yelp

Topping the list is Heard Museum. Located at 2301 N. Central Ave. in Encanto, it's the highest rated museum in Phoenix, boasting four stars out of 206 reviews on Yelp. 

Yelper Robbie H., who reviewed it on Nov. 26, wrote, "As the country's largest installation of Native American artwork, Heard Museum showcases the most talented indigenous artists in awe inspiring installations, immersive exhibitions and cultural fairs."

2. Hall of Flame Fire Fighting

Photo: morgan l./Yelp

Next up is Camelback East's Hall of Flame Fire Fighting, situated at 6101 E. Van Buren St. With 4.5 stars out of 66 reviews on Yelp, the landmark and historical museum has proven to be a local favorite. 

Marsha S. said, "What a great museum! Excellent collection of firefighting equipment from around the world. Arranged in chronological order so that you can really get a feel for the evolution of the engineering associated with the equipment. Lots of great information with the displays and in the pamphlet."

3. Japanese Friendship Garden

photo: autumn s./yelp

Central City's Japanese Friendship Garden, located at 1125 N. Third Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the museum, cultural center and art tour spot four stars out of 157 reviews. 

Autumn S. said, "What a nice break from all the city life. Everything is very well kept, the gift shop is super cute and the place is very relaxing overall."

4. The Rosson House Museum

Photo: marissa b./Yelp

The Rosson House Museum, a historic home, museum and venue space in Central City, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 46 Yelp reviews. Head over to 113 N. Sixth St. to see for yourself.

Monique B. wrote, "This museum is truly magical! The house is beautiful and the antiques inside are breathtaking. The tour lasts about an hour and you get some insight into Arizona's past. I would recommend this museum tour to locals and out of town guests alike. A true gem in the middle of downtown."

5. Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park

photo: tonya a./yelp

Finally, over in Camelback East, check out Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, which has earned four stars out of 51 reviews on Yelp. You can find the museum and park at 4619 E. Washington St.

Georgia R., who was the first to review it, wrote, "If you love learning about the Hohokam culture, Pueblo Grande is a must see! It's an incredibly cheap activity—it will cost you a mere $2 for adults and $1 for children, but you'll get to see things you can't anywhere else. For instance, you'll see 1,500 year old Hohokam village ruins, an 800 year old platform mound and an excavated ballcourt."