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Tempe’s Cultural Scene

Tempe's college town atmosphere allows for artistic expression from all aspects of the arts and cultural spectrum, from the Broadway productions at ASU’s Gammage theatre to concerts at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe.

Interactive Arts & Culture Map

Arboretum at ASU
P.O. Box 875112
Tempe, AZ 85287
Phone: (480)965-8137
Fax: (480)965-9470

ASU's Arboretum is Arizona's largest public urban arboretum. Inside the Tempe campus view collections of palms, deciduous trees, fruit-bearing trees, conifers, evergreen trees, desert trees, cacti, succulents and specialty garden displays.

Arizona Historical Foundation
Hayden Library, ASU/Box 871006
Tempe, AZ 85287-1006
Phone: (480)965-3283
Fax: (480)965-5744

Business, legal and political collections documenting 20th and 21st century Arizona. Formats include manuscripts, photographs, microfilm, books, ephemera and film. Open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park
1300 N. College Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: (480) 929-0292
Fax: (480) 967-5450

Contemporary history introduces visitors to the dramatic development of the Valley. Interactive exhibits, guided tours and research library. Open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sun., noon - 4 p.m. AAA/CAA discounts available.

ARTability Accessing Arizona's Arts
P.O. Box 25159
Phoenix, AZ 85002
Phone: (602) 757-8118 (Phoenix)
Fax: (602)258-9521

ARTability promotes accessible programming in the arts. Please contact us for more information on the various accessible services that are available in Arizona's arts organizations.

ASU Art Museum/Ceramics Research Center
ASU Main Campus Nelson Fine Arts Center 10th St. & Mill
Tempe, AZ 85287-2911
Phone: (480)965-2787
Fax: (480)965-5254

Cited in "Art in America" as "the single most impressive venue for contemporary art in Arizona," the ASU Art Museum explores art and its impact on individuals and society. We collect and present works of art to stimulate, challenge and delight a diverse audience; areas of particular emphasis are contemporary art, new media including video art and art from Arizona and the Southwest. ASU Art Museum also has the largest collection of art from Cuba in the U.S. and is home to the Ceramics Research Center, a collection of more than 3,500 pieces of mainly British and American ceramics. One of the Museum’s largest collections, the print collection spans from the 14th-century to contemporary works. The Museum hosts an annual Short Film and Video Festival each April and a Family Fun Day in July. The Museum is located on the corner of Mill Avenue and 10th Street in Tempe and admission is free. Free parking is available on 10th Street outside of the Ceramics Research Center, a part of ASU Art Museum. Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues. - Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sun.

ASU Gammage
Arizona State University Mill Ave. & Apache Blvd.
Tempe, AZ 85287-0105
Phone: (480)965-3434
Fax: (480) 965-7663

ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world.  It is the home theater of M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona and the Beyond series. This historic hall was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. AAA/CAA discounts available.

ASU Hispanic Research Center
ASU Tempe Campus Orange & Cady Malls
Tempe, AZ 85287-5303
Phone: (480)965-3990
Fax: (480)965-0315

Hosts a variety of exhibitions featuring the work of local artists, and prominent national and international artists. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - noon and 1-5 p.m.

ASU Libraries, Archives & Special Collections

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Phone: (480) 965-4932

The Luhrs Gallery showcases materials from seven separate collections, which are housed in Hayden Library's Archives and Manuscripts. More than 30,000 rare books, manuscripts, and numerous examples of American and European fine printing. Tours on request. Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ASU Luhrs Gallery
Hayden Library, 4th floor Orange and Cady Malls
Tempe, AZ 85281-1006
Phone: (480) 965-4932
Fax: (480) 965-0776

The Luhrs Gallery showcases materials from seven separate collections, which are housed in Hayden Library's Archives and Manuscripts. Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

ASU Mars Space Flight Facility
Department of Geological Sciences Moeur Building Room 131
Tempe, AZ 85287-6305
Phone: (480)965-1790
Fax: (480)965-1787

The facility supports the Thermal Emission Spectrometer experiment that was sent aboard the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft when it launched in November 1996. The Mars facility has a visitor area with displays about Mars and a television tuned to NASA TV. Open Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ASU Museum of Anthropology
ASU Anthropology Building Rm. 240
Tempe, AZ 85287-2402
Phone: (480) 965-6224
Fax: (480)965-7671

Changing exhibits on archaeology, human origins, society and culture. Admission is always free. Open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Fall and Spring).

ASU Planetarium
Arizona State University, Box 871504 Bateman Physical Sciences Center
Tempe, AZ 85287-1504
Phone: (480)965-6891
Fax: (480)965-7954

Sept.-Nov. and Feb.-April. Shows last approximately 30 to 50 minutes. Weather permitting; viewing through ASU telescopes follows each show. Reservations are required for all evening shows. Fee: $2 per person. Open Tues. and Thurs., 6:30 p.m.

ASU Public Art Collection
Herberger College of the Arts Box 872102
Tempe, AZ 85287-2102
Phone: (480) 965-6536
Fax: (480)965-9073

Recently named to the "Top Ten" of campus public art programs, the ASU Public Art Collection reflects the rich historic traditions of ASU and Arizona. Artworks located throughout the 700-acre campus include Depression-era murals as well as contemporary sculpture. Check the Web site for a campus map and directions.

ASU R.S. Dietz Museum of Geology
ASU Main Campus Physical Science Bldg. F Wing
Tempe, AZ 85287
Phone: (480)965-7065

Minerals, gems, fossils from around the world, the only active seismograph in central Arizona, 6-story Foucault Pendulum, and Columbian Mammoth bones form Chandler, Arizona. Call for hours.

Center for Meteorite Studies at ASU
ASU Main Campus Bateman Physical Sciences Center C-139
Tempe, AZ 85287-2504
Phone: (480) 965-6511
Fax: (480)965-2747

The Center houses the world's largest university-based meteorite collection, with specimens from over 1,500 separate fall events. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Childsplay
P.O. Box 517
Tempe, AZ 85280
Phone: (480) 921-5700

Childsplay is Arizona's award-winning professional theatre company for young audiences and families, performing in the brand new Tempe Center for the Arts and in schools around the state.

City of Tempe Cultural Services
3340 S. Rural Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: (480)350-5287
Fax: (480) 350-5161

Numerous examples of public art dot Tempe's landscape. Additionally, Tempe presents exhibits featuring professional and student artists. Call or visit Web site for information on public art and exhibit locations.

City of Tempe Exhibition Space – United States Post Office
500 S. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: (480) 350-5287

Exhibitions at the United States Post Office highlight local artists working in a variety of media and themes. Space is located in the heart of the Mill Avenue District. Special emphasis is placed on work that is fun, eye-catching and unusual.

Digital Arts Ranch
Institute for Studies in the Arts Box 873302
Tempe, AZ 85287-3302
Phone: (480)965-9438
Fax: (480)965-0961

Performance venue for Institute for Studies in the Arts. A black box theatre with matrix of video, audio and movement sensors, controllable projection screens and surround sound capabilities. Check our website for performance dates.

Edna Vihel Center for the Arts
3340 S. Rural Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: (480) 350-5287

This City of Tempe building is host to community arts instructional programs and workshops for preschool age youth to adults.

Gallery 100
Tempe Center, Ste. 199 SE corner of Mill Ave. and University Dr
Tempe, AZ 85287
Phone: (480) 965-3468

Exhibitions by senior undergraduate students in the Herberger College School of Art. Open Mon.-Thurs., noon-5 p.m.; Fri. noon-3 p.m. Free. Closed in the Summer and during school holidays.

Gallery of Design
College of Design South Building University & Forest Street Mall
Tempe, AZ 85287-1905
Phone: (480) 965-6693
Fax: (480)965-1594

Exhibits display work by students, faculty research and notable designers. Open Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hall of Flame Fire Museum
6101 E. Van Buren St.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone: (602) 275-3473
Fax: (602)275-0896

National Firefighting Hall of Heroes.  Over 90 classic pieces of firefighting apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 1960.  Fire safety exhibits, games and activities for kids.  Open Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun., noon - 4 p.m.

Harry Wood Art Gallery
ASU Herberger School of Art Building Box 871505
Tempe, AZ 85287-1505
Phone: (480) 965-6303
Fax: (480)965-8338

Exhibitions in all media by students completing their master of fine arts degrees. Open Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.  Closed in the summer and during school holidays.

Labriola Nat'l American Indian Data Ctr
ASU Main Campus Library BOX 871006
Tempe, AZ 85287-1006
Phone: (480) 965-6490
Fax: (480) 965-0776

The Labriola Center holds books, photographs, manuscripts and audio visual material on American Indians across North America. The Labriola Center's primary purpose is to promote a better understanding of American Indian language, culture, social, political and economic issues. Open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Summer hours 1-5 p.m.

Night Gallery
Tempe Marketplace 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281

A partnership between Tempe Marketplace and ASU Herberger College of the Arts, Night Gallery is a showcase for ASU graduate students, faculty and alumni.  There are innovative evolving exhibits which change every six weeks. Located east of Barnes & Noble. Hours of operation: Tues. - Sat., 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Northlight Gallery
Matthews Hall Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-1505
Phone: (480) 965-6517

Photographic exhibitions of contemporary and historical significance and work of Herberger College School of Art students. Hours vary, please call. Free.

Petersen House Museum
1414 W. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: (480)350-5151
Fax: (480) 350-5150

Restored Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1892 by one of Tempe's earliest settlers. Open Tues., Wed., Thur. and Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission; donations accepted. 

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park
4619 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (877) 706-4408
Fax: (602) 495-5645

Experience a prehistoric Hohokam ruin and full-size replicated dwellings. Fascinating exhibits feature the ancient Hohokam. Museum Store with authentic Indian arts. Located by the 44th Street Light Rail station. AAA/CAA discounts available. (Outside Phoenix call toll-free 877-706-4408)

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law Art
Arizona State University Armstrong Hall
Tempe, AZ 85287-7906
Phone: (480) 965-5690
Fax: (480)965-5550

Contemporary American works of art with a Southwestern focus. Open Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

School of Music Building
Arizona State University 10th St. & Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85287-0405
Phone: (480) 965-3371
Fax: (480)965-2659

Performance venues include Katzin Concert Hall, Smith Music Theatre, Recital Hall and Organ Hall, home of the famed Fritts Pipe Organ. Original building designed by Taliesin Architects.

ShowUp.com/Alliance for Audience
13416 N. 32nd St., Ste. 106
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: (602) 971-2223
Fax: (602) 971-5054

Alliance for Audience is, quite literally, an alliance for audience development - the shared effort of the breadth of Arizona's arts and cultural community to raise their visibility and engage new audiences. Alliance for Audience is best known for it's flagship project: ShowUp.com. Our mission is to "Connect People, Arts & Culture". Find the fun you're looking for: Theatre, Music, Dance, Art - plus the ShowUp NOW Pass for Valley-wide museum admissions.

Step Gallery
Tempe Center (SE Corner of University Dr. & Mill Ave.)
Tempe, AZ 85287
Phone: (480) 965-3468

A student-run gallery that showcases work of undergraduate students in the Herberger College School of Art.  Open Mon. - Thurs., noon - 5 p.m. and Fri., noon - 3 p.m. Free.

Stray Cat Theatre
132 E. 6th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: (480) 820-8022

Indie theatre company - producing four shows each season that you will not find anywhere else in the Valley. All performances are presented at the original Tempe Performing Arts Center at 132 E. 6th St. in Tempe's Mill Avenue District.

Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: (480) 350-2822 (box office)
Fax: (480) 858-7710

Tempe Center for the Arts is a state-of-the art facility providing visual and performing arts experiences to the community.

Tempe Historical Museum
809 E. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: (480)350-5100
Fax: (480) 350-5150

Museum featuring the history of Tempe from the time of prehistoric Hohokam to today. Video, hands-on exhibits and gift shop. Open Mon. - Thur. and Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission. Closing for renovations in January 2009. Exhibits and programs located at other facilities. Research services are still available. 480-350-5100 or www.tempe.gov/museum.

Tempe Little Theatre
P.O. Box 24718
Tempe, AZ 85285-4718
Phone: (480)350-8388

Tempe Little Theatre has brought the excitement of community theater to the East Valley for over 30 years with quality productions ranging from drama and intrigue to comedy and musicals. Performances are staged at the new Tempe Center for the Arts.

Tempe Public Library
3500 S. Rural Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: (480) 350-5500
Fax: (480)350-5544

Tempe's library features a wonderful children's space, Internet access, the Connections Cafe coffee shop and art exhibitions throughout the year.

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51 W. Third St., Suite 105
Tempe, AZ, 85281 USA
1-866-914-1052