Metro Phoenix's Vibrant Contemporary Art Scene: Top Museums and Galleries to Explore
Metro Phoenix boasts a dynamic contemporary art scene that rivals major art hubs. Beyond well-known museums, a simple search uncovers dozens of private galleries. From Phoenix's Roosevelt Row to East Valley gems like Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa, experience diverse works by global icons like James Turrell and rising stars. Begin your journey in Tempe. For Tempe's full arts guide, visit the Tempe Tourism Arts and Culture page.
Tempe
ASU Art Museum delivers cutting-edge exhibitions and innovative programs that connect directly to modern life. Renowned for its Latin American collections, it houses an internationally celebrated assortment of 1990s Cuban artists' works.
51 E. 10th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 965-2787
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; open late Thursdays until 8 p.m.; closed Sundays, Mondays, and university holidays
Free admission
ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center and Brickyard Gallery offers an open-storage display of its 4,000-piece collection, showcasing diverse techniques, aesthetics, and innovations in ceramics. Expect three to five annual exhibitions highlighting key movements and influential artists.
699 S. Mill Ave, Suite 108, Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 965-2787
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (New hours start Oct 26: Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Free admission
Gallery at the Tempe Center for the Arts hosts rotating shows featuring local and regional artists alongside culturally resonant themes.
700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 350-2822
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Free admission
United States Post Office windows, smack in downtown Tempe, display fun, eye-catching, and unconventional works by local artists in the north and east windows—visible 24/7.
500 S. Mill Ave. (5th Street and Mill Avenue), Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 350-4311
Hours: Visible from the street 24-hours-a-day; 7-days-a-week
Phoenix
Phoenix Art Museum, the Southwest's largest art museum since 1959, offers global treasures. Its Contemporary Collection spans large-scale photography, outdoor sculptures, unconventional materials, and traditional paintings.
1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 257-1880
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (First Friday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.); Wednesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. Closed Monday.
Admission: Adults $18-$23; Seniors 65+ $15-$20; Students w/ID $13-$18; Youth 6-17 $9-$14; free for youth under 6 and members
Lisa Sette Gallery has led Phoenix's contemporary scene for 30 years in a mid-century Al Beadle-designed space.
210 E. Catalina Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85012
(480) 990-7342
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 12-5 p.m. and by appointment
Bentley Gallery, a 30-year staple for Southwestern contemporary painting and sculpture, represents mid-career, museum-collected U.S. and European artists across painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, textiles, installation, and video.
215 E. Grant St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 946-6060
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment
Scottsdale
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) features rotating exhibitions and its permanent collection, including James Turrell's acclaimed Skyspace, Knight Rise.
7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 874-4666
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults $10; Students $7; Seniors (65+) and veterans $7; 15 and under free. Free on Thursdays & the second Saturday of every month
Art One Gallery, Inc., serving Arizona artists since 1993, champions emerging and established talents, offering affordable originals for new collectors during Thursday ArtWalks (7-9 p.m.).
4130 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 946-5076
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday closed. ArtWalk every Thursday 7-9 p.m.
Chandler
Vision Gallery, a nonprofit in Chandler City Hall, rotates exhibitions of local and regional artists.
10 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 782-2695
Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Free admission
Mesa
Mesa Contemporary Art Museum showcases innovative exhibitions from prominent and emerging artists.
1 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201
(480) 644-6560
Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 12-4 p.m.
Free admission
