Western Spirit Scottsdale Museum of the West
by Wendy VanHatten
In Scottsdale, Arizona sits a museum that celebrates art, history, and unique stories of the 19 states making up the American West. With rotating exhibitions that feature hundreds of Western artworks and rare historic artifacts, this is not your typical museum.
The contemporary 43,000 square-foot building meets the highest standards for sustainability and conservation of natural resources. Video kiosks, a stunning outdoor sculpture garden, and a museum provide a full account of America’s West. This is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum and was selected 2016 Best Western Museum in the nation by True West Magazine.
Ongoing exhibitions included authentic Old West cowboy gear, paintings, bronzes, and Hopi pottery. A few things include Captain Meriwether Lewis’ presentation style pip tomahawk, Native American buffalo robes, Kit Carson’s pistol and message pouch.
Exhibits changes with different events and informative programs that bring the country’s Western heritage to life. The art and techniques of Edward S. Curtis exhibit showcases the early decades of the 20th century when his project became the largest anthropological enterprise ever undertaken in the US.
Located in Old Town Scottsdale, this museum is close to restaurants, shops, and other worthwhile stops.
Find out more at https://scottsdalemuseumwest.org/
If You Go: The Western Spirit Scottsdale Museum of the West is located at 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale AZ.
