The Best Museums & Galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona

Cacti Installation at Scottsdale Museum of the West
Cacti Installation at Scottsdale Museum of the West | ©vistavision/Flickr
Shyla Watson

Scottsdale, Arizona is a hub of artistic talent. Old Town Scottsdale even features a thriving and popular gallery district. With our guide, you’ll discover the best museums and galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona.

1. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale
Courtesy of Wild Meyer Gallery
Locally known as SMoCA, this Scottsdale museum is a small exploration of modern art, architecture, and design. Take a free, and informative, guided tour to discover the current exhibitions and installations on site. Being a contemporary space, much of the work is revolutionary and created in unusual and spectacular ways. The museum features the Turrell Skyspace, a naked eye observatory located on an extinct volcanic crater. The outdoor Skyspace is available for event rental, as is the SMoCA lounge. SMoCA hosts a number of events throughout the year, including quarter-annual exhibits solely to professionally display the work of young, student artists. Be on the lookout for other special events, as well as educational opportunities.

2. Wilde Meyer Gallery

Wilde Meyer Gallery

Specializing in contemporary and western art, the Wilde Meyer Gallery displays paintings and sculptures from a variety of talented, local artists. The gallery hosts numerous events throughout the year to showcase current work and offers other services as well, including framing, art installations, and custom, commissioned pieces. No matter what you’re searching for, Wilde Meyer has fine, original pieces that will be perfect for your home, office, or as a gift to a loved one. Watch out for multiple locations throughout the Arizona area.

Wilde Meyer Gallery, 4142 N. Marshall Way Scottsdale, AZ, USA, +1 480 945 2323

3. On the Edge Gallery

Art Gallery

Located ‘on the edge’ of Old Town Scottsdale, this unique gallery displays work from nearly 50 different Arizona artists. The featured works vary in size and medium, including wall-sized paintings and small, handcrafted, one of a kind gifts. On the Edge hosts events frequently, including participation in the weekly neighborhood ArtWalk, holiday celebrations, and special showcases. The gallery also offers workshops where people can learn about, and create, their own pieces, such as paintings, ornaments, and mosaics. If you enjoy On the Edge, check out their sister gallery Fountain Hills Artists.

5. Xanadu Gallery

Xanadu Gallery

Xanadu Gallery is a place where collectors, designers, and art enthusiasts can come together. The space showcases a diverse range of art, including paintings, sculpture, collage, murals, photography, print, drawings, and conceptual art. There is also glass art, metal wall pieces, jewelry, textiles, furniture, media, and more. Xanadu strives to connect the community to each other, as well as to art. Be sure to attend a few of their special events.

Xanadu Gallery, 7039 E. Main St. Scottsdale, AZ, USA, +1 480 368 9929

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