More than just spaces to see world-class exhibits, Museums offer opportunities for community outreach, engagement, and cultural appreciation. As Arizona’s flagship land-grant university, the University of Arizona is committed to the success and sustainability of its museums that emphasize public impact, service, and stewardship.

The Office of Research, Innovation & Impact (RII) is home to many of the university's leading museums. RII champions these institutions as essential to the university mission, supporting them with strong institutional knowledge and expertise across disciplines.

“Our museums reflect the very essence of the University of Arizona’s land-grant mission,” said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and innovation. “They create spaces where knowledge, culture and community converge—connecting us to the past, enriching our understanding of the present, and inspiring ideas that shape a better future.”

Beverely Elliott, executive director of the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ), has seen incredible growth since the inception of the museum just two years ago. In that time, more than 7,000 visitors walked through AAMSAZ’s doors.

Located in the Student Union Memorial Center, AAMSAZ has rapidly advanced its mission, preserving African American and Black culture, life, and history in Southern Arizona. Through this work, AAMSAZ has connected with its visitors and is making good on its mission.  

“RII leaders have been right there in the pocket to offer advice and help us with logistics and how to accomplish our goals one step at a time; they have been amazing leaders,” said Elliott. “This has allowed people to come to us from all over the country with information and gratitude, it has truly felt like we have been able to bring positive impacts into this community.”

The University of Arizona Mining, Mineral and Natural Resources Education Museum (AMMNRE) will be a force for educating the public about the state’s natural resource industry, the economy, and the future. Currently under development including the creation of interactive galleries, exhibits, and engagement spaces,  AMMNRE will offer visitors experiential learning opportunities that bridge industry, education, and research. Marta Bones, director of the museum, is leading this mission as she prioritizes student success and community engagement through curating relevant and interesting content for museum visitors.

“There has never been as important a moment in history for the public to understand the issues and challenges that face our society today and the possibilities that this university is at the forefront of pioneering,” said Bones. “Joining the vibrant, inquisitive ecosystem that RII provides has been integral to completing this mission.”

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While the AMMNRE works to build their repertoire and reopen for visitors, The Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum is firmly entrenched in downtown Tucson. In a city that annually hosts the largest gem and mineral show in the world, this museum maintains historic and cultural commitments to Tucson. 

Through comprehensive exhibits, history and research projects, active training labs, and more, The Alfie fosters excitement and curiosity. Violetta Wolf, director of the museum, has long invested in avenues that serve the public and the university’s mission.

“As part of RII, we can expand the land-grant mission, centering public service and connection to industry,” said Wolf. “The range of colleagues within RII allows us to combine disciplines, working in new and innovative ways so that we can embrace the public impact aspect of our mission with mobility, efficiency, and gratitude.” 

The Arizona State Museum, like the AMMNRE, is currently closed to the public to undergo significant renovations to better serve the public. Despite construction in its physical location, the ASM's research presence is still at the forefront of its mission.

With some of the largest collections of ancient American southwestern pottery and basket weavings, including over 700 historic Hopi and Hopi-Tewa pots, the ASM continues to serve as a leading resource for research. Likewise, the ASM continues to host online events, like their ASM pottery masterclass in the fall which will offer insight into the uses of ceramics, a near 20,000 year old artform that is a key component in archeological research. 

Whether online, in-person, or in-progress, University of Arizona museums provide vital hubs for community engagement, research, and cultural appreciation. No matter what piques your interest, you’ll discover resources and opportunities available for you thanks to the steadfast support and ever-evolving vision of these museums.