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University of Arizona Museum Day 2025

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Explore Campus Wonders

Museums across the University of Arizona are proud to offer free or reduced admission in celebration of U of A Museum Day 2025 on Saturday, March 29 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Immerse yourself in a day filled with discovery and wonder, where you can visit twelve unique museums and collections, bridging the arts and science. Plan your day using the U of A Museum Day map and the links below.

Participating Museums:

location_on Map

A smiling couple stands in the doorway of the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, welcoming visitors. The woman, dressed in black, leans slightly against the open glass door, while the man, wearing a brown sweater, stands behind her with his arm around her. The museum entrance features a large sign that reads, 'African American Museum of Southern Arizona' with the tagline, 'We are a movement, not just a museum!' A collage of historical African American figures and moments is displayed on the glass

African American Museum of Southern Arizona

The AAMSAZ serves as a resource and to provide the community with an applied and virtual venue and repository for stories, histories, and cultural contributions by African Americans and Blacks in Southern Arizona.

www.aamsaz.org

Families enjoying a digital constellation display in the Flandrau Planetarium

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is the University of Arizona’s destination for adventures in space and science. Featuring hands-on science exhibits, immersive planetarium shows, and activities that reveal the marvels of the universe, Flandrau inspires people of all ages to discover the wonders of science.

flandrau.org

an archivist in white gloves lays out cyanotype photographs

The Archive of Visual Arts (AVA)

The Archive of Visual Arts (AVA) preserves and provides access to the original papers of artists, documenting the motivations that inspire individual artists to do their best work. University of Arizona Museum of Art & AVA Archivist, Sara Swayden, will be guiding visitors through the AVA during the Open House. Visitors will be able to handle archival materials safely and become more familiar with the collections.

artmuseum.arizona.edu

African American Museum of Southern Arizona

Address 
Rm #244 in the Student Union 

Details

  • Kid friendly
  • 20 people max/tour
  • Tours
  • No reservation required

Museum Contacts

Beverely Elliott  
aamuseumofsouthernaz@gmail.com
520-907-2585

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium

Address
1601 E University Blvd. 

Details

  • Flandrau is kid friendly!
  • No reservation required.
  • Special reduced rate of $7 per person for science exhibit admission or planetarium show tickets.

Museum Contacts

Flandrau Front Desk
flandrau@arizona.edu
520-621-4516

The Archive of Visual Arts (AVA)

Address
1014/1018 E. 6th Street, Tucson, AZ 85721 

Details

  • Free admission!
  • Due to limited space, groups of 20 will be permitted in 30 minute intervals 
  • Reservation required:
  • Please select a time for your visit to the AVA:

Museum Contact

If there is a time frame that has already been filled, but is the only time you can join please email Myriam Sandoval.

Poetry Center

Poetry Center

Rest and recharge at the Poetry Center Library! The Poetry Center houses one of the nation’s foremost poetry collections in an award-winning building. Curl up with a picture book in the Children’s Corner or explore the wild and wonderful world of artist’s books in our exhibition space. The Library will be open from 9-3. We’d love to see you!

 

poetry.arizona.edu

Cepeda

Worlds of Words Center

“Cepeda Stories,” an exhibit of original art on loan from award-winning illustrator Joe Cepeda, brings home the message that everyone has a story that deserves to be told. Cepeda’s original bold and colorful acrylic and oil paintings highlight family, neighborhood and school bonds and invite children to share their own stories. In addition, original picture book illustrations from the Worlds of Words archives will be on display in the Mary J. Wong Special Collections room to complement the work of Cepeda.

wowlit.org

The exterior of the Center for Creative Photography (CCP) at the University of Arizona, featuring a modern architectural design with a mix of concrete, brick, and glass elements. A large banner on the right side of the building displays the CCP logo along with an image of a woman sitting in a vintage-style room, promoting an exhibition. The entrance has a set of stairs leading up to glass doors, framed by an arched brick design. Above the entrance, a unique structure with angled panels provides a dynamic vi

Center for Creative Photography

Join us for an inspiring exploration of Care, Consciousness, and Community, where we will discover the powerful dialogue between art and science. This unique project is a collaboration between students from the School of Nursing and the School of Art. Together, they will examine how healthcare, art, community engagement, and the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion intersect to advance health equity.

Experience a day filled with engaging art installations, hands-on activities that encourage active participation, and thought-provoking scientific experiences.

ccp.arizona.edu

Poetry Center

Address
1508 E. Helen St. 

Details
  • Kid friendly!
  • Free admission!
  • No reservation required

Contact

Sarah Kortemeier 
ssk@arizona.edu
(520) 626-4298 

Worlds of Words Center

Address
College of Education 
1430 E Second St, Rm 453

Details

  • Kid friendly!
  • Free admission!
  • No reservation required
  • 1-50 capacity

Contact

Rebecca Ballenger
wow@arizona.edu
520-621-9340

Center for Creative Photography

Address
1030 N Olive Rd

Details
 
  • All ages
  • No reservation required
  • 10:00am - 4:00pm

​​​Contact

Denisse Brito
brito1@arizona.edu
520-621-7019

 

UAMA

University of Arizona Museum of Art (UAMA)

Enjoy free admission 10am-4:30pm and creative activities 12pm-4pm at the art museum. Experience the special exhibition Hank Willis Thomas: LOVERULES, on loan from the collection of the Jordan D. Schnitzer Family Foundation. Trained as a photographer, Thomas reimagines words, materials, and images—from historic photos to flags to advertisements—and invites us to see and challenge systems of inequality while affirming our shared humanity to shape a better future.

artmuseum.arizona.edu

John E. Greivenkamp Museum of Optics

Two exciting science and art outreach events are combined and open to our community. Come explore the fascinating world of optics and optical sciences at the John E. Greivenkamp Museum of Optics. The Wyant College of Optical Sciences is proud to showcase its collection of antique and historic telescopes, microscopes, lenses, and cameras. These remarkable specimens, crafted by some of the world’s most respected instrument makers from the 18th century to the present, demonstrate the evolution of light and image manipulation throughout history. 

optics.arizona.edu

Tree Ring

Tree-Ring Lab

Come explore the fascinating world of dendrochronology at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research. Visit the oldest trees in the world and get the science stories behind them in our Exhibit Hall. Come take a short tour of the cutting-edge laboratories and meet the researchers. Special lecture by Dr. Valerie Trouet, author of Tree Story at 11AM. Bring the kids to explore the children’s area and explore our hands-on activities.


Photo by Iris Cancanon

ltrr.arizona.edu

University of Arizona Museum of Art (UAMA)

Address
1031 N. Olive Rd.

Details
  • Kid friendly!
  • Free admission!
  • No reservation required

Museum Contact

Willa Ahlschwede willa@arizona.edu
(520) 621-7110

John E. Greivenkamp Museum of Optics

Address
Wyant College of Optical Sciences 
1630 E. University Blvd.
Meinel West Building Expansion, Lobby

Details
  • Kid friendly!
  • Free admission!
  • No reservation required

    While exploring the museum, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in our annual Laser Fun Day. Hosted by the Student Optics Chapter at the University of Arizona, it is a vibrant event designed to engage the community, particularly young people, with hands-on demonstrations. Through dozens of interactive exhibits, attendees can discover how optics is transforming the world. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of innovators in the optics industry.

Museum Contact

Daewook Kim
dkim@optics.arizona.edu

Hillary Mathis
hmathis@optics.arizona.edu

Tree Ring Lab

Address
Bryant Bannister Tree-Ring
1215 E. Lowell St

Details
  • Kid friendly!
  • Free admission!
  • No reservation required
  • 10am-2pm

Museum Contact

Dr. Pamela Pelletier
pamela@arizona.edu
(520) 621-0984

The interior of the Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, showcasing a collection of historical pharmacy artifacts. The walls are lined with illuminated display cases containing antique medicine bottles, ornate apothecary jars, and pharmaceutical tools. A large, green vintage-style glass sign hangs from the ceiling, reading 'Company Founded 1886.' Stained-glass lanterns with intricate designs provide additional ambiance. In the background, a digital display features a glowing green bottle

Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Founded in 1966, The Coit Museum is home to one of the world’s leading collections of pharmaceutical artifacts including the Upjohn Pharmacy Collection from Disneyland.

Enjoy hands-on activities and guided tours of our interpretive gallery.

https://museum.pharmacy.arizona.edu

 

Museum Association of Arizona

Museum Association of Arizona

Visit the Museum Association of Arizona table to learn more about our projects and programs that serve Arizona museums.   MAA provides communication and information networks, and professional development opportunities for the more than 300 museums across the state.  We also advocate on their behalf at the local, state, and national levels.

www.azmuseums.org

 

A glossy black mannequin wears a vintage-style campaign t-shirt featuring John F. Kennedy with the slogan "A Time for Greatness – Kennedy for President." The mannequin stands in front of a bold, psychedelic-themed backdrop with swirling yellow, red, and green colors, displaying the text "Museum of Democracy Wright Family Collection Presents" and "You Say You Want a Revolution: Politics and Protests in the Sixties." The exhibit highlights political activism and campaign memorabilia from the 1960s, evoking th

Museum of Democracy

Discover the rich history of American democracy at the Museum of Democracy exhibit, now on display at the University of Arizona Student Union Bookstore, Lower Level. Brought to campus by the Center for the Philosophy of Freedom through partnership with the Arizona Board of Regents, this exhibit showcases a portion of the renowned Museum of Democracy in New York City. Featuring pieces from the Wright Family Collection—the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collections of historical and political campaign memorabilia—this exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into presidential elections, social movements, and the fight for civil rights. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the country’s democracy. Free and open to the public through May! Guided Tours scheduling information is available here.

Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Address 
Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center (NW corner)
1703 E. Mabel Street | Tucson, AZ 85721

Details

  • All ages welcome
  • Limit 20 for guided tours
  • No reservation required

Museum Contacts

Heather Ingram
CoitMuseum@pharmacy.arizona.edu
520-626-1042

Museum Association of Arizona

Address
Tree Ring Lab
1215 E. Lowell St

Details

  • No reservation required

Contact

Berlin Loa
berlin@arizona.edu

 

Museum of Democracy

Address
Student Union Bookstore, Lower Level
1303 E University Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85719 

Details

  • Kid friendly!
  • Free admission!
  • Self-guided!
  • No reservation required

Contact

Lindsay Wagner
ldwagner@arizona.edu


Mari Clark (guided tours)
mariahclark@arizona.edu

 

African American Museum of Southern Arizona

Explore the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) through the powerful stories, artifacts, and cultural contributions of African Americans in Tucson and the Southwest. Visitors can experience rotating exhibitions, guided tours by knowledgeable volunteers, and interactive storytelling that highlight community leaders, civil rights history, and everyday life shaped by resilience and creativity. Families and children are welcome to engage with hands-on, educational activities that bring history and culture to life. Admission is free, and guided tours are available by appointment to ensure an immersive and meaningful visit.
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aamsaz museum

African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSA)

1303 E University Blvd room 244, Tucson, AZ 85719
https://www.aamsaz.org/

Contact:
Nikieia Johnson, nikieiajohnson@arizona.edu or (520) 621-2600

Kid friendly?
Yes — programs and exhibits welcome all ages, and there are educational activities suitable for youth.

 

Reservation required?
Self-guided visits are welcome, but guided tours and larger groups require advance sign-up (recommended at least two weeks ahead): https://www.aamsaz.org/sign-up-for-tours-and-visits/

 

Which hub do you land (can land in more than one hub): humanities, art
Humanities and Art

 

Audience: Limited to 71 max in the space; we recommend groups no bigger than 30.

Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium

Visit Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium for up to 50% off the regular price on U of A Museum Day! Flandrau is the University of Arizona’s destination for adventures in space and science. Featuring hands-on science exhibits, immersive planetarium shows, and activities that reveal the marvels of the universe, you can discover the wonders of science, modern research, and the natural world.
 
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Flandrau Science Center

Location:

1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721
https://www.flandrau.org/

Contact:

Public: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. flandrau@arizona.edu or 520-621-451

Internal: Nick Letson, Letsonn@arizona.edu

Kid friendly?
Yes — programs and exhibits welcome all ages, and there are educational activities suitable for youth.

 

Reservation required?
No reservations required. Tickets will be offered at a special reduced rate of $7 for science exhibits or $14 for an all-inclusive planetarium show + science exhibit ticket. Tickets for EBT or WIC card holders are offered at a reduced rate of $4 for science exhibits or $8 for a planetarium show and science exhibit combo (must present EBT card and limit four guests per cardholder).

 

Which hub do you land (can land in more than one hub): Science

 

Audience: Those interested in science, astronomy, marine science,
U of A research and planetarium shows and presentations.
 

 

 

 

 

The Archive of Visual Arts

Welcome to the Archive of Visual Arts, the offsite research branch of the University of Arizona Museum of Art (UAMA). Our collections at AVA preserve artistic works and archival materials from contemporary artists of the Southwest. Guests are invited to tour our space and interact with featured archival exhibits highlighting original works and a broad range of cultural heritage materials documenting the artistic careers of artists such as Robert McCall, Francis O’Brien and Maurice Grossman.
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The Archive of Visual Arts (AVA)

Important location Detail:
While the AVA is the research branch of the UAMA, it is in a separate building just off
campus near the Southeast corner of Park Ave. and 6th Street. 

Travel Information:
Walking to AVA from the UAMA is about a 15-minute walk directly southbound on Park Ave.

Physical Address: 1014-18 E. 6th Street, Tucson, AZ 95719

Website: https://artmuseum.arizona.edu/collections/archives/plan-your-visit

Contact:
Sara Swayden
saswayden@arizona.edu
(520) 621-1124

Event Activities:

  • Self-guided tours
  • Interactive archival exhibitions

Parking Information:

  • Paid parking available at the 6 th Street Garage
  • Metered Parking on Fremont Ave.
  • South of 6 th permit holders can park at lots 7167, 7103, and 7227
  • Short-term free parking @ the Metro Wildcat lot

Special Instructions for Visitors:

  • No food or drink around collection materials. A space to temporarily hold these
    items will be provided.
  • All guests will be asked to wear nitrile gloves or wash their hands before handling archival materials. Gloves will be provided.

 


 

Poetry Center

Rest and recharge at the Poetry Center Library! The Poetry Center houses one of the nation’s foremost poetry collections in an award-winning building. Curl up with a picture book in the Children’s Corner or explore the wild and wonderful world of contemporary poetry in our stacks. The Library will be open from 9-3. We’d love to see you.
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Poetry Center

Location:

1508 E Helen St, Tucson, AZ 85719
https://poetry.arizona.edu/ 

Contact:
Sarah Kortemeier, Library Director
ssk@arizona.edu
520-626-4298

 

Kid friendly?
Yes — programs and exhibits welcome all ages, and there are educational activities suitable for youth.

 

Reservation required?

No

 

Which hub do you land (can land in more than one hub): Humanities, Arts

 

Audience: all ages; inquire at the front desk if interested in a tour (up to 5 people)

 

 

 


 

Worlds of Words Center

“Literary Identities,” a new exhibit featuring the De Natura Libris project, invites people to examine themselves as readers. The exhibit of altered photographs about books and reading also includes picturebooks where reading is central to the book or characters’ identities and hands-on activities. In addition, original picturebook illustrations from the Worlds of Words archives will be on display in the Mary J. Wong Special Collections room to complement the exhibit and to showcase new acquisitions and illustrators who visited during the 2026 Tucson Festival of Books.
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Worlds of Words Center

Worlds of Words Center

Location:
UArizona College of Education
1430 E Second St, Rm 453
https://wowlit.org/

Contact:
Rebecca Ballenger
wow@arizona.edu
(520) 621- 9340 

 

Kid friendly?
Yes, it's the friendliest — programs and exhibits welcome all ages, and there are educational activities suitable for youth.

 

Reservation required?

No

 

Which hub do you land (can land in more than one hub): Humanities, Arts

 

Audience: All ages; 1-50 Capacity

 

 

 


 

Center for Creative Photography

Join us for a day of artmaking and community at the CCP! Explore the current exhibition, Making a Life in Photography: Rollie McKenna, and come away inspired to make your own work! Using your words, hands, and imagination, activities like “abnormal architecture” and “glue the haiku” are there to help investigate how you view both landscape and language. Don’t worry, when Museum Day comes to an end, the creativity continues with our SNAP! event. A Social Night of Art and Photography begins at 4 pm, where you can create your very own still life inspired by our guest speaker, Alanna Aritiam!

 

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Center for Creative Photography

Worlds of Words Center

Location:
1030 N Olive Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719
https://ccp.arizona.edu/

Contact:
Denisse Brito
brito1@arizona.edu
520-621-7019

 

Kid friendly?
Yes — programs and exhibits welcome all ages, and there are educational activities suitable for youth.

 

Reservation required?

No

 

Which hub do you land (can land in more than one hub): Humanities, Arts

 

Audience: All ages; Unlimitied Capacitity

 

Hours: 10 Am - 4 Pm

 

 

 


 

University of Arizona Museum of Art (UAMA)

Visit the art museum and enjoy free art-making and self-guided gallery activities, plus explore the annual exhibition Our Stories: High School Artists showcasingincredible work by students across Pima County. Museum Day is also your final day to see the exceptional exhibition Bailey Doogan: Ways of Seeing. At 1:30 pm, RSVP for a special interactive tour with "art critic, lecturer, and lofty person" Maria Denolt (performed by writer and artist Dani Lamorte).
 

 

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University of Arizona Museum of Art

Location:
1031 North Olive Road, Tucson AZ, 85719
https://artmuseum.arizona.edu/

Contact:
illa Ahlschwede
willa@arizona.edu
520-621-7567

 

Kid friendly?
Yes, some artwork on view includes nudity and mature themes.

 

Reservation required?

No RSVP required for visiting the museum, exhibitions, art-making and self-guided activities. RSVP suggested for 1:30pm tour: https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Yqij8CkjUjgbgq 

 

Which hub do you land (can land in more than one hub): Science, Humanities, Arts

 

Audience: All ages; Unlimitied Capacitity

Exhibitions and activities open to all, no size limit. Tour at 1:30 Pm limited to approximately 25 people, RSVP suggested.

 

Hours: 10 Am - 4 Pm