Mission & Vision

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a premier cultural institution situated in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. Established in January 2015, the museum resides on the historic grounds of the Loloma Transit Station (N Marshall Way and E 1st St). With a sprawling two-story layout encompassing 43,000 square feet, the museum showcases the art, culture, and rich history spanning 19 states in the American West, Western Canada, and Mexico. Former Scottsdale mayor Herb Drinkwater (1936-97), who served from 1980-1996, envisioned the museum, which became a reality through the City of Scottsdale’s ownership and the dedicated operation by The Scottsdale Museum of the West, a non-profit organization established in 2007.

Our Mission:

Scottsdale’s Museum of the West boldly immerses its guests in the unique story of the Greater Western region, illuminating the past to better shape our future.

Our Vision:

Scottsdale’s Museum of the West celebrates the West and its importance by informing, educating, inspiring, and engaging museum guests. We offer high-quality exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach addressing regional history, particularly as reflected by the arts and the dynamic cultural exchanges that have marked the transition of the Old West into the New West.

Our Partners:

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is owned by the City of Scottsdale and managed and operated by Scottsdale Museum of the West, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We rely upon private support including tax-deductible contributions, memberships, exhibition and program sponsorships, and private hosting of events to fund our operation. We work in partnership with Experience Scottsdale.