Our Featured Exhibit
Light and Legacy:
The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis
October 19, 2021 – April 30, 2023
Edward S. Curtis. The Three Chiefs – Piegan, c. 1900, Silver gelatin print. Volume 6, Portfolio Plate no. 209. Courtesy of Tim Peterson
Arizona Highways recently filmed and broadcast an informative and entertaining tour of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West with Dr. Tricia Loscher, Assistant Director of Collections, Exhibitions and Research. Dr. Loscher describes the founding of the museum, its unique, environmentally conscious architecture, storytelling mission, and outstanding docent program. Dr. Loscher also walks viewers through some of the fascinating exhibitions, artworks, and artifacts, encouraging visitors to “Find Yourself in the West.”
Announcement
Valley Favorites Announcement
Western Spirit Scottsdale Museum of the West has been chosen as one of the Valley’s favorites
Exhibitions On View
Upcoming Programs
“Jews of the Wild West” Documentary
Jews of the Wild West Film Generously Sponsored by Frankie & Howie Alper
Reserve your seat for a community-wide showing of “Jews of the Wild West” in partnership with Center for Jewish Philanthropy:
The feature length documentary is an independent not-for-profit project produced by Electric Yolk Media and directed by award-winning filmmaker Amanda Kinsey. Through on-camera interviews, compelling footage and historical photographs, the film tells a positive immigration story and highlights the dynamic contributions Jewish Americans made to shaping the Western United States.
Event Date
SOLD OUT! Sunday, April 2 | 2:00 – 4:00p.m.
Mark Winter: History of Navajo Weaving
Join us for an exciting program about the history of Navajo weaving and the Toadlena Trading Post with speaker Mark Winter.
Instrumental in preserving the Toadlena/Two Grey Hills weaving style, Mark has been involved in collecting, researching and dealing in both historic and contemporary Navajo, as well as other southwestern textiles, since 1970. He operates the Historic Toadlena Trading Post and Weaving Museum on the Navajo Indian reservation with his wife Linda, and is very involved in supporting contemporary Navajo weavers.
Event Date
Thursday, April 6 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Curtis Legacy Foundation’s Descendants Project with Coleen & John Graybill
The Descendants Project gives voice to Native Americans whose ancestors were photographed by Edward Curtis over a century ago–symbolically reuniting their present and past lives.
The purpose of the Descendants Project is to photograph the living descendants, gather their history, and use those materials to educate and enhance the public’s understanding of Native Americans. Curtis’ great-grandson, John Graybill, takes the photographs of the descendants using camera equipment and techniques much like his “great-gramps” did all those years ago.
Event Date
Wednesday, April 12 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Meet the Authors –
Jana Bommersbach & Bob Boze Bell:
Hellraisers & Trailblazers – The Real Women of The Wild West
A presentation by both authors on their latest collaborative effort. Followed by a short, moderated Question and Answer session. Books will be for sale and both authors have agreed to autograph any purchased the day of the event.
Event Date
Thursday, April 27 at 2 p.m.
CURRENT HOURS
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday (November-April)
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday (May-October)
11:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday
Closed Mondays
We suggest arriving early to allow approximately 2 hours to fully enjoy the museum prior to its prompt closing at 5pm.
ADVANCED PURCHASE TIMED TICKETING
Members have the ability to reserve free tickets through the member portal! Click below to reserve your time today.
AUDIO TOURS
To assist social distancing and guest accessibility, recorded information from gallery exhibit panels are now available in a self-guided audio tour format.
Please bring your own headphones.
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