Blog
New and Upcoming Exhibitions
You will See the West from a whole new perspective through our most recently opened and upcoming exhibitions: Opened Oct. 1, 2020 William P. Healey’s collection of intricately beaded and embroidered gauntlets from tribes of the Plateau, Great Basin, and parts of the...
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Honored by True West Magazine
Hundreds of museums celebrate the American West (including more than a few east of the Mississippi). But True West magazine says the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West in Scottsdale, AZ, is the best. The museum is #1 in True West’s Top 10 Western Museums...
Museum Named 2021 Nation’s “Best Western Museum”
Photo by Bill Timmerman; Courtesy Studio Ma, Architect The people have spoken! In the January 2021 issue of True West magazine, Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West was named the nation's "Best Western Museum" by its readers. This readers’ choice award...
10 Questions with Visitor Services Coordinator Kerry LaMountain
What’s your favorite family tradition? When I was growing up, on Christmas Eve, my mom would make oyster stew and the people that didn’t like oyster stew would have chicken noodle soup. I believe it is a tradition of a shepard’s light meal at the time of Jesus’ birth....
10 Questions with Museum Store Manager Jeffrey White
If you could create a brand-new animal, what would it look like? All animals are perfect the way they are. Seriously, I never really thought of that. If I could mix two of my favorite animals together? It would be… dogs and bears. I love them both. A bear-dog. What in...
A Timeless Tribute to “the Father of Western Art”
George Catlin (American, 1796-1872) is considered by many to be the father of western art. However, the artist was laid to rest in an unmarked grave for almost a century, until 1961 when a very simple grave marker was added to his burial site. When award-winning,...
Understanding the Museum’s Eco-Friendly Design
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West offers a unique perspective on the importance and application of conservation in Arizona. The LEED® Gold-certified museum building functions as an active teaching tool for all ages, and allows visitors to experience how...
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Named Best Western Art Museum in the Nation
Since opening in January 2015, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West has garnered numerous awards, achievements and accolades, including the designation of Smithsonian Affiliate. To these, it can now add “Best Western Art Museum in the Nation” for its...
Prisoners as Craftsmen of the West
During the 19th and 20th centuries, prisoners made and sold an unusual variety of items. Their handiwork included carved, hammered, braided, painted and whittled objects. Spurs, reatas, belts, bits and bridles were among the many types of exquisite merchandise created...
“Spirit of the West” Featured Object: “Ride with Pancho Villa” Poster
Pancho Villa, of peasant heritage, was the leader of a successful Mexican Revolutionary Army in the North. He shocked the United States when in 1916 he raided Columbus, N.M., killing 18 Americans. Reasons for the raid are disputed. Following the raid, Gen. John J....