Phoenix Art Museum

Representing a wealth of cultural artwork ranging from Renaissance painting to contemporary sculpture, the outstanding Phoenix Art Museum sits head and shoulders above all other rivals. More than 17,000 works of art are spread across nine individual galleries, taking up 26,500 square metres of exhibition space. In addition, the museum is home to a range of exceptional temporary exhibitions that examine a multitude of subjects.At the American Collection, view works of art by esteemed American artists such as Winslow Homer and Robert Henri. In the Art of Asia galleries, examine jade sculptures, samurai armour and beautiful porcelain ceramics from China. For a comprehensive overview of American and European sartorial history, spend some time browsing the costumes in the Fashion Collection, which contains items from esteemed designers like Balenciaga and Dior.Jean Cocteau and Georgia O'Keeffe are some of the artists featured in the Modern Art Collection and as one would expect, the Contemporary Collection houses works of art and sculpture from the 1950s onwards. Browse through the European Collection, which includes paintings from the 14th to the 19th century by masters such as Auguste Rodin and Claude Monet. Spanish Colonial artwork is well represented in the Latin American Collection while the Western American Collection includes a section on the cultural history of Arizona. Make sure you leave enough time to contemplate the work of over 2,000 photographers in the Photography Collection.Parents will be glad to know that there is also plenty to keep little ones occupied. Cultivate their love of art with the interactive activities in the PhxArt Kids Gallery or let them explore the museum with a KidPack. This child-size backpack contains puzzles and activity cards that are designed to engage them with the various exhibitions. Take them to the Thorne Room to peer at miniature furniture before standing among a field of glittering stars in the Firefly Room.When it’s time for some fresh air, stroll around the Dorrance Sculpture Garden. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite to eat from the Palette Restaurant before catching a film in the art house cinema.It’s not every day that you get an opportunity to visit a museum of this stature so do the whole family a favour and schedule it into your itinerary.