Tohono Chul, Art museum and botanical gardens in Oro Valley, US
Tohono Chul is an art museum and botanical gardens spanning 49 acres with three walking trails through the Sonoran Desert, exhibition spaces for regional artists, and a restaurant. The property integrates art displays, desert plants, and dining facilities.
Richard and Jean Wilson started acquiring desert land in 1966 and gradually expanded their collection. The property opened officially as Tohono Chul in 1985.
The galleries display regional artists' works, particularly ceramics and paintings that respond to the desert landscape and local traditions. Visitors can see how contemporary makers engage with the natural environment around them.
The gardens and galleries are open daily with slightly different hours, so plan accordingly for your visit. The terrain is flat with marked paths, making it easy to walk around.
The property includes a geology wall and a hummingbird sanctuary where visitors watch native birds moving through desert plants. These specialized features blend education with direct nature observation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
