Heard Museum, Art museum in Phoenix, United States.
The Heard Museum is a private, not-for-profit art museum in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to American Indian art. Its white, flat-roofed building has a central facade with five arched openings above the inscription "Heard Museum" and "Steele Auditorium"; three large round arches at ground level frame a bronze sculpture group. Portions were designed by architect Bennie Gonzales.
Dwight and Maie Bartlett Heard founded the museum in 1929 to house their private collection of archaeological materials from the La Ciudad ruin. The institution gradually broadened its focus and now emphasizes contemporary indigenous voices alongside historical objects.
The collections represent more than 250 communities across North America and present their stories through personal narratives. The contemporary art gallery rotates regularly and features living artists who combine traditional techniques with modern themes.
The museum occupies over 130,000 square feet of gallery, classroom and performance space, and the American Indian Veterans National Memorial stands next to the outdoor Libby Amphitheater in front of the building. The entrance is set behind a lawn, under the central round arch bearing the "Heard Museum" inscription. The Indian Fair and Market, held each March, draws about 15,000 visitors.
The American Indian Veterans National Memorial beside the Libby Amphitheater has four bronze-colored panels and three sculptures by Allan Houser, a Chiricahua Apache, and Michael Naranjo of Santa Clara Pueblo. The outdoor amphitheater also hosts the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, usually in early February.
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