Heard Museum

The Heard Museum is an art museum in Phoenix, Arizona, that specializes in the art and culture of indigenous peoples of North America. The building holds multiple permanent exhibition spaces, rotating gallery areas, and an inner courtyard lined with sculptures and native plants.

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 galleries are air-conditioned and accessible throughout, with seating benches in all major exhibition rooms. A visit typically takes two to three hours depending on how much time one spends in the rotating galleries.

The annual Indian Fair and Market gathers more than 600 indigenous artists and includes a juried competition. The museum also runs an artist-in-residence program where creators work directly in the galleries and visitors can watch their techniques.

Location: Arizona

Inception: 1929

Founders: Maie Bartlett Heard, Dwight B. Heard

Official opening: 1929

Phone: +16022528840

Website: http://heard.org

GPS coordinates: 33.47350,-112.07400

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:31