Arizona State Museum, Archaeological museum at University of Arizona campus in Tucson, United States.
The Arizona State Museum is an archaeological museum located on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson. The institution houses more than 350,000 photographs and negatives that document the prehistory and ethnology of the American Southwest and northern Mexico.
The museum was established in 1893 by the Arizona Territorial Legislature with the goal of collecting and protecting archaeological resources from the southwestern region. Over time, it became a major center for preserving the region's cultural and scientific records.
The museum displays Native American crafts including pottery, jewelry, baskets, and textiles from various periods. Visitors can see how these traditions continue among indigenous communities today.
The building has undergone renovations starting in August 2024, which will continue for approximately two years, though online exhibitions and educational programs remain available. Visitors should check in advance how any ongoing work may affect on-site visits.
The museum maintains the largest collection of Southwest Indian pottery in North America, stored in a specialized temperature-controlled vault. This particular assembly of ceramics is so significant that it requires a dedicated preservation environment.
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