Ten Best Things to See at the Heard Museum
Arizona Travel Guide lists the ten best things to see at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, the finest museum on Native American culture in the United States.
The Heard Museum in Phoenix is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art and culture. Founded in 1929, the museum showcases an impressive collection of traditional and contemporary Native American artwork, artifacts, and exhibitions. Visitors can explore the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples, particularly those from the Southwest, through immersive displays, interactive experiences, and thought-provoking installations.
If you’re planning a visit, here are the ten best things to see at the Heard Museum, each offering a unique glimpse into the artistry, history, and living traditions of Native American communities.
Ten Best Things to See at the Heard Museum
1. HOME: Native People in the Southwest – A Permanent Exhibit
One of the most compelling exhibits at the Heard Museum is HOME: Native People in the Southwest, a permanent installation that explores the deep connections between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands. This exhibit features over 2,000 objects, including pottery, textiles, baskets, and contemporary art, illustrating how Native communities have thrived in the Southwest for centuries.
Visitors will encounter stunning examples of Navajo weaving, Hopi katsina dolls, and Zuni jewelry, all displayed in a way that emphasizes cultural continuity. The exhibit also incorporates multimedia elements, such as oral histories and videos, allowing guests to hear directly from Native artists and elders about their traditions.
A particularly moving section focuses on the forced relocation of Native peoples, including the tragic Long Walk of the Navajo. By blending historical artifacts with modern interpretations, HOME presents a powerful narrative of resilience and adaptation.
2. Remembering Our Indian School Days: The Boarding School Experience
This emotionally charged exhibit sheds light on a dark chapter in American history—the forced assimilation of Native American children in government-run boarding schools. Remembering Our Indian School Days uses personal accounts, photographs, and artifacts to tell the stories of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and stripped of their language and culture.
One of the most striking elements is a recreated classroom, complete with wooden desks and a chalkboard, where visitors can sit and reflect on the harsh realities faced by students. Testimonials from survivors reveal the lasting trauma inflicted by these institutions, while also highlighting moments of resistance and cultural preservation.
This exhibit is essential for understanding the ongoing impact of colonialism on Native communities and serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural revitalization today.
3. Barry Goldwater Collection of Hopi Kachina Dolls
The Heard Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Hopi katsina (or kachina) dolls in the world, thanks to Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater’s lifelong passion for Hopi art. These intricately carved wooden figures represent spiritual beings central to Hopi religious life and are traditionally given to children as educational tools.
The collection features over 400 katsinas, ranging from early 19th-century pieces to contemporary interpretations. Each doll is meticulously detailed, with symbolic colors, feathers, and designs that reflect the specific katsina spirit it embodies. Visitors can learn about the different types of katsinas, such as the Hemiskatsina (clown katsina) or the Angak’china (long-haired katsina), and their roles in Hopi ceremonies.
This exhibit not only showcases artistic mastery but also provides insight into the spiritual worldview of the Hopi people.
4. We Are! Arizona’s First People – A Family-Friendly Exhibit
Designed with younger visitors in mind, We Are! Arizona’s First People is an interactive exhibit that introduces children to the diverse cultures of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes. Through hands-on activities, games, and storytelling, kids can learn about traditional foods, languages, and daily life.
Highlights include a replica of a Hohokam pit house, a weaving station where children can try their hand at loom work, and a section where they can listen to Native languages spoken by tribal members. The exhibit fosters appreciation for Indigenous cultures in an engaging, accessible way, making it perfect for families and school groups.
5. Around the World: The Travels of Kate and Richard Lehman
This fascinating exhibit showcases Indigenous art from across the Americas and beyond, collected by philanthropists Kate and Richard Lehman. Featuring pieces from the Arctic to South America, Around the World highlights the universality of Native artistic expression while celebrating regional distinctions.
Notable items include Inuit carvings, Northwest Coast masks, and Amazonian featherwork. The exhibit also includes contemporary works, demonstrating how traditional techniques are being reinterpreted in modern contexts. For those interested in global Indigenous art, this collection is a must-see.
6. The Heard Museum Shop – Authentic Native Art and Crafts
Aside from the exhibits, one must-see thing at the museum is the exceptional gift shop, which offers one of the finest selections of authentic Native American art in the Southwest. Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, the items here are carefully curated, with many pieces made by Indigenous artists from Arizona and beyond.
Shoppers can browse a stunning array of handcrafted jewelry, including silver and turquoise pieces by Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi artisans. The shop also features traditional and contemporary pottery, woven baskets, katsina dolls, and textiles. For those looking for meaningful keepsakes, there are books on Native history, art prints, and even children’s toys that celebrate Indigenous cultures.
Purchasing from the Heard Museum Shop directly supports Native artists and their communities, making it a wonderful way to take home a piece of Native American heritage while contributing to its preservation.
7. Celebrating Silver: The Art of Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry
Southwestern Native jewelry is renowned for its beauty and craftsmanship, and Celebrating Silver highlights the evolution of Navajo and Pueblo silversmithing. From early concha belts to contemporary squash blossom necklaces, this exhibit traces the history of metalwork among Southwestern tribes.
Visitors can admire intricate stampwork, delicate overlay techniques, and stunning turquoise inlay. The exhibit also explains the cultural significance of jewelry in ceremonies and trade, making it a dazzling and educational experience.
8. Maria Martinez: The Legacy of a Pueblo Potter
Maria Martinez, a legendary potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo, revolutionized Native American ceramics with her black-on-black pottery. This exhibit showcases her work alongside that of her family, demonstrating how her techniques have been passed down through generations.
The elegant, glossy-black vessels are not only artistic masterpieces but also symbols of cultural endurance. This exhibit is a tribute to Martinez’s enduring influence on Pueblo pottery.
9. The Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market
Held annually in March, this vibrant event brings together over 600 Native artists, offering visitors the chance to purchase authentic artwork directly from the creators. From jewelry to paintings to sculptures, the fair is a feast for the senses and a celebration of living Native artistry.
10. The Scult Court and Outdoor Sculpture Garden
Before leaving, visitors should explore the museum’s outdoor spaces, which feature striking sculptures by Native artists. The Scult Court and surrounding garden provide a serene setting to reflect on the beauty and power of Indigenous art.
Final Thoughts
The Heard Museum is more than just a museum—it’s a living testament to the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of Native peoples. Each exhibit offers a unique perspective, making it a must-visit destination in Phoenix. Whether you’re drawn to history, art, or cultural studies, the Heard has something profound to offer.
More Information
For details of opening hours, admission prices and more, visit the Heard Museum website.
More Information
For details of opening hours, admission prices and more, visit the Heard Museum website.
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