Discover the Heard Museum’s Nearly 100-Year History, As Seen on Arizona Highways TV
When Maie and Dwight B. Heard moved to Arizona in 1895, they quickly fell in love with Indigenous art and culture of the American southwest. By 1929, the Heard Museum officially opened its doors to the public and became the first museum of its kind in Arizona. Now an internationally recognized arts and culture institution known for the quality of its collections, vibrant exhibitions, and educational programming, we are honored to continue welcoming visitors from near and far nearly a century later.
The Heard Museum’s permanent collection includes over 40,000 objects representing American Indian Tribes and Canadian First Nations, with a strong focus on Native people in Arizona and the southwest. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate beauty of baskets and beadwork, or the bold expression found in paintings, jewelry, and Katsina doll carvings, our galleries highlight both traditional and contemporary works by Indigenous artists from across North America. Visitors can also experience a variety of outdoor installations across the museum grounds, including a sculpture garden and the American Indian Veterans National Memorial.
We recently welcomed Arizona Highways TV into the galleries for a conversation with Heard Museum Chief Curator Diana Pardue. Watch now to hear about the incredible journey from one couple’s vision to a world-renowned cultural landmark connecting the past, present, and future of Indigenous artistry.
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