Where the Desert Comes Alive!
The Desert Museum is open daily, including all holidays!
Museum Hours & Rates
Just announced is the new MyGeoTrex™ iPhone application, a GPS-based smartphone app that provides more information about the exhibits in real-time as you explore the Museum grounds. Read more about the MyGeoTrex™ application here.
Featured Events
Live & (sort of) On The Loose - Daily except Thursdays and Fridays
This live animal presentation is offered by the staff of the Herpetology department. These 30-45 minute programs take place in the Warden Oasis Theater at 12:15 p.m. except during other special events. So, be sure to check the museum's daily event board to confirm that this exciting program will take place!
Running Wild - Daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Running Wild is an innovative demonstration that combines natural behaviors of live animals with projected images, music and narration. You might see a skunk, a ringtail, a porcupine, a pelican and a few macaws. It is presented in Warden Oasis Theater at 11 a.m.
Behind the Scenes Tours
Go "Behind-the-Scenes" at the Desert Museum. Take a tour designed for inquisitive individuals seeking more in-depth experiences. Select a tour to suit your individual interests or plan to experience all of them!
Animal Keeper Interactions
Watch the Museum's professional keepers working with individual animals in training exercises, feedings or enrichment activities. Check the Plan Your Day board at the entrance patio for times and locations.
Daily Demonstrations
| Bird Walk Tours | 7:30 a.m. |
| Interpretive Tours | 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. |
| Live Animal Interpretation | Varies throughout the morning hours |
(Bird Walks and Tours are contingent on docent availability and may not be conducted every day.)
Tours in Spanish / Tours en Español
The first Wednesday of the month, September through May, docents will not be available on grounds. Sorry for any convenience.
For Your Comfort and Convenience
The Museum grounds include almost two miles of paths on 21 acres! Like many other zoos and museums, it is not always possible to see everything in one visit.
The Museum is primarily a walking experience. Wheelchairs and strollers are available free of charge on a first come first served basis. We also have electric scooter wheelchairs available for $15 each. All exhibits may be reached by wheelchair. Some paths are unpaved, and there are some hilly areas.
Shopping
Two gift shops offer an excellent inventory of native products, jewelry, shirts and hats, pottery, children's items, books, gems and minerals, and other southwest merchandise.
Food & Refreshments
In addition to a small picnic area, we have two restaurants, a coffee bar and ice cream shop to satisfy your hunger. Special group menus are also available. Our Food & Refreshments pages have restaurant hours, menus and more details.
Painters & Artists
The Art Institute located on grounds at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum hosts a large number of on-site art exhibits, classes and other artistic venues. Please refer to the Art Institute portion of this website for more information and rules for painting on grounds.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on the Museum grounds or parking lots. Only service animals are permitted.
Hours, Rates and Directions
Additional Travel Information
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