You know the Valley is full of interesting museums, zoos, and other cultural institutions. Right here, we have fascinating architecture, hands-on science lessons, and places where history comes alive. If you’ve been interested in visiting these spots, the Apache Junction Public Library can help!
We’ve partnered with cultural institutions and other Arizona public libraries to become part of the Culture Pass™ program. Take advantage of this program to check out admission for two people to various locations around Arizona, including the Superstition Mountain Museum, the Heard Museum and more.
Special exhibits and events may not be covered by the pass, so we suggest getting in touch with the institution ahead of time to make sure you can see everything you want to see. They may even have their own discounts or specials in addition to the Culture Pass™. (Click here for a list of free dates and times at Valley museums, plus museums that are always free.)
Each patron may check out one Culture Pass™ at a time and families as a whole are limited to two per month. Culture Passes™ work towards the two most expensive tickets, so if you have a family of two adults and two children, you need only pay the childrens’ admission fee.
Don’t forget, neither the Culture Pass™ card or your library card will work for admission. Only a valid check-out receipt from the library will work. Have fun exploring the Valley!
We currently offer Culture Passes for the following locations
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a high-elevation botanical garden showcasing native plants of the Colorado Plateau through trails, gardens, and educational programs.
Arcosanti
Arcosanti is an experimental town and architectural site founded by Paolo Soleri that explores sustainable urban design and community living.
Arizona Heritage Center
In the heart of the Valley of the Sun, take the family to discover how the sprawling Phoenix metropolis began. Exhibits include a World War II AT-6 training airplane and a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of Roosevelt Dam.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned fusion of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum focused on the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum
Besh Ba Gowah preserves a partially excavated Salado pueblo and interprets the lives of the ancient people who lived in central Arizona.
Cave Creek Museum
The Cave Creek Museum highlights local archaeology, mining history, and indigenous cultures of the northern Sonoran Desert.
Cosanti Originals
Cosanti is a cultural site and former residence, studio, and experimental ground of architect Paolo Soleri located in Paradise Valley.
Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve is a 47-acre nature preserve featuring over 1500 Hohokam, Patayan, and Archaic petroglyphs visible on 500 basalt boulders.
Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden features thousands of desert plant species and combines conservation, art, and science in a stunning outdoor setting.
Gilbert Historical Museum
The Gilbert Historical Museum explores the town’s agricultural roots and community history through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is internationally recognized for its focus on Native American art, culture, and history, particularly of the Southwest.
Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory is a historic research institution and public observatory best known for the discovery of Pluto.
Phippen Museum
The Phippen Museum is named after local artist and first president of the Cowboy Artists of America, George Phippen. It presents museum quality Western art exhibits, educational opportunities and unique art events for visitors of all ages.
Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the Southwest, featuring global collections, fashion exhibitions, and contemporary works.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo offers immersive habitats and conservation education focused on animals from around the world.
Sigler Western Museum
This museum celebrates the art, history, and culture of the American West through rotating exhibitions and permanent collections.
The River of Time Museum and Exploration Center
This museum explores the geology, archaeology, and history of western Arizona along the Colorado River region.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
SMoCA presents contemporary art, architecture, and design exhibitions with an emphasis on innovation and dialogue.
S’edav Va’aki Museum
S’edav Va’aki preserves the ancestral lands and culture of the Hohokam people through archaeological ruins and interpretive exhibits.
Sedona Heritage Museum
Sedona Heritage Museum showcases early Sedona life, pioneer families, and the area’s ranching and film history.
Superstition Mountain Museum
This museum explores the legends, mining history, and cultural heritage of the Superstition Mountains region.
Verde Valley Archaeology Center
The Verde Valley Archaeology Center preserves and interprets the archaeological heritage of central Arizona through research and exhibits.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West: Established in January 2015, the museum resides on the historic grounds of the Loloma Transit Station. With a sprawling two-story layout encompassing 43,000 square feet, the museum showcases the art, culture, and rich history spanning 19 states in the American West, Western Canada, and Mexico.
