School of Art; Gallery 100 Student Exhibition

Arts & Culture

Arts and culture is part of Tempe’s fabric

Whether you have a passion for arts and culture, are an occasional theater goer, or your artistic preferences are decidedly fancy or funky, you’ll find something to suit your artistic bent in Tempe. You’ll discover the arts at every turn in Tempe, from contemporary art to Broadway productions to public art installations.

Explore the Arts in Tempe

Public Art in Tempe, Arizona

Public Art in Tempe

Explore Tempe’s diverse collection of permanent and temporary public art.

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The Thought Card Podcast: Where to Experience Arts and Culture in Tempe, AZ

Art Museums, Murals and More

Air Apparent at ASU

“Air Apparent”, a Skyspace designed by James Turrell

Arizona State University is home to artist James Turrell’s “Air Apparent.” Located near the intersection of Rural and Terrace Road, this artistic interpretation of Native American Hohokam shade ramadas and pit houses is especially dramatic at sunrise and sunset.

ASU Tempe Campus
Rural Rd. and Terrace Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85287

(480) 965-2100
A large wall with "Get Together Tempe" painted with leaves around it

“Get Together Tempe” by Morgan Delaney

The mural is located on the west wall of Social Hall, a local favorite for cocktails and American and Southwestern fare, and can be found on the northeast corner of University Drive and McClintock Drive.

715 S. McClintock Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281

Meet Me at Daley Park mural by Jake Early

“Meet me at Daley Park” by Jake Early

At 400 feet, Jake Early’s tribute to Tempe, “Meet Me at Daley Park,” showcases the city’s history and was painted in 2018. Find this mural on College Avenue in between Broadway Road and Apache Boulevard next to the railroad tracks.

1625 S. College Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281

"Amazed Baby” by Lucretia Torva

“Amazed Baby” by Lucretia Torva

Amazed Baby is one of the many featured murals in Danelle Plaza. Danelle Plaza on the southwest corner of Mill Avenue and Southern. Danelle Plaza is an aged plaza turned art hub, an on-going initiative to build awareness about its unique history. 

3400 S. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282

Don't Wake the Dreamer mural by Lauren Lee

“Don’t Wake the Dreamer” by Lauren Lee

You’ll find a sweet trend of beautiful birds and whimsical pink blooms amongst this popular muralist’s work. “Don’t Wake the Dreamer” is a 153-foot-long mural located at Hardy Drive and 5th Street next to Jaycee Park. 

Hardy Dr. and 5th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281

“Dreams on Pause” by Clyde Thompson-

“Dreams on Pause” by Clyde Thompson

You’ll see this 65’ x 20’ mural best when you drive east along Southern Avenue. It’s on the south side of the road near the car wash west of Mill Avenue. 

Southern Ave. and Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282

Arizona Heritage Center_Tempe

Arizona Heritage Center

Discover Arizona’s history and visit the Arizona Heritage Center! Experience exhibits, go retro with Phoenix icons like Bob’s Big Boy and Wallace and Ladmo, hang out at an old-time general store, and take a look at a WWII training aircraft.

1300 N. College Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 929-0292
ASU Art Museum credit Tim Trumble

ASU Art Museum

The ASU Art Museum exhibits national and international contemporary artists, with a focus on Latin American art. The Museum houses the largest collection of Cuban art in the U.S. and an award-winning print collection. Exhibitions change seasonally. Admission is free.

ASU Tempe Campus
51 E. 10th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 965-2787
ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center by ASU Art Museum

ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center

The Ceramics Research Center houses and displays the ASU Art Museum’s extensive ceramic collection of close to 4,000 objects. Exhibitions change seasonally and admission is free. The Museum Store is open during Gallery hours.

699 S. Mill Ave., Ste. 108
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 727-8170
ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based performing arts presenters in the world. It is the home theater of the Desert Financial Broadway Across America – Arizona and the Beyond series. This historic 3,000 seat hall was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

ASU Tempe Campus
1200 S. Forest Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 965-3434
ASU Innovation Gallery

ASU Innovation Gallery

Located on the ASU Tempe campus in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change building, the Innovation Gallery is a public space in which students prototype conceptual exhibits and programming, drawing from faculty research.

School of Human Evolution & Social Change Bldg.
900 S. Cady Mall
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 965-6215
Ballet Arizona

Ballet Arizona

Experience the artistry and excitement of Arizona’s nationally recognized ballet company. The 2022-2023 season offers ballets that will inspire, entertain, and showcase the growing artistic excellence of Ib Andersen and the awe-inspiring Ballet Arizona dancers.

2835 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034

(602) 381-1096
Carnival of Illusion Tempe

Carnival of Illusion

You will laugh, have fun and celebrate a magical night out at the Carnival of Illusion. This top-rated show is revitalizing magic by blending an “Around the World in 80 Minutes” travel theme with all the charms of a Vaudeville-inspired roadshow.

Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 359-7469
Tempe Tourism Office

Childsplay Theatre

Childsplay is Arizona’s award-winning, professional theatre company for young audiences and families. From adaptations of popular children’s books to brand new stories, the 42-year-old theatre company performs September through May at the Herberger Theater Center and in schools throughout Arizona.

Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 252-8497 (box office)
City of Tempe Public Art

City of Tempe Public Art

Tempe’s diverse collection of permanent and temporary public art complements the natural and built environment through innovative place-making, installations, and infrastructure enhancements. Tempe Public Art promotes artistic expression, bringing people together to strengthen Tempe’s sense of community and place.

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden

Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. An Arizona icon celebrating 80 years, the Garden has grown into a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer.

1201 N. Galvin Pkwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85008

(480) 941-1225
Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown Tempe Public Art Walking Tour

This self-guided tour takes you around Tempe’s vibrant downtown to explore its diverse collection of public art. The works seek to complement the natural and built environment through innovative place-making, installations, and infrastructure enhancements. Photo (by Michael Williams): Movement by The Lady Egg.

Downtown Tempe

El Valle del Sol by Champ and Such Style

El Valle del Sol by Champ and Such Styles

Arizona natives and Tempe-based artists Champ Styles and his idol/dad, Such Styles, are known for their incredible graffiti art. Their latest permanent installation at Tempe Marketplace was completed in mid-June 2020. 

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281

School of Art Gallery 100 Student Exhibition

Gallery 100

Gallery 100 provides students, faculty and academic professionals of the School of Art with exhibition space. Open Mon.-Thurs., noon to 5 p.m.

ASU Tempe Campus
65 E. University Dr. Room 111
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 965-8521
TCA_Gallery_Exterior

Gallery at TCA

The Gallery at Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) offers engaging experiences with curated, traveling and juried exhibitions. Free admission. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues. and Weds., 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Thurs. and Fri. and 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Sat.

700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ, 85281

(480) 350-2867
Gallery of Design ASU Tempe Campus

Gallery of Design

The Gallery of Design displays work by students, faculty research and design projects and special exhibitions from notable designers. Open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

ASU College of Design Bldg. South
810 S. Forest Mall
Tempe, AZ 85287-1905

(480) 965-3536
Hall of Flame

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

National Firefighting Hall of Heroes. Over 70 classic pieces of firefighting apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 2004. Fire safety exhibits, games and activities for kids.  A full-sized fire engine available for boarding. Open Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Sun., open Mon. by appointment for guided group tours.

6101 E. Van Buren St.
Phoenix, AZ 85008

(602) 275-3473
Harry Wood Gallery showing Ann Morton's MFA Thesis exhibition - Credit Bill Timmerman

Harry Wood Gallery

Exhibitions in all media by Master of Fine Arts students. Free and open to the public. Closed weekends and major holidays. Located in the School of Art Building, ASU Tempe Campus. Open Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

ASU Tempe Campus
900 S. Forest Mall
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 965-8521
Heard Museum Entrance

Heard Museum

The Heard Museum is recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, exhibitions, educational programming and festivals. The Heard presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, and offers exhibitions that showcase traditional and contemporary art.

2301 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 252-8840
Tempe Tourism Office

Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts offers more than 1,000 free and ticketed events presented by talented students, outstanding faculty and renowned guest artists annually. Events include concerts, musicals, plays, art exhibitions, lectures and more.

ASU Tempe Campus
Dixie Gammage Hall
1001 S. Forest Mall
Tempe, AZ 85287

(480) 965-6447
Musical Instrument Museum India display

Musical Instrument Museum

Explore the world’s music and cultures at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). MIM takes you on a journey around the world, deep into the heart of human creativity. Rated Phoenix’s #1 attraction by TripAdvisor, MIM displays more than 6,800 musical instruments and objects.

4725 E. Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85050

(480) 478-6000
Tempe Tourism Office

Scottsdale Musical Theater Company

Scottsdale Musical Theater Company prides itself on presenting affordable large-scale productions of Broadway musicals in their original versions. Shows feature well-known guest stars from TV, film and Broadway, professional sets and costumes, great local talent and a 20+ piece orchestra.

700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(602) 909-4215
Stray Cat Theatre

Stray Cat Theatre

Indie theatre company – producing four shows each season that you will not find anywhere else in the Valley. Performances are held primarily at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 227-1766
Tempe Center for the Arts

Tempe Center for the Arts

Tempe Center for the Arts, Arizona’s premier waterfront arts center, is an iconic venue offering exceptional, diverse, inclusive and accessible arts experiences. Enjoy dance, music, theater, comedy and visual arts all under one roof.

700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-2822 (box office)
Tempe History Museum credit Bill Timmerman

Tempe History Museum

The museum explores Tempe history through collections, research services, exhibits and programs that captivate and connect with audiences throughout the community and beyond. Open Tuesday – Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays.

809 E. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 350-5100
Tempe Tourism Office

Tempe Symphony Orchestra

The Tempe Symphony Orchestra is a made up of volunteer performers and is owned and operated by the city of Tempe Library & Cultural Services Division.

Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-2829
Tempe Town Lake Walking Tour

Tempe Town Lake Public Art Walking Tour

This self-guided tour takes you along Tempe Town Lake and through the TCA to explore the city’s diverse collection of public art. The works seek to complement the natural and built environment through innovative place-making, installations, and infrastructure enhancements. Photo: Tree of Life by Marilyn Zwak

Tempe Town Lake

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