Arizona Museum of Natural History

About

The Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa is one of the Southwest's leading natural history institutions, bringing together paleontology, anthropology, geology, and regional cultural history under one roof. Operated by the City of Mesa, the museum explores the deep past of the American Southwest through an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, ancient artifacts, meteorites, and geological specimens. Paleontology is a major strength: the museum's Dinosaur Mountain features multiple full-scale dinosaur skeletons mounted in dramatic natural poses across multiple levels, creating a sense of scale and wonder that few institutions can match. Fossil preparation labs provide windows into ongoing scientific work, connecting visitors with the process of discovery. The minerals and meteorites collection rounds out the earth sciences with specimens from Arizona and beyond. Anthropology galleries explore the history of the Southwest's indigenous peoples, from the ancient Hohokam civilization through centuries of Puebloan, O'odham, and other Native cultures. The hands-on Mayan city building reconstruction and gold panning sluice bring history alive for younger visitors in uniquely tactile ways. A simulated flash flood experience recreates the dramatic desert weather phenomenon that has shaped the landscape and lives of desert peoples for millennia. The museum offers homeschool discount admissions and maintains close ties with nearby Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va'aki (Pueblo Grande Museum), an O'odham heritage site in the Phoenix metro area. The museum's active Paleontology and Anthropology departments conduct ongoing research and fieldwork, making it both a public institution and a working scientific center.

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