Smithsonian Museum Day 2020: Participating Arizona Museums

April 4 is Museum Day, a nationwide initiative when participating museums in Arizona and across the United States allow visitors to experience offerings for free.

The 16th annual event, organized by Smithsonian Magazine, is intended to encourage museums, zoos and cultural centers to emulate the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based facilities, which offer free admission year-round.

More than 1,200 museums in all 50 states are expected to take part in this year’s Museum Day. Those wishing to visit a local museum that day should go to Smithsonian Magazine’s website, locate a museum and download a ticket. Each ticket ensures complimentary access to the holder and one guest.

Here are the participating museums in Arizona:

• Amerind Museum, Dragoon, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Arizona State Museum, Tucson, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum, Globe, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, Bisbee, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• CAF Airbase Arizona Museum, Mesa, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Cave Creek Museum, Cave Creek, 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Chandler Museum, Chandler, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, Tucson, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Homolovi State Park and Observatory, Winslow, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Mesa Historical Museum, Mesa, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Old Trails Museum, Winslow, 10 am. - 3 p.m.
• Phippen Museum, Prescott, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Rim Country Museum & Zane Grey Cabin, Payson, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• River of Time Museum, Fountain Hills, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Sedona Heritage Museum, Sedona, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Tempe History Museum, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, Tucson, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Tohono Chul, Tucson, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Tubac Center of the Arts, Tubac, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Tubac, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• i.d.e.a. Museum, Mesa, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The theme for this year’s Museum Day is Earth Optimism, which showcases events and exhibits on conservation and sustainability from a perspective of hope, according to a news release from Smithsonian Magazine.