There are many fascinating museums to discover in Phoenix, Arizona, no matter what you're interested in - art, music, culture, history, military... almost everyone knows the Musical Instrument Museum or the Phoenix Art Museum, but what are the less known ones?
In this article, we're going to have a look at some interesting specialty museums that can be found in Phoenix, Arizona, and that focus on transportation.
What's so great about specialty museums is that they focus on a specific topic and truly go into depth when exploring that particular subject, which means that the visitor gets to gain a much deeper understanding of what is being exhibited.
And there are some amazing specialty transportation museums in Phoenix! Without further ado, let's see what's there to explore in Phoenix, shall we?
Phoenix Airport Museum
If you're interested in airports and aircraft, the Phoenix Airport Museum might be the perfect place for you! Not only is there an Art Collection, but the museum also has Aviation History Exhibitions and more.
For example, in Terminal 3, you get to explore exhibitions such as "Beyond Boundaries: Maps in Art", which focuses on maps and cartography. Terminal 4 offers an exhibition called "Electro-Symbio Phonics for Phoenix" by Nam June Paik where you get to gain a lot of knowledge with regards to electronic art.
One of the Aviation History Exhibitions is "Historic Fly-In Weddings at Sky Harbor" which lets you in on how people used to fly into the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in order to get married.
And what is the purpose of the Phoenix Airport Museum, I hear you ask? Well, the website of the museum is very clear on that:
"The mission of the Phoenix Airport Museum is to enhance the Airport visitor's experience by creating a memorable environment that promotes Arizona’s unique artistic and cultural heritage through an Art Collection, Exhibition Program and the Aviation History Collection."
If you're an aircraft and aviation enthusiast, don't hesitate to visit the Phoenix Airport Museum!
Martin Auto Museum
Another museum that is focused on transportation is the Martin Auto Museum, which can be found in Phoenix as well. Martin Auto Museum exhibits many fascinating cars from over 100 years of automotive history!
The museum was actually created only 16 years ago, in 2005, and it was founded by Mel Martin. Mel Martin is obviously very passionate about cars, but he's also a very skilled mechanic. Thanks to him, the visitors get to see more than 75 vehicles!
And what else can you expect to explore in Martin Auto Museum? Well, the official website says:
"Created in 2005, the Martin Auto Museum is the brainchild of owner and founder Mel Martin. Mel saw a need to share a collection of vehicles that represent significant periods in automotive history. The museum features over 75 vehicles, including classic cars, hot rods, customs, imports, and much more. It also has one of the largest collections of auto memorabilia, antique gas pumps, and signage anywhere. Kids can enjoy the carousel, or our variety of driving and racing games. Our guides and volunteers are experts on every piece in the museum!"
When it comes to ticket prices, a 10 dollar donation from guests is expected, however, any child under 12 years can enter and enjoy the museum for free. If you'd like to see what the Martin Auto Museum has to offer, head to 17641 N. Black Canyon Highway in Phoenix, which is the current location of the museum.
The museum is normally open from Tuesday until Saturday between 10 AM and 5 PM.
Final Thoughts
Transportation is a deeply fascinating subject, and if you're passionate about finding out more about aircraft, aviation or automobiles, don't hesitate to visit these two museums located right in Phoenix, Arizona.
Have fun and above all, stay safe.