Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona offers a rich and insightful view into the world of Native American history and culture. The museum is located on Central Avenue in Phoenix and its original building has expanded with a new structure albeit in a different location. Visitors can find this building in the West Valley, entitled Heard Museum West.

The museum’s overall mission is to educate the public about the ways and lifestyle of Native American Indians. Unlike most museums it is not considered to be a museum of history, but a living exhibition that showcases the lives of these great people, both in the past and as it is today. This museum has become an important part of the city and has been designated as a point of pride in the city of Phoenix.

Founded in 1929 by Dwight B. and Maie Bartlett Heard, it was originally used to house the collection of artifacts that they owned. Since that time the museum has grown in the number of paintings and other pieces of art that it houses. It might be hard to recognize its humble origins today as the museum has not only grown in size but in stature as well being internationally recognized for its quality and reputation. Visitors to the museum can expect to browse the vast collection that includes more than 40,000 items and includes a library complete with archives that feature over 34,000 volumes.

Some of the most interesting collections in the museum are the Mareen Allen Nichols Collection which features more than 260 pieces of contemporary jewelry; The Barry Goldwater Collection of 437 historic Hopi Kachina Dolls and an exhibit that showcases the 19th century boarding school experiences of Native American students. With its vast array of different items visitors to the museum are sure to experience a tumultuous insight in to Native American culture.

The museum also hosts the annual Spanish Market which usually takes places in November. This event features strolling mariachis as well as artwork displayed by numerous Hispanic artists from both Arizona and New Mexico. Another festival that takes place here in the first weekend of February is the annual World Championship Hoop Dancing Contest whilst the most famous of the festivals that takes place here is the Indian Fair and Market.

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