amerind foundation museum

anncar0lg

Our first visit was about 5-6 years ago and we vowed to return. The vow was kept and we are so glad. Visit this epic collection of artifacts and historical facts covering the many native American tribes of the Dragoon mountain region. Plan at the very least 2 hours to cover the Museum and Art gallery collections and indeed, buy a shirt or hat and support this superb Institution. see more on line at Amerind.org.

charlenem675

We found the Amerind Foundation by chance and it was one of the highlights of our two month camping sojourn in SE Arizona. It is W of Willcox. There is a superb collection of Native American artifacts. The focus is on tribes of the SW. However their mission statement included supporting artisans in their native craft. There was a master weaver from Oaxaca and master potters from Matta Ortez who demonstrated their crafts and explained their challenges in continuing. Call ahead to find out who is being sponsored . The art gallery displayed incredible works by 19th & 20th century American artists. The small museum store has a great selection of Native American crafts & books. If you are camping within walking distance is the Triangle T historic ranch with dry camping & hookups as well as cabins. We dry camped in a stunning setting among huge boulders. Spent 2 days because it was all so wonderful!

joek829

Probably one of the best kept secrets in Arizona, the Amerind Museum is located about 60 miles east of Tucson off I-10, in Dragoon, AZ. Though ostensibly dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Native American arts and artifacts throughout the North and South American continents, the collection focuses primarily on the American Southwest and the US-Mexican borderlands.Aside from historical preservation of Native American arts and artifacts, the museum also features several art galleries and changing exhibits dedicated to contemporary native American artists, photographers and weavers.The museum facility was constructed between the 1930s and 1950s and is a prime example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.As with all museums, the more you understand what you're looking at, the more significant the exhibits.(N.B. Suggesting that the founder was an "amateur archaeologist/anthropologist" might be a little ironic given an archaeology scholarship at the University of Arizona that is named for him.)

Lever212

This museum is located on the homesite of its founder, a pioneering amateur archaeologist/anthropologist. As such, it still bears the imprint of an individual's particular interests and passions, so it doesn't provide (and doesn't claim to provide) a full historical or cultural overview of all native civilizations, although it does touch upon aspects of Native American life covering much of the New World. Over time, other people have donated additional objects to the museum. Thus, it showcases an eclectic collection of artifacts, including many rarities, that reflect the tastes of the collectors who acquired and donated them. The exhibits range from pre-Columbian (and pre-historic) pottery, to textiles and basketry, and even a collection of dolls. The museum participates in the 2-for-1 discount program of the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance (Tucson Passport/Book of Fun).An adjacent art museum showcases a few historical works, but is focused on its periodically-changing exhibits of contemporary Southwestern artists.The museum is a bit out of the way, but well worth a visit for anyone touring in Southern Arizona.

rconard

Surprisingly, because it is so far off the beaten path, the Amerind Foundation Museum ranks with the best of Arizona. Not only are the collections interesting, but interpretive materials demonstrate thoughtful planning and research and a high degree of professionalism in the development process. The Amerind doesn't direct resources to high-tech interactive gadgetry. Rather, the focus is on presenting uncluttered, attractive exhibits that provide a rich educational experience. The two museum buildings are equally interesting for their architectural design, and the setting inTexas Canyon is beautiful. Great little museum shop, too!

BuffaloScout

I drove to the Amerind Foundation Museum from Tucson mainly because the Arizona State Museum was closed that day and I wanted to learn more about the area's prehistory. Amerind is a nice enough little museum with some real treasures, but the material on exhibit isn't very extensive. The collections represent the personal interests of the late Museum founders and, as such, include southwestern archaeology, Northwest Coast material, a few Mayan artifacts, and a whole, separate wing of contemporary western art. I almost felt the Foundation doesn't have a clear mission. From my perspective I would much prefer them to focus exclusively on southwestern Indian archaeology and art, which after all is why most people visit the area. Nonetheless I enjoyed my visit.The countryside around Amerind is visually beautiful and unique - Texas Canyon.

junesflame

This place is very out of the way, but just a quick hike if you're staying at the Triangle T. The collections were amazing and so surprising. Everything is well done and impressive and there's even a little picnic area not too far away. Great for people who are fan of native american art or history. Not especially child friendly, but the staff was very kind and informative.

sabinowalker

We really enjoyed our recent visit to Amerind and would recommend it to anyone interested in Native American history and art.

GreatBess

Extensive collection of Indian artifacts from North and South America. Nice museum. Walking distance to Triangle T ranch.

Jimmie54

The Amerind is a museum and foundation dedicated to the study of Native Americans from all the Americas. Their Museum is first rate, with a collection of artwork, traditional clothing and crafts from several different tribes which is just amazing. They are set back on a beautiful property at the base of the Dragoon Mtns. and is a great place to spend the day pick nicking and wandering the grounds after your museum visit. Highly recommend!

larryw827

We were fortunate to have visited during the Amerind Autumn Fest. Several native tribes were represented and performed dance, music and storytelling. The native hoop dances were awesome. The museum was great and gives you a glimpse of life in the Southwest many hundreds of years ago. The artifacts are fantastic and well described and carefully displayed. This is a must see museum and art gallery if you appreciate the native american heritage.

Thesaguaro

Although a one hour drive east from Tucson, you are in an historic and scenic setting. Excellent museum of Indian relics ranging from Alaska through North America, Mexico, Central America and South America. I feel very fortunate to live here in Tucson and to be able to see these outstanding artifacts! Please don't miss this! Combine with a trip to Ft Bowie, Chiricahua National Monument and Fort Huachuca (Army managed) and you will get a sense of the early 1800's on the range!

Macphilly

The Amerind Museum is a fabulous place to visit. The first thing you will be impressed with are the magnificent boulders in the surrounding area!! The museum building is amazing and it would make an awesome home. On display are beautiful artifacts from the Americas. The displays are carefully described with detailed explanations of each piece. Some of the artifacts' lighting could have been better to fully appreciate and view the pieces. Overall, it was very worthwhile.

Hushpuppy2014

If you are interested in Native American History and in Western art, this is a wonderful place to visit, in spite of the last mile, which was a bumpy dusty road. The exhibits are fascinating and cover Native Americans from Alaska to the Southwest. I found the history of the farm and its original owners, where the museum is located, especially interesting. The museum is located in the larger building while the art galley is next door and contains many wonderful paintings and other artwork. There are grounds where you can have a picnic lunch; however, the day we were there it was too windy It's definitely worth the drive if you like history.

kdb715Tucson

The Amerind Museum is a world class museum on the American Indian, almost in the middle of nowhere. Not only are the exhibits great, the very display cases are works of art with custom woodwork.This also a great destination for a picnic. There picnic grounds are nestled in amongst the unique rock formations common in this area. The bathrooms are spotless. Kids love playing on the rocks.