Museum Tours

Often, the principal contact between the Heard Museum and the visiting public is provided by a corps of trained and accredited guides called Las Guias (Spanish for "The Guides"). This group of dedicated volunteers extends hospitality, provides interpretation of exhibits and programs, and, in a warm and personal way, implements the official mission of the Museum, “to educate the public about the heritage and the living cultures and arts of Native peoples, with an emphasis on the peoples of the Southwest.”

Each tour narrates exhibit highlights, pointing out interesting and relevant information to heighten and deepen the visitor’s appreciation of each display. There are several public tours offered every day. In addition, private group tours can be arranged in advance. Special tours for elementary school children that include craft activities have become especially popular.

There are two standard 45 minute tours. One features the Museum’s signature exhibit, called “Home: Native People in the Southwest”. Here, visitors view the artifacts of the past and the contemporary art which reflect the native cultures in the Southwest. The other standard tour is called “Highlights” because it features highlights from the Museum’s many changing exhibits. In addition, tour guides give gallery talks - a 20 minute interpretation of a specific gallery.

Group tours can be arranged by calling:

Lamar Melcher
Outreach & Tour Coordinator
602- 251-0262