Exhibits

USS Arizona: Flagship of the Fleet

The USS Arizona, named in honor of the 48th addition to the Union, is a symbol of the state. The ship tragically sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor and represents a turning point for the nation, prompting the US to enter World War II. In addition to the memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza, the battleship’s silver service and other artifacts are on display in the museum.

Arizona Takes Shape

The United States government created the Territory of Arizona on February 24, 1863. Follow the journey from westward expansion through statehood to see how Arizona evolved.

Governor’s Office

The Governor conducts executive business with the officers of the government, executes the laws, and communicates with the legislative branch. This location was used by the Arizona Governor until 1974 and highlights Arizona’s first Governor, George W.P. Hunt, and a rotation of past Governors. Featuring objects loaned by Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum located in Miami, Arizona.

Minerals of Arizona's Historic Mining Communities

Visitors are invited to feel the textured surface of two large minerals native to Arizona and learn about our official state metal, fossil, gem, and mineral. Curated by the Arizona Mining, Mineral, and Natural Resource Education Museum.

Lego Flag

The museum is proud to host a seven foot flag made with exactly 114,006 Lego bricks to represent the total number of square miles in Arizona. On loan from Bonanza Educational.

Historic House Chamber

See what government in action looked like during early statehood. The chamber has been restored to look as it did during the 1910 Arizona Constitutional Convention.

The Judicial Branch - Arizona State Courts

Visitors can view a robe worn by United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Conner as well as learn about the judicial branch and notable cases decided by the Arizona Supreme Court.

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Grand Canyon National Park

In 1919, President Wilson signed legislation establishing over 1 million acres of northwestern Arizona as Grand Canyon National Park. In collaboration with the National Park Service, the museum opened an exhibition to commemorate the park’s centennial. Visitors can view a model of the canyon, a historic ranger uniform, and learn about the first female ranger at the park. Open through December.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a prolific Civil Rights leader whose ideas transformed the nation. Following his assassination in 1968, many attempts were made on both national and state levels to pass a holiday honoring his legacy. This exhibit includes a recording of a speech Dr. King delivered at ASU in 1964 as well as a timeline of the various efforts behind the recognition of “King Day” as an official holiday here in Arizona. Open through spring 2020.

Merci Train

The United States and France have long been allies and during World War II, the U.S. provided aid and supplies to the war-torn country. In 1949, the people of France sent a boxcar packed with gifts of gratitude to every state. This exhibit provides a selection of gifts sent to Arizona.