Tempe History Museum

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Tempe History Museum The Tempe History Museum is a center where the community comes together to explore Tempe’s past Admission is free! This museum is a perfect choice for all ages.
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The museum features interactive exhibits, fun activities for kids, and frequent concerts, presentations and films. The Tempe Historical Museum was founded by the Tempe Historical Society, a private non-profit group of citizens, which operated the Museum from its inception in 1972 until July 1, 1984 when it became a division of the City of Tempe's Community Services Department. In 2010, the museum was renovated to incorporate a community gathering space, a children's area and new permanent exhibits. Any City of Tempe engagement on City Councilmember social media posts is not an attempt to influence the outcome of any election, in violation of Arizona law, or otherwise.

Tempe History Museum was just named Best Museum in Tempe by Tempe Tribune! 🎉🏆 If you haven’t stopped by lately, fall is ...
10/09/2026

Tempe History Museum was just named Best Museum in Tempe by Tempe Tribune! 🎉🏆

If you haven’t stopped by lately, fall is a great time to visit. There’s a lot happening, from lowrider history and live music to a car show and holiday traditions.

📅 Now–Dec. 31: Ranfla Vida: Local Lowrider History
🎶 Oct. 9 | 7 p.m.: Performances at the Museum - Ruta Verbena
🚗 Nov. 15 | noon–5 p.m.: Female Function Car Show
🎵 Nov. 20 | 7 p.m.: Performances at the Museum - Hyperbella
🎄 Dec. 5,6, 12, 13, 19 & 20: Christmas at Petersen House

That's Tempe down there, probably in 1957 or 1958 because it looks like Sun Devil Stadium is in early stages of construc...
10/08/2026

That's Tempe down there, probably in 1957 or 1958 because it looks like Sun Devil Stadium is in early stages of construction. Our population was less than 25,000 at the time.

Thank you azfamily 3TV CBS 5 for sharing the story of Tempe's barrios and the origins of the Tempe Tardeada.
10/06/2026

Thank you azfamily 3TV CBS 5 for sharing the story of Tempe's barrios and the origins of the Tempe Tardeada.

Gibby Parra takes us behind the story of one of Tempe's most antici...

New lowrider in the museum lobby! Come check out Jimmy Arbizu’s 1966 Impala, representing the Intruders Car Club!
10/01/2026

New lowrider in the museum lobby! Come check out Jimmy Arbizu’s 1966 Impala, representing the Intruders Car Club!

Thanks for making Tempe fall in love with Ethiopian food. We will miss you! Photo from 1999.
10/01/2026

Thanks for making Tempe fall in love with Ethiopian food. We will miss you! Photo from 1999.

We received a donation today of a circa 1970 tshirt from The Hut, a little bar that was on 2nd Street just west of Mill ...
09/29/2026

We received a donation today of a circa 1970 tshirt from The Hut, a little bar that was on 2nd Street just west of Mill Avenue. Thanks to Bill for generously placing this treasure in the museum’s permanent collection!

09/26/2026

Kick off the new season with the highly danceable yet unconventional sounds of Jerusafunk!
This dynamic six-piece ensemble blends the irresistible rhythms of traditional funk and disco with a bold, genre-bending twist, drawing inspiration from klezmer, cumbia, bossa nova, taqsim, and beyond.

09/26/2026

Kick off the new season with the highly danceable yet unconventional sounds of Jerusafunk!

This dynamic six-piece ensemble blends the irresistible rhythms of traditional funk and disco with a bold, genre-bending twist, drawing inspiration from klezmer, cumbia, bossa nova, taqsim, and beyond.

Address

809 E Southern Avenue
Tempe, AZ
85282

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(480) 350-5100

Website

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