Scottsdale Culture & History: Western Roots to Modern Art

Western heritage

• Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West – Rotating exhibits, saddles, sculpture; surprisingly engaging even if you don’t think you’re a “museum person.”
• Little Red Schoolhouse (Scottsdale Historical Museum) – Fast, free stop with early-town artifacts.
• Old Adobe Mission – 1930s hand-built church; serene and photogenic.

Art you can walk

• Scottsdale ArtWalk (Thursdays) – Galleries open late along Main St. & Marshall Way; free and social.
• Public Art on the Waterfront – Seek out the LOVE sculpture in Civic Center and seasonal installations along the canal.

Architecture

• Taliesin West (Frank Lloyd Wright) – Short drive into the foothills; guided tours highlight Wright’s winter home and studio.
• Hotel Valley Ho – Restored mid-century modern icon; lobby and pool deck are worth a peek.

Pro tips

• Park once near Civic Center and do a loop: Civic Center → SMoCA → Main St. galleries → Waterfront.
• Pair ArtWalk with snacks at Citizen Public House or The Mission.