Okay, letâs be realâmost people think âhistory museumâ and their brain immediately goes to dusty artifacts and awkward field trips... but trust me, the Tempe History Museum is not that vibe. Located at 809 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, this place is all about bringing the past to life in a way thatâs actually entertaining (and yeah, kinda addictive). Whether you're a curious local, a history buff, or someone just trying to escape the Arizona heat in style, this spot is a must-see when you're hanging out around Gilbert.
đď¸What Makes This Museum Cool (Not Corny):
Modern, interactive exhibits that donât feel like a textbook
Kid-friendly zones so the little ones arenât bored out of their minds
Audio tours, touchscreen displays, and multimedia stories for max immersion
A huge emphasis on local storiesâlike, real people from Tempe who made this area what it is today
Seasonal exhibits that rotate through art, music, cultural heritage, and even fashion... Tempe-style, of course
đSo, Where Exactly Is It?
Tons of free parking (praise the desert gods đ)
Easy to get to from Gilbert, Chandler, Mesaâyou name it
Surrounded by fun food spots like Perfect Pear Bistro, Garciaâs Mexican Restaurant, and even a nearby Dutch Bros for a post-museum caffeine hit
đŻWhatâs Nearby? Make It a Full Day!
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium â just 15 mins away if you wanna go from âold stuffâ to underwater vibes
Arizona Mills â if shopping therapy is your thing, youâre just a hop away
Tempe Town Lake â epic spot for sunset selfies, paddle boats, or chillinâ on the grass
Tempe Center for the Arts â check out a show if you're feelin' classy after your museum day
đHidden Gems Inside:
The "Community Room" often has live talks, panels, and events open to the public
Watch actual video interviews from longtime Tempe residents telling their wild, sweet, or totally unexpected stories
Did you know Tempe played a role in WWII munitions production? Yeah, itâs in there too!
Get up close with historic ASU gear, band uniforms, and artifacts from local legends
đ§Pro Tips Before You Go:
Admission is totally FREE (yes, you read that right)
Check their website for rotating exhibits and local event tie-ins
Itâs air-conditioned, making it an A+ summer escape from that Arizona sun
Follow their socials for behind-the-scenes peeks and upcoming fun
Bring your cameraâInstagram-worthy displays and a cool gift shop are part of the deal
đ Now if youâre planning to roll out from Gilbert to Tempe for some educational funâor just wanna cruise around the Valley in comfortâdo it right with 6 Cars AZ. Theyâve got the wheels to match your vibe, and bookingâs a breeze. Check them out at 6 Cars AZ or give 'em a shout at +1 520-492-7222. Seriously, historyâs more fun when you roll up in style!
Eliminate the stress of traditional car rentals, skipping the long check-in process and rental counter lines. No waiting in line, no hassleâjust pure convenience and a pristine vehicle. To show our gratitude, we provide a white-glove concierge service that includes personalized check-in, ensuring your rental experience is smooth and seamless.
As a proud Veteran-owned and operated business, we bring the same level of dedication and attention to detail that weâve applied throughout our service. Whether itâs the flawless condition of the vehicle or the personalized care, you can trust that every experience is handled with the utmost integrity and commitment.
Telephone:
Our Location:
Gilbert, AZ - 85295
Our business hours:
Monday-Sunday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM