A hands-on museum in downtown Mesa with art and activity spaces for kids 0 to 12, sensory backpacks and noise-reducing headphones at the front desk, two quiet spaces, and staff with autism certification training.
Sensory supports. Sensory backpacks, headphones and two quiet spaces.
Hours
Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm. Sunday, 12 pm to 4 pm. Closed Mondays, and closed New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
“Sensory support backpacks can be checked out at our front desk. Backpacks include fidget toys, weighted calming stuffed animals, visual timers and more.”
“For those with noise sensitivities, noise-reducing headphones can be checked out at our front desk and can be found at different locations around the museum for guests to use.”
“The museum offers two designated ‘quiet spaces’ where visitors can sit and relax away from the bright lights and sounds of other visitors.”
In ArtVille, the Infant Care and Low Sensory Space is a private space where families can sit away from other visitors. ArtVille is the area for kids 0 to 4. The outdoor Atrium is also a place to relax and enjoy.
Staff have completed autism certification training through IBCCES. The museum takes part in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program: ask for a lanyard or bracelet if you'd like staff to know your kid may need extra help or time.
TheraSpec glasses for light sensitivity and glare can be checked out at the front desk too.
Infant Care and Low Sensory Space, in ArtVillequiet zone
The outdoor Atrium, “a place to relax and enjoy”quiet zone
Admission is $12 for kids and adults 1 and up; free for members, kids under 1 and veterans. Museums for All (EBT/SNAP/WIC) is $4. A ticket includes full-day access to the museum, all exhibitions and daily programming.
Parking: the museum lot is reached from W. 1st Street and W. Pepper Place, with accessible spaces in the lot and along North Robson St. The lot can fill at busy times; downtown Mesa has other free parking nearby.
Eating and drinking only in the lobby, the outdoor Atrium and the Snackery, which has snack and drink vending machines.
The front entrance has automated doors with an ADA door button, and every art and activity space is on the first floor. Restrooms are in the lobby, ArtVille and The HUB, with a Family/Companion Care restroom in ArtVille. The toilets flush by hand, not automatically.
Strollers are welcome; in ArtVille, leave them in the stroller parking area in the lobby. A courtesy wheelchair is at the front desk, subject to availability.
Exhibitions are designed for ages 0 to 12, and all ages are welcome.
Questions: call 480-644-2468 to reach a person, or 480-644-4332 for recorded information.
