By Todd Bankofier
As summer approaches and the temperature heats up, many locals look for ways to stay cool and engaged. For those of us who live in the Valley year-round, museums offer more than a break from the heat. They provide meaningful experiences, cultural enrichment, and a stronger connection to the place we call home.
At Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, we celebrate the art, history, and cultures of the American West with exhibits that highlight both shared stories and unique perspectives. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, we’re proud to bring nationally recognized programming to Scottsdale. Like many local cultural institutions, we rely on support from our community to continue this work, particularly during the slower summer season. It’s cool in here!
Museums serve as more than repositories of history. They provide educational opportunities, strengthen local identity, and contribute to the economy. Arizona’s nonprofit arts and culture sector generates over $1 billion in economic activity each year and supports more than 30,000 jobs. Museums help attract visitors, support surrounding businesses, and keep tax dollars circulating within our communities.
In 2023, Arizona welcomed more than 40 million domestic overnight visitors. Cultural tourism continues to play a role in this growth, with nearly one in three travelers including museums or cultural sites in their plans. When you visit and support a local museum, you’re helping sustain valuable community resources and investing in Arizona’s cultural and economic future.
Supporting museums is a lot like shopping local. Every admission, membership, or donation helps us continue telling stories of the West and creating engaging experiences for future generations.
This summer, I encourage you to explore what the Valley’s museums have to offer. Whether it’s a family outing, a staycation activity, or showing off your city to guests, local museums have something for everyone. When you choose to explore nearby, you help keep our cultural institutions strong and connected to the communities they serve.
We’re also in the process of growing. Our new wing, now under construction, will allow us to host more traveling exhibitions, expand educational programs, and offer additional space for events and community use.
Support your local museums. Support Western Spirit. And most of all, support the stories that make Arizona one of a kind. To learn more about our summer programming and future plans, visit westernspirit.org.
Todd Bankofier is the CEO and executive director of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.