Celebrate International Museum Day with 2-for-1 admission

May 15, 2019 at 11:36 am

Discover art and dinosaurs, explore the jungle and an ancient village and nurture creative thinking with your family during International Museum Day. The i.d.e.a. Museum and Arizona Museum of Natural History will offer 2-for-1 admission on Saturday, May 18, in recognition of the day. Special art activities also are planned at the i.d.e.a. Museum.

Additionally, experience 5 new art exhibitions at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, which is always free.

At the i.d.e.a. Museum, guests may enjoy imaginative and creative experiences in ArtVille (a socks-only space for ages 4 and younger) and the HUB Gallery. They also are encouraged to journey into current art exhibition, Junkyard Jungle, to learn more about rainforests and recycling through hands-on activities.
Special art activities for International Museum Day include Plein Air painting in the atrium, popsicle art for little ones in ArtVille and an exhibition design activity in the HUB for older kids. And don't miss the black light rain forest room.

The Arizona Museum of Natural History, located at 53 N. Macdonald, features dinosaurs that roar and so much more. Visitors can try their luck at gold panning, wonder through an ancient Hohokam village, and take a selfie with a T. rex. Plus, meet the new tyrannosaur making headlines - the Suskityrannus - found only here at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. There is something exciting for everyone.

Exhibitions currently at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum are: Cartomancy - The Seni Horoscopes, by Shay Bredimus; Docents Select: Zoo, from the permanent collection; True and Livin' by Aaron Coleman; Petrichor, by Esao Andrews (originally from Mesa, AZ); and Allure, a site-specific installation by Crystal Wagner.

The i.d.e.a. Museum's hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during International Museum Day. Regular admission is $9 per guest age one and older. Members are free.

AZMNH hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday. Regular admission is $7 for children 3 to 12 and $12 for 13 and older. Members are free.

The Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and is always free to visitors.

International Museum Day began in 1977 to raise awareness of museums and their impact on society. It's coordinated by the International Council of Museums. In 2018, 40,000 museums globally participate by offering admission discounts and coordinating special events.

Please note: AZMNH and the i.d.e.a. Museum participate in Museums for All - a discounted admission program for economically challenged families, so they may experience the museum without the crowds typical on discounted days. Families who present their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card qualify for a $2 admission per person (up to 6 people) and may visit both museums during business hours that are convenient for their families.

More museum activities can be found online at www.arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org, www.ideaMuseum.org and www.mesaartscenter.com.

Contact:
Yvette Armendariz
(480) 644-4129
yvette.armendariz@mesaaz.gov

ABOUT CITY OF MESA ARTS & CULTURE
Mesa's Department of Arts and Culture includes the Arizona Museum of Natural History, i.d.e.a. Museum and Mesa Arts Center, all located in downtown Mesa, Arizona. The mission of the department is to strengthen, for all, the creative, social and economic fabric of our community and region through inspiring, relevant, engaging and transformational cultural experiences and cross-sector collaborations.