An Art Lover’s Paradise

Itinerary Snapshot

9:00 a.m.       See Paolo Soleri’s famous windbells at Cosanti

10:30 a.m.     Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture at Taliesin West

1:00 p.m.       Enjoy lunch at one of Scottsdale’s delightful restaurants

2:30 p.m.       Take a driving tour of Scottsdale’s public art collection

4:00 p.m.       Explore the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

5:30 p.m.       Dine in style at a local resort or independent restaurant

7:00 p.m.       Meander through downtown galleries during ArtWalk

9:00 p.m.       Sip a glass of wine and enjoy dessert at a cozy wine bar

Begin your day at Cosanti, an Arizona Historic Site. Cosanti is a unique complex of concrete structures designed and constructed by Paolo Soleri. Enjoy browsing the studios where Soleri’s world-famous bronze windbells are made and sold.

Next, head over to Taliesin West. Here, you can take a guided tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Taliesin West. This magnificent complex was built as Wright’s personal residence and architectural school, and was created from native materials, rocks from the desert floor and sand from the washes. Today, the site still serves as a living, working educational facility. Set amidst 600 acres of beautiful Sonoran Desert, Taliesin West is a National Historic Landmark. Be sure to allow time for a visit to the gift shop, which offers an extensive collection of gifts, souvenirs and books.

Your morning of exploration is sure to work up an appetite. Stop and refuel at one of Scottsdale’s magnificent restaurants where the cuisine itself is a work of art.

After lunch, view Scottsdale’s outstanding collection of public art on a driving tour. Magnificent sculptures and other works of art can be found throughout the city, from resort entrances and the streets of downtown to the sound barrier walls of Scottsdale’s freeways. Download a copy of the Public Art driving tour.

End your driving tour at Scottsdale’s lush Civic Center Mall and view the latest modern art exhibits at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA). SMoCA displays sophisticated and thought-provoking exhibits from cutting-edge local and national artists.

After a full day of taking in the arts of Scottsdale, it is time to dine on the culinary masterpiecesof Scottsdale’s award-winning chefs. From our resort restaurants to independent establishments, you’ll find an exquisite selection of cuisines form which to choose.

If you’re in downtown Scottsdale on a Thursday evening, take to the streets after dinner for the Scottsdale ArtWalk. This 30-year tradition takes place every Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. along Marshall Way and Main Street in downtown Scottsdale. You can browse the galleries, meet the artists, take in an artist’s demonstration, and enjoy fabulous live music.

Finally, for a delightful end to an artful Scottsdale day, enjoy a glass of wine and dessert at one of Scottsdale’s sophisticated wine bars. If you’re not sure whether you want something in red or white, dry or sweet, ask about wine flights, which allow you to try several small glasses of complementary wines.

These are just some of the arts and cultural attractions that Scottsdale has to offer. Click here for more ideas.