Dramatic museum highlights a diverse collection.

by Contributor

In Short
A $25 million face-lift, including expansions and renovations, doubled the size of this artistic edifice, allowing it to play host to more than 567,000 visitors a year. It holds nearly 16,000 pieces of art and can oblige a group of 400 for special events. Playing off its natural light, unusual shapes and spatial orientations, this museum is a piece of art in and of itself. This striking compilation of artwork spans a multitude of centuries and cultures. Its collections and galleries feature art of the Americas and Europe, Asian art, contemporary art, modern art and 18th- to 20th-century fashion design.

12/19/07

As Good as MOMA and the TATE

by lauraannhall

As a museum buff, I was floored when i came to Phoenix Art Museum for the first time. The facility is outstanding. The collections amazing and the exhibitions top notch. The fashion gallery is better than any I've ever seen. And interestingly, each time i visit, I have a better experience than I have at MOMA or the Tate or any other museum. I even love the restaurant. If you visit Phoenix, you must go. The Illuminated Manuscripts show that just opened is awesome. I've never seen anything like it - it is as good as the Dead Sea Scrolls in San Diego!

12/18/07

Veru Impressive

by bridust

I am not a museum person adn rarely do I get to go to these things, but I was very impressed with this exhibit. It was actually very interesting and I was surprised by just how beautiful some of the work was.

If you are looking for something to do, this is very worthwhile and I would highly recommend seeing it. You certainly don't need tobe an art lover or religious studies fan to appreciate this exhibit.

12/17/07

Beautiful Pieces

by amers128

The manuscripts were beautiful! It's amazing how they look and have been preserved after all this time. They were all created so maticulously and with such care - they are truly works of art. It was a wonderful surprise to happen onto this exhibit while at the museum! The Phoenix Art Museum always brings great exhibits to the area!

12/17/07

Amazing Illuminate Manuscripts on display at the Phoenix Art Museum

by ellen1432

I'm not a regular museum goer or highly religious, but I have to say that I was fascinated by the manuscripts. The history behind these really old bibles and the explanation and history that accompanies each piece, is astounding and nothing I have ever seen before. I see on their Web site that the exhibit is only open until March 9th, so I recommend enjoying it before it leaves the Phoenix Art Museum. The rest of the museum has some really interesting art on display, including a neat and highly colorful Graffiti Art and Fashion display on the second level. This place is worth a visit.

• Pros: Arts Illuminated exhibit, parking and overall look and feel of the museum
• Cons: construction in the area

12/17/07

Phoenix Art Museum

by joannehurni

Recently went to the new "Illuminated" exhibit at the PHX Art Museum. Great find for something to do. It helps to really read the process they took in re-creating the bibles. They used the same process, used hundreds of years ago--the paper even comes from lambs. Fascinating. The renovation on the museum is great and the cafe in the museum is also worth the journey.

• Pros: Parking, nice renovated museum, exhibits
• Cons: some of the permanent collections are so - so, but so are many museums

12/17/07

best bible display

by sdb480

This gallery is beautiful. The hand written bible is outstanding. The history presented is very educational -don't miss this exhibit.

12/17/07

great experience

by cori10371

I hadn't been to the museum since its redesign and was really blown away. The Illuminated Manuscripts exhibition was beautiful and the descriptive plaques by each piece made me feel like I had a docent there with me explaining each piece. The other exhibits were great as well. Looking forward to Masterpiece replayed!!!

12/17/07

Night at the Museum - Best show in Phoenix

by njim

During a recent trip to the Phoenix Art Museum I got the chance to see the Illuminated Manuscripts Exhibition which was absolutely astounding. The modern painted rendition of the bible was absolutely beautiful. I have to admit though the area of this exhibition that stole the show for me was the James Melikian Collection. This serious collection of ancient bibles and their beautiful metal covers were something I have never seen before much less even knew existed.

12/17/07

Illuminated Manuscripts at the Phoenix Art Museum

by rhurni

Forget the religious aspect of this show - the craftsmanship and artistry is worth it. The work is so good that you'll probably never have a chance again it see it like this.