Arts & Museums

Across the street from Chandler Fashion Center mall lies the Chandler Museum.  The facility features rotating national and regional exhibits and serves as a research and archive center for Chandler's history and cultural heritage.  On Saturdays, the museum offers free family programming with hands-on activities for children. The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year that explore the region's agricultural roots at Tumbleweed Ranch which features a 1917 home, a historic grocery store and vintage farm equipment.

Located in south Chandler at the Bashas' headquarters, the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery of Western American and American Indian Art is a must see while in Chandler with over 3,000 pieces of art. The gallery highlights contemporary Western American art and American Indian art and admission is free.

Chandler has a dynamic public art program representing its rich, cultural diversity. While Downtown Chandler has a large collection of public art, Chandler's vast array of public art is showcased in City buildings, parks and public spaces throughout the community. Click here to download a map of Chandler's public art and plan your visit.

Train lovers of all ages will enjoy a visit to Chandler's very own Arizona Railway Museum which is home to vintage rail cars used in bygone eras for local and long distance rail travels. The museum acquires, preserves, and displays rail cars used during train travel's heydays. Among the displays are a Santa Fe caboose, an Alaska RR dining car, and Southern Railway Business Car along with information about Arizona's historic railways. The open-air museum is operated by volunteers and open Saturdays and Sundays from noon - 4 p.m. from September through May.  Admission for children ages 2-12 is $2.00, ages 13+ are $5.00 and family admission is $15.00.

Chandler art galleries showcasing local and regional artists and exhibits may be found at the Vision Gallery and the Gallery at CCA.  Both are located in Downtown Chandler, making it easy to spend part of the day with a meal, a visit to the galleries and a stroll through the historic square which is home to more than 60 pieces of public art.

For performing arts, head to the Chandler Center for the Arts offers superb acoustics for viewing a variety of live performances within walking distance to Downtown Chandler's unique restaurants and nightlife.

Explore Arizona's Native American Culture

Located near Chandler, the Huhugam Heritage Center and situated on the Gila River Museum is a tribal facility for the preservation and display of important cultural artifacts and art.  The Huhugam Heritage Center is a climate-controlled repository for prehistoric and historic artifacts, cultural materials and vital records. The museum displays these materials to the public, and periodic traveling art and history shows.

In the fall, Chandler highlights its unique cultural heritage with key events.  At the Chandler Center for the Arts, is a local favorite, C.A.L.L.E. de Arizona's bright and colorful, Mariachi and Folklorico Festival.

Come November, discover the rich history of the original food truck as Chandler honors the history of the chuck wagon with a unique culinary competition that combines the tastes, smells, and sounds of the Old West. Teams work from authentic 1880s-style chuck wagons to cook five courses: bread, beans, meat, potatoes, and dessert. The Chandler Chuck Wagon Festival is a two-day event perfect for all ages.