The building houses eight exhibition spaces, the 135-seat Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Theater and Auditorium, the Christine and Ted Mollring Sculpture Courtyard, and the Sue and Robert Karatz Museum Store.

Mayor Drinkwater and others who shared his vision saw an opportunity for Scottsdale, known as “The West’s Most Western Town” to establish itself as a center for the study and appreciation of the region’s history, encompassing Indigenous Peoples, Spanish and Mexican settlers, and Western pioneers, and to become a nexus “Where the Old West meets the New West.” Founding Director/ CEO Mike Fox said, “We are not a museum of objects, but a museum of ideas.” Storytelling is the heart of Western Spirit’s mission, immersing visitors in the unique heritage of the region—“illuminating the past to shape our future.” Rotating exhibitions of artworks, artifacts, and cultural objects, interactive experiences, presentations, performances, and events allow visitors to explore and discover the American West for themselves.

Christiana Moss and Christopher Alt of the architectural firm Studio MA, based in Clifton, NJ and Phoenix, AZ, designed the Western Spirit building.

The “weeping wall,” located in the Courtyard, collects rainwater and recycles 100% of the condensation from the air conditioning system; this water flows into landscaping on the museum grounds.

From pottery, glassware and kitchen gear to books, jewelry, children’s items and more, all purchases are tax-free and benefit our non-profit organization.