Phoenix, Arizona

==Culture==

===Performing arts===
[[File:Orpheum AZ.jpg|thumb|alt=photo of the front entrance of the Orpheum theater, with the red marquee clearly displaying the Orpheum name, contrasted with the pale brown of the stone building|Interior of the [[Orpheum Theatre (Phoenix, Arizona)|Orpheum Theatre]]]]
The city has many performing arts venues, most of which are in and around downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale. The Phoenix Symphony Hall is home to the [[Phoenix Symphony|Phoenix Symphony Orchestra]], the [[Arizona Opera]] and [[Ballet Arizona]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://phoenix.about.com/library/blmapsymphonyhall.htm |title=Symphony Hall |publisher=phoenix.about.com |access-date=February 8, 2014 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221205424/http://phoenix.about.com/library/blmapsymphonyhall.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Arizona Opera company also has intimate performances at its new Arizona Opera Center, which opened in March 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://frontdoorsnews.com/2013/03/5-2m-arizona-opera-center/ |title=$5.2M Arizona Opera Center |publisher=frontdoor news |access-date=February 8, 2014 |date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061839/http://frontdoorsnews.com/2013/03/5-2m-arizona-opera-center/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Another venue is the [[Orpheum Theatre (Phoenix)|Orpheum Theatre]], home to the [[Phoenix Opera]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phoenixopera.org/orpheum/ |title=Phoenix Opera |publisher=phoenixopera.org |access-date=February 8, 2014}}</ref> Ballet Arizona, in addition to the Symphony Hall, also has performances at the Orpheum Theatre and the Dorrance Theater. Concerts also regularly make stops in the area. The largest downtown performing art venue is the [[Herberger Theater Center]], which houses three performance spaces and is home to two resident companies, the [[Arizona Theatre Company]] and the Centre Dance Ensemble. Three other groups also use the facility: [[Valley Youth Theatre]], iTheatre Collaborative<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itheatreaz.org/ |title=2013–14 Season |publisher=iTheatre Collaborative |access-date=February 8, 2014 |archive-date=February 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224015851/http://www.itheatreaz.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Actors Theater.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.herbergertheater.org/about |title=About Herberger Theater Center |publisher=herbergertheater.org |access-date=February 8, 2014}}</ref>

Concerts take place at [[Footprint Center]] and [[Comerica Theatre]] in downtown Phoenix, [[Ak-Chin Pavilion]] in Maryvale, [[Gila River Arena]] in Glendale, and [[Gammage Memorial Auditorium|Gammage Auditorium]] in Tempe (the last public building designed by [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asugammage.com/about/history |title=ASU Gammage from the beginning |publisher=Arizona State University |access-date=February 11, 2014}}</ref> Several smaller theaters including [[Trunk Space]], the [[Mesa Arts Center]], the Crescent Ballroom, [[Celebrity Theatre]], and Modified Arts support regular independent musical and theater performances. Music can also be seen in some of the venues usually reserved for sports, such as the [[Wells Fargo Arena (Tempe)|Wells Fargo Arena]] and [[State Farm Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phoenix-theater.com/ |title=Phoenix Theatre |publisher=phoenix-theater.com |access-date=February 16, 2014}}</ref>

Several television series have been set in Phoenix, including ''[[Alice (American TV series)|Alice]]'' (1976–85), the 2000s paranormal drama ''[[Medium (TV series)|Medium]]'', the 1960–61 [[Television syndication|syndicated]] crime drama ''[[The Brothers Brannagan]]'', and ''[[The New Dick Van Dyke Show]]'' from 1971 to 1974.

===Museums===
[[File:Musical Instrument Museum 2, Phoenix AZ.JPG|thumb|The [[Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix)|Musical Instrument Museum]] features a collection of over 15,000 musical instruments]]
The valley has dozens of museums. They include the [[Phoenix Art Museum]], [[Arizona State Capitol#Arizona Capitol Museum|Arizona Capitol Museum]], [[Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art]], Arizona Military Museum, [[Hall of Flame Fire Museum]], [[Phoenix Police Museum]], the [[Pueblo Grande Ruin and Irrigation Sites|Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park]], [[Monroe School (Phoenix, Arizona)#Children's Museum of Phoenix|Children's Museum of Phoenix]], [[Arizona Science Center]], and the [[Heard Museum]]. In 2010, the [[Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix)|Musical Instrument Museum]] opened their doors, featuring the biggest musical instrument collection in the world.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/04/18/20100418musical-instrument-museum-phoenix-CP.html |newspaper=Arizona Republic |title=Music Instrument Museum opens in Phoenix |first=Richard |last=Nilsen |date=April 18, 2010 |access-date=March 20, 2016 |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160515182512/http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/04/18/20100418musical%2Dinstrument%2Dmuseum%2Dphoenix%2DCP.html |archive-date=May 15, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2015 the [[Monroe School (Phoenix, Arizona)|Children's Museum of Phoenix]] was recognized as one of the top three [[children's museum]]s in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.earlychildhoodeducationzone.com/best-childrens-museums/ |publisher=Early Childhood Education Zoon |title=The 25 Best American Children's Museums |date=October 9, 2015 |access-date=February 7, 2019}}</ref>

Designed by [[Alden B. Dow]], a student of [[Frank Lloyd Wright]], the Phoenix Art Museum was constructed in a single year, opening in November 1959.<ref name=Phxart>{{cite web |url=http://www.phxart.org/visit/aboutus/historyandmission |title=History & Mission |publisher=phxart.org |access-date=February 9, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905093835/http://www.phxart.org/visit/aboutus/historyandmission |archive-date=September 5, 2015 }}</ref> The Phoenix Art Museum has the southwest's largest collection of visual art, containing more than 17,000 works of contemporary and modern art from around the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitphoenix.com/things-to-do/1016/phoenix-art-museum/details.aspx |title=Phoenix Art Museum |publisher=VisitPhoenix |access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://phoenix.about.com/od/entermus/ss/phxartmuseum.htm |title=Phoenix Art Museum – Permanent Collection |publisher=phoenix.about.com |access-date=February 9, 2014 |archive-date=April 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412222854/http://phoenix.about.com/od/entermus/ss/phxartmuseum.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phoenixasap.com/arts-museums.html |title=Major Metro Phoenix Area Museums |publisher=phoenixasap.com |access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> Interactive exhibits can be found in nearby [[Peoria, Arizona|Peoria]]'s Challenger Space Center, where individuals learn about space, renewable energies, and meet astronauts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.azchallenger.org/ |title=AZ Challenger Space Center |publisher=Azchallenger.org |access-date=June 24, 2013}}</ref>

The Heard Museum has over {{cvt|130,000|sqft}} of gallery, classroom and performance space. Some of the museum's signature exhibits include a full [[Navajo people|Navajo]] [[hogan]], the Mareen Allen Nichols Collection of 260 pieces of contemporary jewelry, the [[Barry Goldwater]] Collection of 437 historic [[Hopi]] [[kachina]] dolls, and an exhibit on the 19th-century boarding school experiences of Native Americans. The Heard Museum attracts about 250,000 visitors a year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://heard.org/ |title=Heard Museum: Welcome |publisher=Heard Museum |access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref>

===Fine arts===
The downtown Phoenix art scene has developed in the past decade. The Artlink organization and the galleries downtown have launched a [[First Friday (public event)|First Friday]] cross-Phoenix gallery opening.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/arts/2018/03/11/art-detour-30-5-pioneers-who-built-downtown-phoenix-studio-scene/408866002/|title=Art Detour at 30: 5 pioneers who built the downtown Phoenix studio scene|website=The Arizona Republic|language=en|access-date=February 28, 2019}}</ref> In April 2009, artist [[Janet Echelman]] inaugurated her monumental sculpture, ''[[Her Secret Is Patience]]'', a civic icon suspended above the new [[Phoenix Civic Space Park]], a two-city-block park in the middle of downtown. This netted sculpture makes the invisible patterns of desert wind visible. During the day, the {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}}-tall sculpture hovers high above heads, treetops, and buildings, creating what the artist calls "shadow drawings", which she says are inspired by Phoenix's cloud shadows. At night, the illumination changes color gradually through the seasons. Author Prof. Patrick Frank writes of the sculpture that "...this unique visual delight will forever mark the city of Phoenix just as the Eiffel Tower marks Paris."<ref name='Prebles'>{{cite book |last=Frank |first=Patrick |title=Prebles' Artformes |publisher=[[Prentice Hall]] |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-205-79753-0}}</ref>

===Architecture===
[[File:Taliesin West Complex DSCN2137.jpg|thumb|[[Taliesin West]] was a home and studio of [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]]]
Phoenix is the home of a unique architectural tradition and community. [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] moved to Phoenix in 1937 and built his winter home, [[Taliesin West]], and the main campus for The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Herberholz |first1=B |title=Taliesin West and Frank Lloyd Wright |journal=Arts and Activities |year=1997 |volume=122 |issue=3 |pages=30–32}}</ref> Over the years, Phoenix has attracted notable architects who have made it their home and grown successful practices. These architectural studios embrace the desert climate, and are unconventional in their approach to the practice of design. They include the [[Paolo Soleri]] (who created [[Arcosanti]]),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://architect.architecture.sk/paolo-soleri-architect/paolo-soleri-architect.php |publisher=Architecture.sk |title=Paolo Soleri : architect biography |access-date=December 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914014915/http://architect.architecture.sk/paolo-soleri-architect/paolo-soleri-architect.php |archive-date=September 14, 2014}}</ref> [[Al Beadle]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historicphoenix.com/architecture/al-beadle/ |publisher=Historic Phoenix |title=Modern Architecture: Al Beadle |access-date=December 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211082211/http://www.historicphoenix.com/architecture/al-beadle/ |archive-date=December 11, 2013}}</ref> [[Will Bruder]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.residentialarchitect.com/award-winners/will-bruders-extensive-career-attests-to-the-tran.aspx |publisher=Residential Architect |title=Hall of Fame: Will Bruder, AIA |last=Snider |first=Bruce D. |access-date=December 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923070044/http://www.residentialarchitect.com/award-winners/will-bruders-extensive-career-attests-to-the-tran.aspx |archive-date=September 23, 2013}}</ref> Wendell Burnette,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/directory/pics/burnette_wendell/Burnette_CV2011.pdf |publisher=ASU-Herberger Institute |title=Wendell Burnette Architects |access-date=December 1, 2014 |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160519054337/http://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/directory/pics/burnette_wendell/Burnette_CV2011.pdf |archive-date=May 19, 2016}}</ref> and [[Blank Studio Architecture|Blank Studio]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.residentialarchitect.com/live-work/project-of-the-year.aspx |publisher=Residential Architect |title=xeros residence, phoenix: project of the year |date=May 8, 2008 |first=Meghan |last=Drueding |access-date=December 22, 2014}}</ref> architectural design studios. Another major force in architectural landscape of the city was [[Ralph Haver]] whose firm, Haver & Nunn, designed commercial, industrial and residential structures throughout the valley. Of particular note was his trademark, "Haver Home", which were affordable contemporary-style tract houses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.modernphoenix.net/haver/haverbiography.htm |publisher=The Modern Phoenix |title=Ralph Haver: Everyman's Modernist |first=Alison |last=King |year=2011 |access-date=December 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401134026/http://modernphoenix.net/haver/haverbiography.htm |archive-date=April 1, 2014}}</ref>

===Tourism===
The tourist industry is the longest running of the top industries in Phoenix. Starting with promotions back in the 1920s, the industry has grown into one of the top 10 in the city.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Phoenix Magazine |title=Phoenix in the 1920s |first=Douglas |last=Towne |date=December 2010 |page=88}}</ref> With nearly 28,000 hotel rooms in over 175 hotels and resorts Phoenix sees over 19 million visitors each year, most of whom are leisure travelers. [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Sky Harbor Airport]], which serves the Greater Phoenix area, serves about 45 million passengers a year, ranking it among the nation's 10 busiest airports.<ref>{{cite web |date=2023 |title=Phoenix Facts |url=https://www.visitphoenix.com/about-us/phoenix-facts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506184948/https://www.visitphoenix.com/about-us/phoenix-facts/ |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Visit Phoenix |publisher=visitphoenix.com}}</ref>

One of the biggest attractions of the Phoenix area is golf, with over 200 golf courses.<ref name=About>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitphoenix.com/about-phoenix/facts/index.aspx |title=About Phoenix- Fun Facts |publisher=visitphoenix.com |access-date=February 11, 2014 |archive-date=February 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224113312/http://www.visitphoenix.com/about-phoenix/facts/index.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition to the sites of interest in the city, there are many attractions near Phoenix, such as [[Agua Fria National Monument]], [[Arcosanti]], [[Casa Grande Ruins National Monument]], [[Lost Dutchman State Park]], [[Montezuma Castle National Monument|Montezuma's Castle]], [[Montezuma Well|Montezuma's Well]], and [[Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument]]. Phoenix also serves as a central point to many of the sights around the state of Arizona, such as the [[Grand Canyon]], [[Lake Havasu]] (where the London Bridge is located), [[Meteor Crater]], the [[Painted Desert (Arizona)|Painted Desert]], the [[Petrified Forest National Park|Petrified Forest]], [[Tombstone, Arizona|Tombstone]], [[Kartchner Caverns State Park|Kartchner Caverns]], [[Sedona, Arizona|Sedona]] and [[Lowell Observatory]] in Flagstaff.

===Other attractions and annual events===
[[File:Papagopark1025.JPG|thumb|[[Papago Park]] is home to the [[Desert Botanical Garden]], [[Hole-in-the-Rock (Papago Park)|Hole-in-the-Rock butte]] and [[Phoenix Zoo]]]]
Due to its natural environment and climate, Phoenix has a number of outdoor attractions and recreational activities. The [[Phoenix Zoo]] is the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States. Since opening in 1962, it has developed an international reputation for its efforts on animal conservation, including breeding and reintroducing endangered species into the wild.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://phoenixzoo.org/about/ |title=History of the Zoo |publisher=The Phoenix Zoo |access-date=March 21, 2014}}</ref> Right next to the zoo, the [[Desert Botanical Garden|Phoenix Botanical Gardens]] were opened in 1939, and are acclaimed worldwide for their art and flora exhibits and educational programs, featuring the largest collection of arid plants in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dbg.org/about-the-garden |title=About the Garden |publisher=Desert Botanical Garden |access-date=March 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://phoenix.about.com/od/gardensandzoos/a/dbg.htm |title=Desert Botanical Garden |publisher=About.com |access-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-date=March 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322002005/http://phoenix.about.com/od/gardensandzoos/a/dbg.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/13-must-see-botanical-gardens |title=13 must-see botanical gardens |publisher=Mother Nature Network |access-date=March 21, 2014}}</ref> [[South Mountain Park]], the largest municipal park in the U.S., is also the highest desert mountain preserve in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/south-mountain-park.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911090133/http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/south-mountain-park.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 11, 2013 |title=South Mountain Park and Preserve |publisher=Discover Phoenix Arizona |access-date=March 21, 2014 }}</ref>

Other popular sites in the city are [[Ro Ho En|Japanese Friendship Garden]], [[Heritage and Science Park|Historic Heritage Square]], [[Phoenix Mountain Preserve|Phoenix Mountains Park]], [[Pueblo Grande Ruin and Irrigation Sites|Pueblo Grande Museum]], [[Tovrea Castle]], [[Camelback Mountain]], [[Hole-in-the-Rock (Papago Park)|Hole in the Rock]], [[Mystery Castle]], [[St. Mary's Basilica (Phoenix)|St. Mary's Basilica]], [[Taliesin West]], and the [[Wrigley Mansion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.phoenix.gov/pio/points-of-pride |title=Phoenix Points of Pride |publisher=City of Phoenix |access-date=March 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914220635/https://www.phoenix.gov/pio/points-of-pride |archive-date=September 14, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Many annual events in and near Phoenix celebrate the city's heritage and its diversity. They include the [[Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show]], the world's largest horse show; [[Japanese festivals#Outside Japan|Matsuri]], a celebration of Japanese culture; Pueblo Grande Indian Market, an event highlighting Native American arts and crafts; Grand Menorah Lighting, a December event celebrating Hanukah; ZooLights, a December evening event at the Phoenix Zoo that features millions of lights; the [[Arizona State Fair]], begun in 1884; Scottish Gathering & Highland Games, an event celebrating Scottish heritage; [[Estrella War]], a celebration of medieval life; and the [[Tohono O'odham Nation]] Rodeo & Fair, Oldest Indian rodeo in Arizona<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/phoenix-events.html |title=Annual Phoenix Events |publisher=Discover Phoenix |access-date=March 21, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327023430/http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/phoenix-events.html |archive-date=March 27, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arizonaguide.com/events-calendar/heritage-cultural |title=Heritage & Cultural |publisher=Arizona Guide |access-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413135624/http://www.arizonaguide.com/events-calendar/heritage-cultural |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arizonascots.com/# |title=50th Scottish Gathering & Highland Games |publisher=The Caledonian Society of Arizona |access-date=March 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://estrellawar.org/newcomers-portal/ |title=Estrella War XXX: Newcomer's Guide |publisher=EstrellaWar.org |access-date=March 21, 2014 |date=August 8, 2013 |archive-date=February 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210101936/http://estrellawar.org/newcomers-portal/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Cuisine===
Phoenix is also renowned for its [[Mexican cuisine|Mexican food]], thanks to its large [[Hispanic]] population and its proximity to Mexico. Some of Phoenix's restaurants have a long history. The Stockyards steakhouse dates to 1947, while Monti's La Casa Vieja (Spanish for "The Old House") was in operation as a restaurant since the 1890s, but closed its doors November 17, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stockyardssteakhouse.com/history.html |title=Stockyards Steakhouse |publisher=stockyardssteakhouse.com |access-date=February 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008050458/http://www.stockyardssteakhouse.com/history.html |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/tempe/2014/11/03/tempes-iconic-montis-la-casa-vieja-closing-nov/18436845/ | newspaper=The Arizona Republic | date=November 4, 2014 | title=Tempe's iconic Monti's La Casa Vieja closing Nov. 17 | first=Amy | last=Edelen | access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref> Macayo's (a Mexican restaurant chain) was established in Phoenix in 1946, and other major Mexican restaurants include Garcia's (1956) and Manuel's (1964).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.macayo.com/about-us/history.php |title=History |publisher=Macayo's |access-date=March 20, 2014 |archive-date=March 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327221451/http://macayo.com/about-us/history.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> The population boom has brought people from all over the nation, and to a lesser extent from other countries, and has since influenced the local cuisine. Phoenix boasts cuisines from all over the world, such as [[barbecue]], [[Cajun cuisine|Cajun]]/[[Louisiana Creole cuisine|Creole]], [[Greek cuisine|Greek]], [[Cuisine of Hawaii|Hawaiian]], [[Irish cuisine|Irish]], [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese]], [[Italian cuisine|Italian]], [[Fusion cuisine|fusion]], [[Iranian cuisine|Persian]], [[Indian cuisine|Indian (South Asian)]], [[Korean cuisine|Korean]], [[Spanish cuisine|Spanish]], [[Thai cuisine|Thai]], [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]], [[Cuisine of the Southwestern United States|southwestern]], [[Tex-Mex]], [[Vietnamese cuisine|Vietnamese]], [[Brazilian cuisine|Brazilian]], and [[French cuisine|French]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phoenixrestaurants.com/cuisine_all.cfm |title=Phoenix Restaurants by Cuisine Type |publisher=phoenixrestaurants.com |access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref>

The first [[McDonald's]] franchise was sold by the McDonald brothers to a Phoenix entrepreneur in 1952. Neil Fox paid $1,000 for the rights to open an establishment based on the McDonald brothers' restaurant.<ref name=around>{{cite web |url=http://doney.net/aroundaz/celebrity/mcdonald_bros.htm |title=McDonald Brothers |publisher=Around Arizona |access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> The hamburger stand opened in 1953 on the southwest corner of [[Central Avenue Corridor|Central Avenue]] and [[Indian School Road]], on the growing north side of Phoenix, and was the first location to sport the now internationally known golden arches, which were initially twice the height of the building. Three other franchise locations opened that year, two years before [[Ray Kroc]] purchased McDonald's.<ref name=around />