People who want to visit the Arizona Heritage Center in Tempe better make it quick.
The Arizona Historical Society is closing the center for at least a year starting May 17 and will be getting a new look.
The closure is necessary for major improvements and critical upgrades throughout the building and the museum is expected to remain closed through at least June 2027, a spokeswoman for the society said.
And it is only indirectly related to the monsoon storm that ripped through Tempe last October and forced a three-month closure of the museum to fix the damage caused by flooding.
“The flooding we experienced during last year’s monsoon season did prompt a closer look at some of our infrastructure, and through that process we identified the need to replace the fire-suppression system,” said Historical Society spokeswoman Alezandra Bushman.
“Since the system is tied to the safety of both the building and the collections, the work requires all exhibitions to be carefully deinstalled, removed, and updated – which is what’s driving the length of the closure.”
That prompted Historical Society Director Dr. David Breeckner to quip, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.
“While this project may have started over an issue of facilities care,” Breeckner said, “the end result will be a newer, more dynamic, and more refreshed museum: one that embodies the learning styles and tools of the 21st century in our exploration and celebration of the history of Arizona in those centuries past.”
Bushman said that in the effort to “ensure the long-term preservation of Arizona’s historical artifacts,” some other projects have evolved.
Those “will focus on major updates to many of the museum’s permanent exhibit galleries, several of which have not been touched in nearly three decades.”
Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit before May 18, “as this will be the final opportunity to experience current exhibitions at the Arizona Heritage Center prior to the temporary closure,” Bushman said.
While the museum galleries will be closed, the Arizona Heritage Center will continue to host public programs and events on a regular basis, and welcome opportunities for partnering with community organizations.
In addition, the society’s Arizona History Museum in Tucson will remain open and plans are underway to reopen the Pioneer Museum in Flagstaff this year.
During the Tempe closure, limited public access to the courtyard and Glass Pavilion will be maintained when possible.
Monthly public programming will take place in the Glass Pavilion and courtyard, and in the Steele Auditorium once it be-comes operational, including a regularly scheduled trivia night and storytelling programs
“Additional details regarding programming during the closure, as well as reopening updates, will be shared at arizonahistoricalsociety.org and across AHS social media channels,” Bushman added.
The Arizona Historical Society connects people through the power of Arizona’s history by preserving, interpreting, and sharing the stories of the state.
With museums and programs across Arizona, it serves as the state’s largest history network, connecting over 65 historical organizations and institutions through exhibitions, education, and public programs.