Arts & Culture

Arts and Culture serves as the cultural liaison and ambassador for Mesa; the chief advocate for the importance of arts and culture to community life, education and economic development; and the oversight body for the three City-owned arts and culture venues/programs: the i.d.e.a. Museum, the Arizona Museum of Natural History, and the Mesa Arts Center.

We engage with businesses, educational institutions, community members, volunteers, City staff, and other cultural and government entities to further the vision, mission and goals of the Department’s Strategic Plan and support the strategic priorities of the Mesa City Council. The Department supports the idea that arts and culture—rooted in the value that creativity and discovery are the engine of human progress and well-being—are essential to healthy and civilized societies, and to fulfilled and productive human activity.

2025-2026 Creative Economy Fund Applications are now open

Arizona Museum of Natural History

The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the only natural history museum in the greater Phoenix area. It exhibits the natural and cultural history of the Southwestern United States.

idea Museum

The idea Museum is designed for exhibiting, teaching, and interacting with the fine arts by Inspiring children and families of all ages to experience their world through art exhibitions and hands-on STEAM activities.

Mesa Arts Center

Mesa Arts Center is the largest arts center in Arizona and the only center offering comprehensive professional performing arts, visual arts and arts education programming on one state-of-the-art campus.

Public Art Program

Statues, art installations and murals throughout Mesa