Mesa Arts Center Tours

Mesa Arts Center showing tropical scenes and art
Mesa Arts Center which includes outdoor art
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center


Even the cheap seats are great at this award-winning theater complex, the largest in Arizona.

Mesa Arts Center, the state’s largest visual arts complex, is home to five galleries, four theaters and 14 studios. The center’s cultural activities include theatrical and musical performances, art exhibitions and classes.

This cultural hub of three buildings was created in 2005 in a remarkable architectural complex in the heart of Mesa. According to the architects, the jagged angles, glass walls, colored glass canopies, colors and materials are a reflection of the character of the Sonoran Desert. The complex itself is more like an oasis, with plenty of trees, exotic gardens and water features.

Although the program is ever changing, the focus of the arts center is constant: to inspire audiences with engaging cultural experiences that are diverse, relevant and accessible. In 2012, the Mesa Arts Center received prestigious recognition from the International Association of Venue Managers with a “Venue Excellence Award.” Its service to the community is what made it beat the famous Sydney Opera House in Australia in the finals.

From an intimate 99-seat theaterto a huge theater with 1,600 seats, the venue’s theaters are as diverse as its performances. You can book seats for classical and popular music, dance, comedy and family shows. Head to the studios for art classes. The center’s exhibition space is divided into five galleries that showcase the work of up-and-coming and established artists in painting, sculpture and ceramics.

Allow some time to stroll along the “Shadow Walk,” a promenade in the center’s inner courtyard. It was designed to best display the shadow patterns created by foliage, trellises and overhead canopies under the intense sunlight of the desert. Occasional performances, lunchtime concerts and exhibits are presented here.

Situated in downtown Mesa, the arts center is 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Phoenix, south of the Salt River, which is a 40-minute drive. It is open every day. There is no evening program, but your ticket includes a discount at many surrounding restaurants as part of the Eats + Arts initiative.

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Best Lodging Options Near Mesa Arts Center

Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa

Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa

4 out of 5
200 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ
Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa
The Azure Hotel

The Azure Hotel

2.5 out of 5
651 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ
The Azure Hotel
Studio 6 Mesa, AZ – Near Downtown & Sloan Park

Studio 6 Mesa, AZ – Near Downtown & Sloan Park

2 out of 5
951 W Main St, Mesa, AZ
Studio 6 Mesa, AZ – Near Downtown & Sloan Park
Motel 7 By Oyo Near Phoenix Airport

Motel 7 By Oyo Near Phoenix Airport

2.5 out of 5
1307, East Main Street, Mesa, AZ
Motel 7 By Oyo Near Phoenix Airport
American Executive Inn

American Executive Inn

2 out of 5
1554 West Main Street, Mesa, AZ
American Executive Inn
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa

Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa

3 out of 5
1422 W Bass Pro Drive, Mesa, AZ
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa
Rawls Motel

Rawls Motel

2.5 out of 5
1310 W Main St, Mesa, AZ
Rawls Motel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Phoenix Mesa West

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Phoenix Mesa West

3 out of 5
902 W Grove Ave, Mesa, AZ
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Phoenix Mesa West
Motel 6 Mesa North

Motel 6 Mesa North

2 out of 5
336 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ
Motel 6 Mesa North
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mesa Arts Center

At Mesa Arts Center, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural experience with a variety of activities nearby. Enjoy sports, indulge in birdwatching, or catch a baseball game. Don't miss the opportunity to explore local art and performances while planning your trip to Mesa, where creativity and community come together for an unforgettable visit.

Shopping

The Gilbert Farmers Market, located 5 miles from Mesa Arts Center, offers a vibrant local shopping experience with fresh produce and crafts. Scottsdale Fashion Square and Arizona Mills Mall, both 8 miles away, feature a variety of family-friendly shops and entertainment options. If you’re up for a drive, enjoy even more shopping opportunities in nearby areas.

Recreation

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Sloan Park, perfect for sports enthusiasts, located 3 miles from Mesa Arts Center. For a tranquil escape, head to Tempe Beach Park, 6 miles away, where you can unwind and embrace nature. If golf is your game, Arizona Grand Golf Course, 9 miles distant, offers a fantastic outdoor experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Salt River Tubing, located 9 miles from Mesa Arts Center, where you can float down scenic waters surrounded by nature. Enjoy family fun at Oasis Water Park, also 9 miles away, or dive into excitement at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, situated 10 miles from the center.

Nightlife

Experience the fun at Golfland Sunsplash, an arcadeAdventureZone just 2 miles from Mesa Arts Center, perfect for family vibes. For a romantic evening, visit Casino Arizona, 4 miles away, or enjoy a cultural night at Hale Centre Theatre, located 5 miles from the center, offering great entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Mesa Arts Center

When visiting the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including modern colleges, urban parks, and history museums. This vibrant area offers cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and outdoor adventures. Don't miss downtown Mesa, the Mesa Convention Center, and the nearby Mesa Amphitheatre for additional entertainment options during your trip.

  • Arizona State University: Located 6 miles from the Mesa Arts Center, Arizona State University offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with modern architecture and a lively student community. Explore its beautiful grounds, engaging art installations, and various cultural events that reflect the innovative spirit of this educational institution.
  • Tempe Town Lake: Just 5 miles away, Tempe Town Lake is a picturesque spot perfect for leisurely strolls, kayaking, or picnicking. With stunning scenery and a romantic ambiance, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities or relax by the beach-like shores while taking in the beautiful Arizona sunsets.
  • Mesa Convention Center: Located a mere 0.3 miles from the Mesa Arts Center, the Mesa Convention Center is a hub for business events and conferences. Its versatile spaces host a variety of events and offer a professional atmosphere, making it a key location for networking and collaboration.

Best time to go to Mesa Arts Center

Visitor numbers around Mesa Arts Center is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Mesa Arts Center is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. January and December are its coolest month on average. At the time of December, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
February58.6°F (14.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March66.0°F (18.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April74.5°F (23.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May82.0°F (27.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June92.3°F (33.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July95.7°F (35.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August94.8°F (34.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September89.8°F (32.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October77.7°F (25.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mesa Arts Center

When visiting Mesa Arts Center, take advantage of the free entry and plan your trip between June and August for the best hotel rates. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and consider booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays. Look for eco-certified hotels to align with sustainable travel practices while saving money.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mesa Arts Center are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mesa Arts Center is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Mesa Arts Center is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, preferred location, and other preferences. You can sort the results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will display sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Mesa Arts Center with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.