Chandler Museum | Chandler

The Chandler Museum, situated at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive in Chandler, Arizona, serves as the city's cultural and historical hub, blending rich heritage with contemporary art and educational outreach. The museum’s centerpiece is the historic McCullough-Price House, a striking example of Pueblo Revival architecture built in 1938 by Detroit industrialist William D. McCullough. Designed by the Phoenix-based architectural firm Lescher & Mahoney, the house features hallmark elements such as rounded adobe-style corners, parapets, and exposed wooden beams known as vigas, capturing the southwestern architectural essence. This residence was later purchased in 1950 by Arthur and Louise Price, with Louise being a niece of Chandler’s founder, Dr. A.J. Chandler. The Price family eventually donated the home to the city in 2001, which led to a meticulous restoration transforming it into a vibrant museum space by 2011.

The modern museum building adjacent to the historic house spans about 10,000 square feet and includes an equally expansive outdoor courtyard. This courtyard is notable for the “Infinite Shade” sculpture, an innovative installation providing colorful illumination at night and functional shade during the day, symbolizing the fusion of history with contemporary creativity.

Inside, the Chandler Museum hosts rotating exhibitions that explore local history, art, and culture. As of mid-2025, notable exhibits include “I Can’t Help Myself” by Jon Arvizu, a personal graphic art exploration addressing themes of self-awareness and emotional depth; “Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River,” a profound exhibition recounting the resilience of Japanese Americans who endured internment during World War II, emphasizing the Japanese concept of ‘gaman’-endurance and patience under hardship; “Ceangal/Connections,” an artistic exchange highlighting Chandler’s sister city relationship with Tullamore, Ireland, featuring cultural and artistic collaborations; “¡MONSTRAS!: Female Legends of Latin America,” which explores powerful Latin American myths and heroines through contemporary artistic expression; and “Pony Up! Cowgirls of Chandler,” spotlighting the contributions of women in Arizona’s ranching and rodeo heritage with photographs and oral histories.

The museum also engages the community through a variety of free public programs and educational initiatives. “Art Tots” introduces preschoolers (ages 3–5) to art concepts via interactive activities, while the “C-Town Suitcase Club” encourages young children to explore historical and cultural changes by comparing everyday objects from past and present. Docent-led guided tours provide intimate insights into both the museum’s architectural significance and Chandler’s historical narrative. Monthly “History Bites” lunchtime talks focus on specific facets of Chandler’s past, and the “Our Stories Speaker Series,” developed in partnership with the Chandler Public Library, offers in-depth presentations from historians and community members on diverse local topics.

Operating Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Chandler Museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is free, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike to delve into Chandler’s evolving story through immersive exhibits and engaging programs. The museum functions as both a guardian of the city’s past and a vibrant cultural center dedicated to education, reflection, and artistic expression.