Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum
Discover a dazzling world of gems, minerals, fossils, and meteorites at this Tucson museum, home to a piece of an asteroid!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a dazzling world of gems, minerals, fossils, and meteorites at this Tucson museum, home to a piece of an asteroid!
"This place was amazing!! Some of the most beautiful minerals and rocks we have ever seen."
🎯 Plan for a Big Collection
Don't underestimate the size; it's huge! Allow ample time to explore.
💰 Look for Discounted Days
Summer admission can be discounted, making it a great value.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample
University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum
See a piece of NASA's first asteroid sample, analyzed by Queen guitarist Brian May!
Arizona Gallery
University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum
Explore a dazzling collection of gems and minerals native to Arizona.
Mineral Evolution Gallery
University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum
Witness the fascinating journey of minerals through time and geological processes.
Giant Geode
University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum
Marvel at the immense scale and intricate beauty of a giant geode.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Stellar Visit
Budgeting for Your Gemstone Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan for a Big Collection
Don't underestimate the size; it's huge! Allow ample time to explore.
💰 Look for Discounted Days
Summer admission can be discounted, making it a great value.
🎒 Pack Snacks & Water
Outside food and drinks are allowed, perfect for longer visits.
🤓 Engage with Staff
Docents are knowledgeable and happy to share insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan for a Big Collection
Don't underestimate the size; it's huge! Allow ample time to explore.
💰 Look for Discounted Days
Summer admission can be discounted, making it a great value.
🎒 Pack Snacks & Water
Outside food and drinks are allowed, perfect for longer visits.
🤓 Engage with Staff
Docents are knowledgeable and happy to share insights.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, calling it a "GEM* of a museum" with an "absolutely stunning" collection that far exceeds expectations for its size. The knowledgeable staff and the unique exhibits, including a piece of an asteroid, are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some minor display areas are still being developed, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive and highly recommended for anyone interested in geology or simply seeking a fascinating outing.
"Cool for gem and mineral fans. The collection is huge. We went for the discounted summer admission and had a good time. The docent was very knowledgeable and informative. There are hands-on displays, but it's probably best for ages 8 and up."
Lucy B.
"Visiting the University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum was such a fun experience! Tickets were $15 per adult, and we arrived around 10:30 AM, wandering through the exhibits until 1 PM. We brought a backpack with some snacks and enjoyed them on the benches placed throughout the museum.
The staff at the entrance and throughout the museum were fantastic—welcoming, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions. The museum’s layout, divided into three sections, kept visitors engaged and moving through the space. We visited on a Wednesday, and it wasn’t crowded at all.
The variety of specimens on display was incredible—so much to see for any gem and mineral enthusiast! We’d definitely recommend this museum to anyone who enjoys geology, minerals, or just exploring something unique."
Angela Jerel Grupe
"This place was amazing!! Some of the most beautiful minerals and rocks we have ever seen. Being avid rock hunters from Wyoming this mineral museum was definitely a bucket list to see. 10/10 would recommend everyone to go check this place out! 15 dollars a person way worth it!!!!"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in downtown Tucson at the Historic Pima County Courthouse building, 115 N Church Ave., Suite 121. +1 Parking is available nearby and is generally easy to find.
Yes, parking is typically easy to find within a short distance of the museum entrance.
The museum is generally open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, with last ticket sales at 3 pm. +1 Some sources mention Monday-Friday hours as well.
It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
As it's located downtown, it's likely accessible by local bus routes. Check Tucson's public transit schedules for specific routes and times.
Yes, Tucson is about a 2-hour drive from Phoenix, making the Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum a feasible day trip destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is $15 for adults (13-64), $10 for seniors (65+) and active military. Keep an eye out for special promotions, such as $5 admission days.
Yes, discounts are available for seniors (65+) and active military personnel. Special promotional days also offer reduced admission prices.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring backpacks with snacks and enjoy them on benches located throughout the museum.
While not explicitly stated as required, booking in advance might be advisable during peak times or special events to ensure entry. mentions last ticket sales at 3 pm.
Last ticket sales are typically at 3 pm, with the museum closing at 4 pm.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
Highlights include over 2,000 dazzling pieces, galleries like the Arizona Gallery, Mineral Evolution Gallery, and Gem Gallery, a giant geode, and a piece of NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample. +2
The museum is generally recommended for ages 8 and up, with some interactive displays. A 12-year-old found it sufficient for 1.5 hours.
Expect a vast collection of gemstones, minerals, fossils, meteorites, petrified wood, and interactive exhibits. +2
Yes, the museum features some interesting interactive exhibits.
While some visitors can spend 3+ hours, 1.5 hours is sufficient for many, including children. The collection is extensive, so allow ample time.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure about flash photography. +2
The sheer variety and beauty of the gems and minerals offer countless photo opportunities. The giant geode and the asteroid sample are particularly striking. +1
Many visitors are captivated by the large-scale crystals, rare gems, and colorful mineral specimens. +2
Museum lighting can vary, but generally, it's designed to showcase the specimens. Natural light from windows might also be present.
Typically, personal photography is allowed, but professional equipment or tripods might require special permission. It's best to inquire with museum staff. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💎 Gem & Mineral Enthusiasts
Avid rock hunters will find this museum a bucket-list destination, with many wishing they could spend hours more exploring. ✨ Couples & Date Ideas
Wander hand-in-hand through the dazzling displays of gems, minerals, and fossils, sparking conversation and shared wonder. The museum's beautiful setting in the historic Pima County Courthouse adds a touch of elegance to the experience. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample: A Cosmic Connection
This groundbreaking achievement brought material from the asteroid Bennu back to Earth for scientific study. The museum's display highlights the incredible feat of space exploration and the scientific endeavor behind it. Visitors can marvel at this tangible piece of cosmic history, offering a unique glimpse into our solar system.The analysis of this sample involved a global team of scientists, including none other than Brian May, the lead guitarist of the legendary band Queen and an accomplished astrophysicist.
Exploring the Galleries: A World of Minerals
This is a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the mineral treasures found right in Tucson's backyard.Beyond local wonders, the Mineral Evolution Gallery provides an educational journey through the formation and transformation of minerals over geological time.
This exhibit helps visitors understand the dynamic processes that create these natural wonders. Complementing these are the Gem Gallery, which displays a breathtaking array of precious and semi-precious stones, and other sections featuring fossils, meteorites, and petrified wood. The Historic Pima County Courthouse Setting
+1 This architectural gem provides a fittingly grand backdrop for the museum's spectacular collection. The building itself is a piece of local history, adding another layer of interest to your visit.Being located in such a central and picturesque spot makes the museum easily accessible and a perfect addition to a day of exploring downtown Tucson.
Its presence within this historic landmark underscores its significance as a cultural and educational institution in the heart of the city.
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