UArizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum

Wow this museum is a must visit! Explore 12,000 square feet of thousands of specimens from all around the world! This museum is insightful and educational and I really loved the interactive areas allowing guests to really be hands on with gyms and minerals. There is sooo much to see and learn about here and I feel this is one of the coolest things to see in Tucson!

Oh the selection here is amazing!!! Downtown in the old courthouse, We spent about 3 hours here checking out their exhibits. They have gems, fossils, jewelry, all kinds of unique and beautiful things. They have some interactive exhibits too. Very informative. This is good for all ages.

In a town with world-class gem and mineral shows, you'd expect a great museum with the best rocks and minerals. Well, this is that museum. It's not the Smithsonian but it also isn't far from it. The many, many specimens are well displayed with informative signs and placards. Some really great exhibits about local and historical geology too.

This museum is a true gem and a must see if you're in Tucson and like rocks, minerals and gems. The rocks and mineral specimens they have are amazing and the best I have seen. The displays are gorgeous too and the museum is divided into three sections, including a whole section on Arizona minerals and gems. The docents are also very knowledgeable and nice.

If you are looking to just get lost in wonder and beauty for an hour or two, you almost can't do better than a trip to the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum. If you are saying to yourself, "Nah, who cares about a bunch of rocks?!" I beg you to reconsider. There is so much to see and learn at this "gem" (ha ha! I didn't look but probably every other reviewer ALSO used that pun _ how can you resist?!)) of a Museum located downtown in the beautiful capitol building. I prefer to look at the specimens in their natural form and there are so many stunning pieces presented that way, but there are also equally impressive displays of cut gems and gem encrusted art work, as well as displays about the history and practice of mining for gems and minerals. I spent a good hour and a half just marveling at the colors and the textures and the infinite creativity of our planet. I'll be back soon. This place is an elixir for my creative soul. Its that good!