4 Passes, expire Dec 31 2026

Mission: To ignite the boundless imagination of children by curating wondrous and joyful interactive learning experiences where art and creativity are at the heart of every adventure.

The museum was founded in 1978 by John Whiteman, inspired by his father Jack Whiteman and supported by community leaders dedicated to arts, culture and families. Originally called The Center for Fine Arts and later the Arizona Museum for Youth, it was the nation's only children's museum focused on fine art. Showcasing work by local, national and international artists, it became a cultural destination for families and schools across the Valley. In 1987, the museum partnered with the City of Mesa to ensure long-term stability, with the City managing operations and the Friends group (now the idea Museum Foundation) leading fundraising. In 2004, the opening of ArtVille marked a significant milestone, expanding the museum's impact with a nationally recognized early learning environment. A decade later in 2014, the museum was renamed idea Museum to reflect its broadened mission of inspiring creativity. Most recently in 2025, the museum completed the first phase of renovation, with a larger transformation underway and slated for completion around the 50th anniversary - made possible through the generosity and vision of the community.​

https://www.ideamuseum.org/