This unique Tucson attraction is the labor of love of Patricia and Walter Arnell. Patricia had always been a collector but when she moved to Tucson outgrew her collection. The Arnell's wanted a space to foster an interest in miniatures. The founders and museum hope that people will recognize the artistry and real-world application that miniatures have. The museum hosts various educational events that allow participants to become the artisans and hopefully become miniature enthusiasts. They encourage all their visitors to learn, create, and enjoy the vast collection of antique and contemporary miniatures. The museum is a newer addition to the community but it's a fresh addition to a charming city. Tucson shows support for the arts throughout the town as expressed in its architecture and culture. The museum actively participates in the community through education and boasts and amazing amount of resources to make their exhibits accessible to everyone. It will be interesting to see how this novelty will influence the community in years to come but the state-of-the-art modern facility is a giant among the miniature community.

Information

4555 East Camp Lowell Drive Mondays & Major Holidays: CLOSED

Tucson, AZ, 85712 Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

(520) 881-0606 Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Admission There is ample parking available in the museum's lot

General: $9 at Swan Rd. & Camp Lowell Dr. There a shopping

Senior (65+)/ Military: $8 center at the intersection with a market & dining

Youth (Age 4-17): $6 options. The museum has a gift shop and goes above

Children 3 & Under: FREE and beyond to make it's exhibits accessible to all.

http://www.theminitimemachine.org

A Giantess' 1st Visit

The first thing I noticed after easily parking my car was the architecture. The sheer amount of detail that went into the design is astounding. The entrance to the museum is an incredibly large door that provides the visitor the opportunity to be the miniature and buy into the whimsy they are about to experience. The museum's gift shop, admissions, and information desk are all located in the same kiosk at the front right when you go in. It's a small operation but the docents are fabulously kind and are happy to provide you with anything you might need. I was surprised at the amount of activities that the museum was offering for children. The museum does a stellar job at making accessibility a top priority. They have step stools, flashlights (I highly recommend grabbing one), and other tools to make sure you are able to fully enjoy every individual detail of the exhibit. I was also very surprised to see the amount of assistive tools they have for individuals with disabilities. For a more comprehensive list of resources check their website http://www.theminitimemachine.org/accessibility/.

You Won't See Everything

It's possible that an entire day at the museum would allow you to recognize many superficial components about the exhibits but never its entirety. I was so visually and mentally overstimulated after my visit. I wasn't prepared for how incredibly detailed each model would be. There are tours available but I decided to navigate the museum on my own. I would probably recommend first time visitors take a tour. Even after watching the introductory welcome video and you think you have a pretty good expectation of what you might see; you'd be wrong. The best advice I could offer would be to stick to a pattern of viewing a room. Start on either the right or left hand side but view the entirety of that side of the gallery. This museum has exhibits that could be easily missed if you aren't organized.

What's that Over There?

There are three main galleries that house the permanent collections supported by temporary exhibits usually featuring local artists or community themes. The most impressive and inviting of the galleries is the Enchanted Realm that is right behind the main desk. Every exhibit in this gallery is just as enchanting as it promises to be. The centerpiece of the gallery is an interactive willow featuring nooks for fairy homes and digital sparkles that react to your touch. The glass floor underneath the tree has an expansive village that has taken the place of it's roots. All of the miniatures in this room are themed around fiction and whimsy. This would certainly be the most exciting room for children and reignites the nostalgia in any adult. There are dragons, witches, fairies, ghouls, goblins, monsters, elves, animals with human characteristics, and classic storybook themes that are featured in the different exhibits. This was my favorite gallery because the tree is phenomenal and found these exhibits the most humorous. The historic gallery lives up to its name highlighting architecture, fashion, design, and cultural retrospectives in history. These exhibits freeze time and offer a glimpse into everyday life during that period. Most of the antique exhibits are located in this area. The last few rooms to explore are for the world traveler that doesn't have the financial means to back their dreams. This room also provides historical commentary on whatever place is being highlighted . I had a difficult time noticing a real difference in the presentation of the historical and world galleries. I felt like they just melt into one another. However, at this time, my eyes were slightly fatigued. The gift shop ends your stay and allows you to take a miniature home with you at every price point.

Thomas, P. & N. (1989) Greene and GreeneEnglish (1775) Daneway House

Unknown Maldenian Artist (1900) Just SuitsDepartment 56 (1980s), Snow Village

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The Effects of the Time Machine

I couldn't imagine being in this museum for an entire day. Yes, for the miniature enthusiast this would be heaven. For the average person wanting to experience a community curio, it's a little much. In no way do I mean to discredit or undermine this museum. It was fascinating. It's just overwhelming. There is a lot to take in and not much space to do it in. I never felt rushed or pestered at any exhibit. All of the patrons are in awe at the detail and time that went into each of these pieces. The other-worldly experience the museum sets out to provide is delivered. As you convince yourself you don't need a miniature unicorn stable for $600 from the gift shop, you start to really appreciate the enormity of the experience you just had. Your mind will still be turning as your keys enter your ignition. The artistic aspects and skill should be appreciated. This oddly endearing museum is best matched with patient patrons who are willing to learn about the entire process of miniatures.

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