Picture more than 24,000 mineral specimens gathered right here inside the Pima County Courthouse in downtown Tucson, Arizona. Step in with the curiosity of someone who wants to read the earth’s handwriting: this museum began in 1892 and has, over time, grown into a global trove. Its holdings number over 24,000 specimens from around the world — from meteorites that fell from space to delicate micromounts and the tools and relics that speak to mining history.
Minerals from Arizona and Mexico are particularly well represented here, giving you a powerful local connection alongside worldwide variety. More than 2,000 specimens are arranged for display, so what you see in the galleries is only a selection of a much larger scientific collection. Alongside the rocks you will also find oils that bring human labor into the story: paintings depicting miners and mining by Delaware artist William Davidson White (1896–1971).
As you stand in this courthouse setting, imagine both the deep time of the minerals and the more recent history of extraction and art these objects reveal. Notice the Pima County Courthouse setting, home to this museum's trove since 1892.