Wells Fargo Museum in Phoenix
Learn how to drive a stagecoach! It’s one of the many exhibits at the Wells Fargo Museum in Phoenix I found while attending a work conference. And best of all – admission was free AND it was indoors. Because let’s face it: Phoenix can get HOT!
WELLS FARGO HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED THIS MUSEUM 🙁
If you’ve already visited the Desert Botanical Gardens, Arizona Science Center or the Phoenix Police Museum, then don’t miss out on the Wells Fargo Museum – especially if you’ve got your kids with you. They’ll love some of the activities and even learn a little history.
Photo Opps at the Wells Fargo Museum
Right off the bat I found two very different photo opps. The most obvious one is in front of the large Wells Fargo stagecoach with a desert scene background. If you don’t have a camera or someone to take the photo for you, don’t worry – they have a camera for you.
Their camera looks like one of those old school cameras, too. Just push the button on the camera, get in the shot and smile when the countdown reaches zero. Once taken, enter your email address into the touch screen and your photo will be emailed to you.
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The other photo opp is to the right of the entrance. You stand in the little photo booth and use the touch screen to take your photo. Then it emails your mug shot placed onto an old-time dollar bill. It’s a fun vintage opportunity.
The museum also has other photo opps throughout, but those are the two that Wells Fargo will provide the cameras for.
Learn About Life as a Stagecoach Driver
Do you think you’re skilled enough to drive your own stagecoach. Take a seat, grab the reigns and give it a go. You can use the touch screen to learn how to start and stop, turn, speed up, slow down, and much more. Don’t worry… it’s a stuffed animal horse, so no one will get hurt.
Another exhibit teaches you about what life was like for a stagecoach driver. Press the button and watch the drive (wearing in all-out cowboy clothes) share stories about life on the trail. You can see see vintage suitcases and clothes.
Think you can maximize storage space in a stagecoach? There’s a small exhibit for that, too. Step into a stagecoach and feel what it’s like riding down the trail – except there’s a lot less dust than the real deal (which is a good thing).
Visit the Western Union Telegraph Office
At the far end of the exhibit, you can step into the Western Union Telegraph & Cable Office to learn about communications from the Old West. There’s a Morse code communicator, and an old-time phone (like the one Mr. Banks used in the movie Mary Poppins) – enjoy explaining to your kids what that is. 😉
The office also highlights some of the technologies and artifacts from the Old West. The further in you go, you’ll also learn about prospecting. There’s a giant gold nugget on display. Pick up the fake one that gives you an idea of just how heavy that large golden nugget would be (see photo below).
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Along the back hallway of the museum is a western art exhibit. You’ll find paintings and artifacts of the Old West. Horses, deserts, cowboys and more. It’s nice to see the art depicting scenes from back in the day.
The Details
Address: Wells Fargo Plaza, downtown (enter on the Adams Street side), 100 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Cost: Admission is free
Hours: WELLS FARGO HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED THIS MUSEUM 🙁
Phone: (602) 378-1852
Website: https://www.wellsfargohistory.com/museums/phoenix/
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