-
Step 1
Leave Sky Harbor Airport on heading northwest on State Route 51. Take the Glendale exit and head due west to 55th Avenue. Look for signs that say "Historic Downtown Glendale." There is free parking all around the town square of downtown Glendale.
-
Step 2
Begin your visit by scanning the bead history timeline, which displays the origins and dates of bead specimens beginning in 40,000 BC. Then, bone up on beading terminology with the tutorial that describes the vocabulary used by lapidary artists, crafters and other lovers of bead lore. Move on to the permanent bead exhibit, where you can see examples of beads made from natural ingredients. Look for the display of pierced shells found in centuries-old burial sites in Kenya. Many of the beads are African in origin.
-
Step 3
Browse through the temporary exhibit area, which may feature a display of silver or Navajo jewelry and beads or other examples created by crafters within the past 100 years. Then head over to the museum shop for some one-of-a-kind shopping. You can purchase jewelry ready-made by artisans or create your own from the beads and materials on display. If you're in town long enough, pick up a class schedule and plan to attend a make-it-yourself jewelry class.
-
Step 4
Finish your tour with lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants that surround nearby Murphy Park (the park was featured in the movie "Murphy's Romance" with James Garner). There are German, Italian, Asian and Mexican restaurants within walking distance of the museum. Some have outdoor courtyards with live music.
-
Step 5
Visit on Sundays during summer months for free admission. The rest of the year, admission price is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children 4 through 12. There is no fee to visit the museum store.
