I hadn’t been to Phoenix for awhile, and despite loving the sun, sometimes you just have to come indoors. Maybe not for the whole day, but staying out in the sun all day isn’t good for you.
If you’re looking for a short respite from 95 degree weather, you can duck into the air-conditioned Hall of Flame Fire Museum and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes.
The museum covers about an acre with fire history exhibits. You get a catalogue to go with the exhibits, so you can get more detailed information about those that catch your eye. The collection boasts over 10,000 smaller objects related to the history of fire fighting. In addition, the library as over 6,000 publications (books, journals, magazines, catalogues, etc.) and over 50,000 graphics (mostly photographs but also some paintings and other artwork).
The real treat, in my opinion, is the fire trucks and their apparatus. These have been beautifully and painstakingly restored — and it shows. There are nearly 100 fully restored pieces on display, covering a period from 1725 - 1969.
While young children may be bored with many of the exhibits, they’ll love the fire trucks. One engine is available for visitors to board, and it’s a prime location for photographs of both kids and adults alike There is also a good-sized fire safety exhibit that has hands on activities for children.
The Hall of Flame sponsors the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which is sponsored by the National Historical Fire Foundation. It honors fire fighters who have died in the line of duty or who have been decorated for heroism. There is also a reflective exhibit for those fire fighters who perished on 9/11.
The Hall of Flame is located at 6101 East Van Buren Street (in Papago Park), across from the Phoenix Zoo and adjacent to Phoenix Municipal Stadium. It is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm, and Sunday, noon - 4 pm. The facility is also available as a rental for special events.
Admission is $6 for adults, $ for seniors (62+), $4 for student (ages 6-17), $1.50 for children (ages 3-5), and free for children under 3. Group rates are available. Parking is free and plentiful.
I’d recommend about an hour to tour the museum.
Photo credit: Matt Frederick
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