DOWNTOWN. A major addition to the arts complex at the University of Arizona, the Center for Creative Photography was conceived by Ansel Adams and is now the chief repository for his work. The photograph collection of the Center is one of the finest and largest in the world, with more than 60,000 photographs. Although the collection's main strength is photography by 20th-century American and Mexican artists, the Center holds significant collections of 19th and 20th century photography from around the world. In addition to Ansel Adams, the Center also contains the works of Richard Avedon, Edward Weston and Louise Dahl-Wolfe. A unique feature of the Center is print viewing. The public can view up to three boxes of prints from several thousand photographers by calling for reservations.

FOOTHILLS. Ted DeGrazia is a Tucson legend. His home and the surrounding buildings, originally built in open country in the foothills of the Catalinas, are now surrounded by the city. The gallery, his former home, his workshop, and the roofless chapel were all built by hand from native materials. The "gallery" now serves as a museum to the famed artist. It also houses the gift shop and a small gallery dedicated to the religious festivals of the Yaqui Native Americans.

DOWNTOWN. Still a baby in museum years, Tucson's Museum of Contemporary Art opened its doors in 1998. Six to eight exhibits a year feature pieces from 1970 to the present, from all over the world, with a special commitment to young, regional, avant garde artists. The museum's collection is gradually expanding, but has already garnered much praise.

DOWNTOWN. The Tucson Museum of Art not only houses a permanent exhibit of pre-Columbian art plus traveling exhibits, it also houses an art school and an art library. There is a fine gift shop within the museum, as well. Located in the historic Barrio Presidio (the original walled city), the Art Museum shares the district with five homes on the National Register of Historic Places. All are within easy walking distance of the museum.

DOWNTOWN. The University of Arizona Art Museum's collection is wide-ranging and impressive, to say the least. From 15th century Spanish master Fernando Gallego to European renaissance paintings to modern masters such as Pollock, O'Keeffe and Kandinsky, there are pieces here that will appeal to virtually everyone. Other artists represented in the collection include Albrecht Durer, James McNeill Whistler, Frank Stella, John Cage, Helen Frankenthaler, Auguste Rodin, Isamu Noguchi, Francisco Goya, Jean Arp and Edouard Manet. That's quite a list!