Come to The Bead Museum and learn more about the world of beads and beaded artifacts. Beads are some of the oldest artifacts created by humanity and are representative of diverse cultures found in many locations on the globe. Historically, the first beads were created from natural objects. They are symbols that interpret ideas and beliefs conveyed in ceremonies, social status, wealth, religion, and rituals.

New School Brochure 2008-09!! Click here

Group Tours

To schedule a tour for your group, please call the Museum Educator at 623-931-2737. Tours require one week advance notice.

Tours typically last about 45 minutes but we can tailor the tour to your groups’ schedule. Docents give a brief introduction about the history of beads, types of beads, symbolism of beads and their design, as well as an overview of the various ways in which beads are used in cultures around the world. Tours are for adult, youth, school and special interest groups.

Groups can also make bracelets after their tour of museum exhibits.

Tour Fees

$4 per person for School & Youth Tours (Teachers are free)

$6 per person for School & Youth Tours w/ Bracelet-Making Activity (Teachers are free)

$6 per person for Adult Tour

$8 per person for Adult Tour w/ Bracelet-Making Activity

Additional programming for groups is available. Please contact the Museum at 623-931-2737 for more information.

At The Bead Museum we help Girl Scouts complete SIX of the needed activities to earn their Jeweler Badges. Requirements that can be done at the Museum include:

1. Jewelry from Everyday Objects
3. Jewelry from Other Lands
4. Jeweler’s Skills (dependent on artist availability)
5. Take a Tour
6. Something Natural
7. Triple Up
8. Store Your Gems
9. True Gemstones
10. Get the Message

So bring your troop to The Bead Museum to learn about jewelry and adornment from cultures around the world! Girl Scouts can choose their beads to make their own bracelets or bring items from nature with them to string up. They can also decorate a jewelry box to take home. We’ll tailor the workshop according to the needs and interests of your troop. (Workshop is best for Junior Scouts and older.)

Please call The Bead Museum to learn more about this Special Girl Scout Offer at 623-931-2737.