Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is honored with the prestigious title of “No. 1 Western Museum” for 2023 by True West magazine.
The announcement is featured in the special 70th-anniversary edition of the September magazine, currently available on newsstands, according to a press release.
For the 18th consecutive year, True West magazine has presented the award for Top Western Museums of the West, recognizing institutions that embody the spirit of the American West. Their editors base the selections on criteria evaluating exhibits, facilities, multimedia and online accessibility, events and promotion of historic/cultural resources, the release stated.
Western Spirit’s mission is dedicated to preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of the greater American West and works to highlight the importance of safeguarding artwork, artifacts and stories that illuminate the region’s past to shape our future.
Upon receiving the news of this recognition, Todd Bankofier, CEO and executive director of Western Spirit, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Being named the No. 1 Western Museum for 2023 by True West is a tremendous honor. We take immense pride in our ongoing efforts to provide captivating activities that cater to visitors of all ages, ensuring that every day, we share the awe-inspiring stories of the West.”
David Scholefield, Western Spirit’s marketing director, added, “We strive to create engaging and authentic experiences that connect visitors to the past, present and future of the West, and this No. 1 distinction motivates us to continue our mission with even greater purpose.”
“Since its opening in 2015, we have seen Western Spirit’s commitment to excellence through exceptional contributions that preserve legend and legacy, attracting audiences from all over the world,” said True West magazine’s Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell. “Western Spirit’s No. 1 Western Museum award is a well-deserved accolade for a true pioneer in the field.”
Western Spirit is currently featuring “Western Pop: Andy Warhol & Billy Schenck” through Nov. 26; “Werner Segarra: Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo” through Feb. 25, 2024; “The Gather: A Portrait of the American West” through Aug. 27; Elliott collection preview through Fall 2023; “Dazzling Array: The Richard A. Gates Collection of Native American Jewelry” is ongoing.
For more information on current exhibitions and events at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, go to Scottsdalemuseumwest.org.
