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Idaho Historical Museum
610 Julia Davis Dr Boise, ID 83702
208-334-2120
The Idaho State Historical Museum, founded in 1907, is Idaho's largest and most visited museum. It has evolved from a simple collection of curios and relics sitting on shelves to the first museum in Idaho to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. Objects from the Museum's collection tell the story of Idaho from prehistoric times through the fur trade, the gold rush, and pioneer settlement to the present. Richly detailed interiors show how Idahoans in the late 19th and 20th centuries lived and conducted business. Exhibits about the state's Native American, Chinese and Basque populations are also presented. The museum is open throughout the year and is located in Julia Davis Park. Adult admissions: $4 ?Seniors (65 and older): $2?Children (6-12 years): $1?Students (with I.D.) $1 ?Group Rates available. Because their hours change throughout the year call or visit their website for more information.
Basque Museum & Cultural Center
601 W Grove St Boise, ID 83702
208-343-2671
The Basque Museum & Cultural Center provides a look into the heritage of the Basque communities of Idaho and surrounding areas. Boise has long been a central location where Basque immigrants first congregated after coming to the United States from the Spanish Basque Region. As immigrants established their lives here, Basques became well known for their hard work and perseverance. ??The Basque Museum & Cultural Center provides a look into the Basque heritage by exhibits, collections, and tours. As a cultural center, it's a gathering place for events and educational opportunities - in which people of all backgrounds can participate in Basque activities. ??Located in downtown Boise, Idaho, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center provides an active central location for maintaining the Basque culture in the United States. Admission: Adults - $4?Seniors (65+) - $3?Children 6-12 - $2?Children 5 and under - free?BMCC members - free w/ membership card?click here for detailed membership info ??Museum Hours: ?Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am to 4:00pm ?Saturday: 11:00am to 3:00pm ?Sunday, Monday and Holidays: Closed
Discovery Center of Idaho
131 W Myrtle St Boise, ID 83702
208-343-9895
The Discovery Center of Idaho's mission is to provide experiences and educational opportunities that inspire lifelong learning and interest in science, math and technology, and that supplement and enrich formal science education through interactive exhibits, educational programs and teacher resources. Admission: General $6.50, Children (3-17 yrs) $4.00, Seniors (60+ yrs) $5.50, Members & Children 2 yrs and under are FREE. Current hours Mon- Fri 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Su noon- 5 p.m.
Idaho Black History Museum
508 Julia Davis St Boise, ID 83702
208-433-0017
The Idaho Black History Museum was founded in 1995 and currently is the only African American history museum in the Pacific Northwest. The museum's purpose is to build bridges between cultures to explore issues that affect Americans of all cultures and ethnicities. Come by today. Open Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is free. For more information, please contact us at 433-0017 or info@ibhm.org.
Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
2445 Old Penitentiary Rd Boise, ID 83712
208-334-2844
Idaho Territory was less than ten years old when the territorial prison was built east of Boise in 1870. The penitentiary grew from a single cellhouse into a complex of several distinctive buildings surrounded by a high sandstone wall. Convicts quarried the stone from the nearby ridges and completed all the later construction. ?Over its century of operation, the penitentiary received more than 13,000 convicts, of whom 215 were women. Spurred in part by conditions that sparked a general riot in 1971 and an even more severe riot in 1973, the inmate population was moved to a modern penitentiary south of Boise and the Old Idaho Penitentiary was closed on December 3, 1973. After the Penitentiary closed in 1973, the site was placed on the National Register of Historic places. Begin your visit with our video presentation recalling prison history, notorious inmates, and daily prison life. Once inside the Yard, imagine life in the foreboding sandstone cellhouses, see the contrasting beauty of the historic rose gardens, and view the effects of the 1973 riot. Visit Solitary Confinement, known as "Siberia," as well as Death Row and the Gallows. Exhibits are located throughout the site. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the day's weather. Open daily, noon to 5pm. Closed state holidays. Memorial Day – Labor Day, open every day, 10am - 5pm. Last admission at 4:30pm. Admission?$5.00 Adults?$4.00 Seniors?$3.00 Children (ages 6-12)?Discount for groups of 10 or more.?
Boise Art Museum
670 Julia Davis Dr Boise, ID 83702
208-345-8330
For 70 years this art museum has provided an imaginative excursion for all the senses. Wander through the airy sculpture garden or admire one of the pieces from the museum's 15 galleries. A great place to learn about Boise’s local artists and participate in a wide range of activities that are offered for children and adults. Admission is charged at nominal rates.
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