Phoenix is home to the world’s largest firefighting museum, the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting. This massive museum houses over 130 wheeled pieces of equipment, dating back to 1725. In addition to the impressive collection of vehicles, the museum also has a wide array of badges, alarms, helmets, and gear on display.
So, if you’re looking to learn about the history of firefighting or just want to see some cool equipment, the Hall of Flame Fire Museum is the place for you!
Adults, kids, and history buffs alike will find something to love at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
As you wander through the five galleries, you’ll be transported back in time to learn about the evolution of firefighting equipment and techniques. You’ll also see firsthand how brave firefighters have risked their lives to save others.
So, whether you’re a fan of fire engines or just want to learn more about this important part of history, the Hall of Flame Museum is sure to impress!
Guide: Things To Know Before Visiting Hall of Flame Fire Museum In 2022
As you plan your visit to the Hall of Flame Fire Museum in 2022, you’ll want to keep in mind a few key details to make the most of your experience. Getting yourself acquainted with the history of firefighting and the museum itself will help you understand and appreciate all that you see.
You’ll also want to make sure to have your camera ready, as there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the facility.
The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of firefighting and honoring the brave men and women who have served in this noble profession.
So, before you even step foot inside, it’s worth taking a little time to learn about the rich history of firefighting. This will help you appreciate all the more the vintage fire engines and equipment on display at the museum.
And speaking of those vintage fire engines, they are definitely one of the highlights of a visit to the museum.
Be sure to have your camera ready to capture some great photos of these massive machines. You’ll also want to take some time to explore the other exhibits, which showcase a variety of firefighting gear and equipment.
So, whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique and fascinating place to visit, the Hall of Flame Fire Museum is sure to be a place you’ll enjoy. Just remember to brush up on your firefighting history and bring your camera along for the ride!
History Of The Museum
The background of the Hall of Fame Museum of Firefighting is quite interesting. It all started when a man named George F. Getz, Jr. received a 1924 American LaFrance fire engine for Christmas from his wife in 1955. The history of this museum then becomes a story of one man’s passion for firefighting and collecting.
George F. Getz, Jr. started collecting artifacts that are related to firefighting as well as fire engines in order to create a museum that would display these objects.
In 1961, he opened the doors to the public in Kenosha, Wisconsin where the museum was first established.
The museum then eventually closed its doors in 1970 when the Getz family decided to move to Phoenix, Arizona for a warmer climate.
So, the man who started it all moved his collection of firefighting memorabilia to Phoenix and reopened the museum in 1974.
The museum has been constantly growing ever since then with five different galleries that are filled with various objects on display.
In 1992, George F. Getz, Jr. passed away but his legacy continues on through his son and grandsons who are still involved in the management of the museum.
The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting is now recognized as the largest firefighting museum in the world and it all started with one man’s love for firefighting.
Directions To Reach
Reaching the Hall of Flame Fire Museum from downtown Phoenix is a simple process that should take no longer than 15 minutes.
- First, get on I-10 E and head west on W Washington St toward 1st Ave for 0.5 miles
- Then, you need to make a right onto N 7th Ave and pass by McDonald’s
- After 0.8 miles, take a right to merge with I-10 E toward Tucson
- Continue on I-10 E for 6 minutes until you reach the exit for AZ-202/AZ-202Loop E
- From there, take exit 4 toward Van Buren St and turn left onto E Van Buren St
- After 1.1 miles, make a right toward N Project Dr and then a slight right onto N Project Dr.
This will put you on the right track to reach the Hall of Flame Fire Museum, which will be on your right-hand side.
So, following these directions should be a breeze and you’ll be able to enjoy all that the museum has to offer in no time!
General Admission Tickets
In order to get into the museum, adults are required to pay $17. However, you may find discount tickets on coupon & deal sites like Groupon, aRes Travel, UnderCoverTourist, etc.
Here’s the regular ticket pricing for Hall of Flame Fire Museum in 2022 –
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $17 |
| Senior Citizen | $15 |
| Student | $15 |
| Children | $10 |
A student discount can be availed by anyone who is 6 to 17 years old by showing a student ID whereas a senior discount is applicable to 62+-year-olds.
Kids under age 3 are allowed to enter the museum for free.
Groups of 10 or more can get admission passes at special discounted rates which can be availed 24 hours prior to arrival.
A family of 4 with two adults and two children under 5 years old would need to budget $17 + $17 + $10 + $10 = $54 to visit the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
This is the cost just to enter the museum, so there may be additional costs like commuting and parking, or purchasing food while there.
As there is no food counter or restaurant inside the museum, it is advised to eat before or after your visit.
If your itinerary includes Phoenix Zoo or Desert Botanical Garden, you will have to factor in the cost of those admission tickets as well.
A day at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting could easily be combined with a visit to one or both of these other attractions, making for a very fun and educational day out!
Things To Do
The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting is a great place to learn about the history of firefighting and see some amazing pieces. Here are some of the best things to do at the museum:
- Start your visit in Gallery 1 with the 1725 Newsham hand pump. This is the oldest piece in the museum and it’s fascinating to see how firefighting has evolved over time.
- Don’t miss the Badger Fire Company engine used to help fight the Great Chicago Fire. This is an important piece of history and it’s really well preserved.
- Many of the pieces in Gallery 1 are very ornate and elaborate. Take some time to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into them.
- In Gallery 2, you can board a 1952 fire truck. This is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with one of these vehicles.
- As you walk through the museum, be sure to stop by the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes. This is where you can learn about the brave men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty.
- 1924 American LaFrance is one of the most impressive pieces in the museum. It’s a beautifully restored fire truck that any fan of firefighting history will appreciate.
- The Yarnell Hill Fire exhibit is also very moving. This is a tribute to the 19 firefighters who lost their lives fighting the fire in Arizona.
- The 9/11 exhibit is very powerful and it’s a great way to remember those who perished on that fateful day.
These are just some of the best things to do at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting. There’s so much to see and learn here that you could easily spend a whole day exploring everything the museum has to offer.
Tips For A Trip With Kids
A trip to the Hall of Flame Fire Museum with your kids can be a great way to spend a day. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your visit.
My first tip would be to grab a binder at the entrance which has information on all of the exhibits. This way, you can choose which ones you want to spend more time reading about.
Secondly, many of the staff members are retired firefighters who love to chat. So, if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask!
Kids will likely want to explore the museum and climb on the fire truck, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
And finally, since there is no restaurant in the museum, you may want to time your visit around meal times or bring snacks and drinks with you.
All in all, following these tips, will help you have a fun and educational day at the Hall of Flame Fire Museum with your kids.
Dress Code
There is no specific dress code for the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, but visitors should keep in mind that it is a museum and therefore should dress appropriately.
This means avoiding any clothing with profanity or offensive images, as well as keeping shoulders and midriffs covered.
It is also important to wear comfortable shoes as the museum has cement floors and visitors will be doing a lot of walking.
Generally speaking, it is recommended that visitors dress in casual clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for a museum setting.
So, while there is no specific dress code, visitors should use their best judgment when deciding what to wear.
While men can go with a simple collared shirt and khakis, women can opt for a sundress or blouse and skirt.
It is also important to keep in mind that the museum is located in Phoenix, Arizona, so visitors should dress accordingly for the desert climate. This means avoiding heavy clothing and opting for light, breathable fabrics.
Gift Shop
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the firefighter in your life, look no further than the gift shop at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
Here you’ll find t-shirts, books, Christmas ornaments, and more emblazoned with the museum’s logo. There’s something for everyone here, and the prices are very reasonable.
The staff is also extremely friendly and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions. So, when you plan to visit the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, be sure to budget some time (and money) for a visit to the museum’s gift shop.
You won’t be disappointed!
Nearby Things-To-Do
The nearest thing to do would be to visit the Phoenix Zoo or Desert Botanical Garden. So, when you’re planning your visit to the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, you might want to consider combining it with a trip to one of these other nearby attractions. That way, you can make a day out of it and really explore all that the area has to offer.
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the country and is home to more than 3,000 animals. You can spend hours walking around and observing all the different species. If you have kids, they’ll love getting up close and personal with some of the animals.
There are also plenty of educational opportunities at the zoo, so you can learn about the animals while you’re enjoying their company.
The Desert Botanical Garden is a must-see for any nature lover. It’s home to more than 50,000 plants, so you can explore and learn about all sorts of different species. The garden also offers beautiful views of the surrounding desert landscape.
You can take a self-guided tour or join one of the many guided tours that are offered. Either way, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.