Sue Doerfler

The Republic | azcentral.com

Here are 10 museums that are offering deals during August. Some are always free, while others are during special promotions.

10. First weekend deal: 'Museums on Us'

If you have a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card, you can visit two Arizona museums for free the first weekend of every month during the "Museums on Us" program. The museums are the Phoenix Art Museum and the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. (You also can visit another 150 museums around the country for free on first weekends under the program.) Phoenix Art Museum, Central Avenue and McDowell Road, 602-257-1880, phxart.org. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 N. Main Ave., 520-624-2333, tucsonmuseumofart.org. museums.bankofamerica.com.

9. Admission is always free: Tempe History Museum

Discover the history of the river city through various media in the main exhibit, plus see changing exhibits, including "Made in Tempe," about local products made currently and in the past, on view through Sunday, Aug. 24. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. 809 E. Southern Ave. 480-350-5100, tempe.gov/museum.

8. Native culture: Ak-Chin Him-Dak Ecomuseum and Archive

See artifacts and objects that document the culture of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Him-Dak means "way of life" in the tribe's language. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 47685 N. Eco-Museum Road (off Arizona 347 and Farrell Road), Maricopa. 520-568-1350, ak-chin.nsn.us.

7. Wednesday evenings are free: Phoenix Art Museum

See an exhibit featuring contemporary Japanese ceramics among other exhibitions and galleries at the Phoenix Art Museum. Get in for free 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and 6 to 10 p.m. the first Friday of each month. McDowell Road and Central Avenue. 602-257-1880, phxart.org.

6. Wallace and Ladmo display: House of Broadcasting

Relive the memories of "The Wallace and Ladmo Show" at a display at the House of Broadcasting museum. The collection features a Ladmo Bag, news articles, photos and other memorabilia. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. 7150 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale. Free. 602-944-1997, houseofbroadcasting.com.

5. Art at the airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor Art Galleries

Whether you're going on a trip or picking up a visitor, plan to spend more time at the airport the next time you're there. Each terminal has a gallery or exhibits with ongoing and changing artwork. skyharbor.com/museum.

4. Sculpture and art: Shemer Art Center

Tour the sculpture garden and see art exhibits in a house built in 1919 for water-well diggers in Arcadia. Through Thursday, Aug. 28, see an exhibition by students and instructors. Free; donations accepted. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-262-4727, shemerartcenter.org.

3. Free on First Friday nights: Children's Museum of Phoenix

Kids can build a fort, "shop" at the market, paint a castle, play in the noodle forest and engage in other interactive exhibits at the museum, which is free 5 to 9 p.m. on First Fridays. Save $11 in admission. Upcoming dates are Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-253-0501, childrensmuseumofphoenix.org.

2. Always free: ASU Art Museum

See a collection of six Andy Warhol screen prints on display through Saturday, Sept. 13, among other exhibits. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays (in September, Tuesday hours will be extended to 8 p.m.) Arizona State University, Mill Avenue and 10th Street, Tempe. 480-965-2787, asuartmuseum.asu.edu.

1. Thursdays are free: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Visit for free from noon to 9 p.m. Thursdays, saving up to $7 in admission. Admission also is free 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Current exhibits include "Linear Thinking: Selections From the Permanent Collection." 7374 E. Second St. 480-874-4666, smoca.org.