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5 reasons to plan a visit to the Bisbee Arts & Culture District
Stepfanie Romine for Discover Bisbee
Published December 22, 2021
If you think you know all that Bisbee has to offer, it’s time to book your next long weekend in Cochise County. This winter, find out how Bisbee is quickly becoming known as the “creative backbone of the Southwest," thanks to the burgeoning Bisbee Arts & Culture District.
Here’s a look at the top five reasons to plan a trip to Bisbee – soon!
1. See world-class art at the Artemizia Foundation
Want to see works by Banksy, Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons? Check out this not-for-profit contemporary international art museum located in the heart of historic Old Bisbee. Artemizia “creates connections through stimulating conversations and programs designed to effect lasting, transformative impact,” and founder Sloane Bouchever has amassed an impressive, cutting-edge collection.
Pro tip: You have to book your tickets in advance, and it’s worth planning one of your days in Bisbee around this visit.
While you’re in town, add these sites to your must-do list, too: Copper Queen Library, Bisbee Restoration Museum, Central School Project and Muheim Heritage House.
2. Explore the bustling dining scene
Vegan? Vegetarian? Gluten-free? No problem – Bisbee’s dining scene has you covered, with options ranging from street food to fine dining. Even in winter the weather is mild enough to enjoy the ample patio seating that’s perfect for people watching and soaking up the city’s artsy vibes. There are plenty of family-friendly options, classic diners, traditional Mexican fare and bakeries, too.
3. Sip on local brews – or wine from the Willcox growing region
Beer and wine lovers have loads of local options to scope in Bisbee. (And keep an eye out for the frequent local festivals that highlight them!) You can even check out the smallest bar in Arizona, with only four stools, the aptly named Room 4 Bar.
Arizona’s wine scene is thriving, with most of them coming from Cochise County grapes. The Willcox wine growing region recently gained its own American Viticultural Area designation, and you’ll find local and regional wines on most restaurant menus.
4. Hop among over a dozen local galleries
From the classic to the unexpected, home goods to watercolors, Bisbee’s galleries are diverse and thriving. Visitors looking for unique home décor and gifts will make a beeline for 55 Main Gallery and Art Home. Wine lovers will appreciate the fine art and fine wines on offer at Flying Leap. And fans of funky finds should visit the pop-up Broadway Stairs Gallery, part thrift store finds and part gallery.
Some galleries – like J.F. Thamm Gallery, Panterra Gallery and SAM-POE Gallery – feature one artist or medium, while others (like Sense of Place Gallery or Pritchard Gallery) change up the artists on display. You’ll want to visit all of them.
5. Tour the public art on every street
Another must-see for art lovers is the public art that’s all over Bisbee. Be on the lookout for murals, sculptures and even an outdoor alley gallery. (This is a great way to introduce kids to art.) Challenge yourself to see how many works by local artists and nationally known street artists you can find during your visit.
Bring your walking shoes: Globally recognized graffiti writer, muralist and street artist Jules Muck (known as MuckRock) has over 40 works in and around the city. The Bisbee Arts & Culture District Committee connects the city’s vibrant cultural heritage with its renewed economic vitality. It aims to attract visitors and creatives to live and work, while protecting and growing the arts and culture scene. Learn more and plan your next visit at DiscoverBisbee.com.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.