Self-Guided Open Houses

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Let your imagination lead you!

Self-guided historic house events offer a casual, flexible experience. Drop in any time while the house is open--we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before closing so you won't feel rushed. Tempe History Museum guides are present to answer questions, but the emphasis is on self-paced exploration. Free admission, no registration necessary. Donations welcome!

Update your calendar now for Winter and Spring events in 2026!

Elias-Rodriguez House: Saturday Open House

Winter 2026: Saturday, February 21

Self-Guided

House open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free admission, donations welcome

Exterior view of the Elias-Rodriguez House, looking from the west end of the front porch to the east. The wood posts and floor are painted turquoise blue. It shades the north side of the house, which is a creamy white color. Have you ever caught a glimpse of this small adobe home with its distinctive steep roof? See more of this quintessential Sonoran residence with your own self-guided tour. Nestled in one of the most historically rich areas of Tempe, Elias-Rodriguez House tells the story of the strong, enterprising women who built a community and nurtured it with the products of their land and labor.

Drop by to experience this enchanting historic home and appreciate Tempe’s Mexican heritage. Free admission, no registration necessary. Donations welcome!

The historic nature of Elias-Rodriguez House may affect accessibility for some people with mobility considerations. Entry to the house requires navigation of some uneven surfaces and walkways, and a step up or down is necessary to access some areas.

Elias-Rodriguez House is located at 927 E. 8^th St., Tempe 85281

Parking is limited, carpooling encouraged. Parking lot gates open at 10:50 a.m.

Petersen House: Saturday Open House

Spring 2026: Saturday, April 11

Self-Guided

House open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free admission, donations welcome

Exterior view of Petersen House with large front porch. The historic house is painted dark red with sage green and cream color trim. How many times have you traveled by this colorful Victorian home, wondering what’s inside? Find out more about this Tempe icon with your own self-guided tour. Petersen House was once the center of a bustling ranch, an elegant declaration of one family’s status and influence in a growing town.

Drop by to experience this charming historic home and unlock the stories it can tell. Free admission, no registration necessary. Donations welcome!

The historic nature of Petersen House may affect accessibility for some people with mobility considerations. There is ramp access to the first floor of the house, but the second floor is accessible only by the original stairs. Petersen House does not have a lift, and people using mobility devices may not be able to visit the second floor.

Petersen House is located at 1414 W. Southern Ave., Tempe 85282

Parking is limited, carpooling encouraged.

Eisendrath House: Saturday Open House

Spring 2026: Saturday, April 25

Self-Guided

House open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free admission, donations welcome

Exterior view of the Eisendrath House. The house is a warm tan color with hints of pink. Steps lead to the terrace, and cactuses and desert trees are near the house.

What do you know about the pink house next to Papago Park? Find out more about this Tempe landmark with a self-guided tour. Although Eisendrath House seemed isolated on a desert hillside, its residents maintained strong connections to Jewish culture, artistic accomplishment, and the wealthiest of social circles.

Drop by to experience this intriguing historic home and its beautiful surroundings. Free admission, no registration necessary. Donations welcome!

The historic nature of Eisendrath House may affect accessibility for some people with mobility considerations. Entry to the house requires navigation of some uneven surfaces and walkways. The house has a lift to the second floor. There is one accessible space in the main parking lot and a second accessible space in the parking lot immediately behind the house.

Because this historic property is home to Tempe’s Public Art staff, some areas of the house are not open to the public.

Eisendrath House is located at 1400 N. College Ave., Tempe 85281

Parking is limited, carpooling encouraged.

Hayden House: Saturday Open House

Check back for details on the next Hayden House public event, coming in Fall 2026

Self-Guided

House open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free admission, donations welcome

How much do you know about this beautifully restored building in the shadow of the flour mill? Discover the many lives of Hayden House with your own self guided tour. Evolving from family home to boarding house to restaurant, this adobe treasure--widely known as “La Casa Vieja,” the old house, even in the 1920s--is the oldest continuously occupied building in Maricopa County.

Drop by to experience this irreplaceable historic property, the starting point of modern Tempe. Free admission, no registration necessary. Donations welcome!

Hayden House is located at 1 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe 85281.

There is no public parking lot at Hayden House. The house is easily accessible by public transit. Parking at the 201 S. Ash Garage is a 3-minute walk. Visit tempe.gov/MuseumHistoricHouses for more information.

This event is hosted in partnership with Downtown Tempe Authority.