Heard Museum West Will Close By the End of 2009

Citing the recession and financial hardships, officials for the Heard Museum West location in Surprise announced today that the museum will close by the end of the year.

Like the other Heard Museum locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale, the Heard Museum West housed Native American exhibits and artifacts. It opened in 2006, but officials say the revenue to sustain the 7,000-square-foot facility just isn't there. The museum expects to lose about $80,000 for the current fiscal year. The decision to close was made after museum officials had discussions with Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt.

"The Heard Museum's desire to extend its educational mission into the West Valley had such promise," Heard Museum Director Frank Goodyear Jr. said in a press release. "I am truly sorry that we weren't able to realize our vision."

Goodyear stressed that the Heard's Phoenix and Scottsdale locations are still doing well.