PHX Reporter

Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, has once again achieved national accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest recognition available to museums in the United States. This accreditation, which the garden has held since 1983, is awarded after a reaccreditation review conducted at least once every ten years.

Accreditation from the alliance is a testament to a museum's commitment to excellence, accountability, and high professional standards. According to the alliance, the process advocates for best practices, allowing museums to make informed decisions and allocate resources prudently. There are an estimated 33,000 museums in the nation, but only around 1,100 hold this accredited status. In Arizona, the Desert Botanical Garden is one of 19 accredited institutions.

Ken Schutz, the executive director of the garden, noted, "Achieving reaccreditation from the AAM is a testament to the Garden’s unwavering dedication to excellence in horticulture, education and conservation. This prestigious recognition reaffirms our commitment to preserving the desert’s biodiversity and enhancing public understanding of its importance."

The accreditation process is both rigorous and rewarding, involving a year of self-study and a peer-reviewed site visit. The final decision on accreditation is made by the AAM’s Accreditation Commission, which operates independently to ensure museums meet the needed standards.

Marilyn Jackson, AAM President & CEO, explained, “Accreditation is a monumental achievement. The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”

The Desert Botanical Garden, located among the Papago Buttes and spanning more than 85 years as a landmark, continues to be a vital resource in horticulture and desert conservation. It attracts visitors with its extensive collection of around 50,000 desert plants and its engaging public offerings.

The American Alliance of Museums, established in 1906, represents a broad range of museum types, from art museums to science centers and zoos. It serves as a resource for museum professionals, offering advocacy and professional development opportunities.