Tucson's Norville Gem & Mineral Museum - Behind the Scenes Curator Tour

Item Description

Exclusive Behind the Scenes at the Museum: A 3-hour walkthrough with Curator of the Collections Dr. Susan Leib and Director Violetta Wolf, through the vast exhibits of gems and minerals on display in the newest major American museum dedicated to gems and minerals. Unusually, this museum has both gems and minerals in balance, AND of superb quality. The museum, through modern displays and showcases, interprets the science and the aesthetics of each class of items and shows treasures from the permanent collection including minerals from Ed David, and others going back over 100 years. A superb Arizona mining and specimen exhibit is to be found here, perhaps the best such exhibit in any museum. Part of the impressive collection of Gene Meieran is currently on display in the mineral hall. Two huge specimens from the Lavinsky China Collection also grace the lobby floor, near a fine exhibit of geology illustrated with actual specimens. Gems and Jewels shine as well in special exhibitions on loan (particularly in the lapidary and gemstone sections!). A fortune of minerals, gems and jewelry is on loan and on display at the moment, to supplement the museum's own collections. This trip is for 2-4 people, who will learn the history of the new museum building and its secrets firsthand, while viewing some treasures from the collection behind the scenes (and in underground rooms!). Focus more on minerals or gems as you wish. Donated to our symposium auction by the museum with all proceeds to benefit symposium beneficiaries in full.

NOTE: scheduling is subject to mutual agreement and availability from now until September 1, 2025. Does not include travel costs - tour only.

This trip is part of the 2024 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 19th, for payment using PayPal or a credit card.