Phoenix Zoo features Grand Canyon photo exhibit in new gallery

The Phoenix Zoo has a stunning new Grand Canyon photography exhibit in its brand new gallery.

The exhibit is called “Between River and Rim: Hiking Across the Grand Canyon.” On Arizona Horizon, we welcomed Jean Bingham, on the Arts Committee at the Zoo, and Pete McBride, photographer filmmaker.

The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation (ACNC)/Phoenix Zoo is also launching the debut of the Zoo’s new Wild Side Gallery.

“Between River and Rim: Hiking Across the Grand Canyon”

One Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m., McBride and Fedarko will share their journey of nearly 800 trail-less miles through the heart of the Grand Canyon. Their presentation was featured in National Geographic magazine as well as a national tour of the National Geographic LIVE series.

McBride and Fedarko will highlight the beauty of the Canyon and the threats they discovered along the way. The ticketed event at the gallery will begin at 5 p.m. with a presentation in the Zoo’s Doornbos Wildlife Amphitheater. Book signings will then follow at the Wild Side Gallery.

The gallery features McBride’s stunning photography exhibit from the adventure. There will also be a ribbon cutting celebration related to the opening of the Gallery.

The Wild Side Gallery

The Zoo is in the process of renovating its 1970s Activity Center into a visionary new venue, the Wild Side Gallery. The gallery will be house in a classic building originally designed by famed Valley architect William Cartmell. The Wild Side Gallery will honor a mid-century modern style. It will showcase artwork in more than 2,400 square feet of climate-controlled space.

The new art space will also serve as the Zoo’s first dedicated venue to the rotating exhibits of Art on the Wild Side, a program focused on inspiration, celebration and conservation through art. The Zoo currently exhibits artwork in the Savanna Gallery/Grill and will continue to do so.

“The new space has long been utilized at the Zoo for a variety of purposes, originally built as an education center but most recently used for behind-the-scenes workspace,” says President and CEO, Bert Castro. “Realizing the potential that this building had to be redesigned with a goal to inspire our guests through art, presented an opportunity we wanted to seize. We look forward to bringing a variety of artistic exhibits, interactive activities and learning opportunities for our guests to enjoy as they visit the Gallery and the Zoo.”

Gallery entry details

Entry to the Wild Side Gallery will be included with general daytime admission or Zoo membership starting February 3. The Gallery is located just inside the Zoo’s main entrance within the Arizona Trail. It will be open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. More hours will eventually be added.

The transformation of the building is just the first phase of the project. There are also plans to restore the original north façade of the building after decades old add-ons were built.

Hiking Across the Grand Canyon Presentation & Reception

The Zoo’s new Wild Side Gallery features Between River and Rim with Kevin Fedarko and Pete McBride.

Enter through the Nina Mason Pulliam South Gate at 4:30 p.m. Presentation begins promptly at 5 p.m. with reception following.

This event is outdoors and will happen rain or shine. 

Tickets are $50. You can purchase them here.