Tucson and the
University of Arizona
LPL was established at the University of Arizona in Tucson in 1960. The department, as well as the university community, the city of Tucson, and the local region, offer unique amenities, resources, and opportunities for our faculty, staff, and students.
LPL and the University of Arizona
Learn about LPL and the University of Arizona and discover all that we have to offer.
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
The Lunar and Planetary Laboratory is at the forefront of planetary studies, conducting research through astronomical observations, theoretical studies, spacecraft, and the studies of samples from space.
The University of Arizona
Explore the University of Arizona and all it has to offer from the comfort of your own home! We host a number of daily online information sessions, as well as online events led by current students and campus experts. Join in, learn more about becoming a Wildcat, and ask any questions you might have along the way.
Why UA?
With campuses throughout Arizona, a presence in every county in the state, and a commitment to 100% student engagement, the UA produces graduates who are real-world ready.
Research, Discovery & Innovation
The Office for Research, Discovery & Innovation supports the world-class research enterprise at the University of Arizona, which is ranked among the top 25 public universities nationwide with more than $687 million in research activity.
UA College of Science
The University of Arizona College of Science brings together globally prominent faculty in disciplines at the core of scientific inquiry and education.
Grad and Professional Student Council
The GPSC promotes the academic, economic, and social aims of the graduate and professional students of UA and facilitates communication within the University of Arizona and with other organizations.
Places to Visit
Explore world-class facilities that you can only find in Tucson, Arizona. From The University of Arizona campus to Kitt Peak's mountaintops in the Arizona-Sonoran Desert, Tucson has something for everyone to discover.
Biosphere 2
The Biosphere 2 facility serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education.
Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill
A unique combination of ecology and culture, the Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill is an 860-acre ecological preserve in the heart of Tucson.
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Kitt Peak National Observatory supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the Sun.
Mirror Laboratory
At the University of Arizona's Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers work together to make the giant, lightweight mirrors needed for the latest generation of optical and infrared telescopes.
Mt. Lemmon Sky Center
The Mount Lemmon SkyCenter seeks to strengthen interest in science and astronomy through premium educational and public outreach experiences.
Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum
The museum provides public education and serves to preserve minerals and meteorites while also serving the research needs of professionals, students and collectors. The collection world-wide in scope, but with specific emphasis on minerals from Arizona and Mexico.
Discover Tucson
Nestled between 9000 ft. mountains and the gorgeous Sonoran desert, Tucson is home to a diverse and vibrant community.
Hop on the Sunlink Streetcar for an easy ride to shopping, dining, nightlife, and art in Main Gate Square, on 4th Avenue, and in the downtown district. Streetcar stop is 1 block north of the Kuiper building, at 2nd Street and Warren Ave. For more about our lively city, check out the Wildcat's Guide to Tucson!
Tucson inspires a sense of freedom among all who visit. Freedom of thought and expression. Freedom to discover and explore. And the freedom to be yourself.
Food & Culture
The All Souls Procession is a sanctuary for community members from all walks of life to express their grief and loss in a celebration of creative energy and rejoicing of life.
Downtown Tucson is a Downtown for everyone – an eclectic, beautiful, fun, accessible, pedestrian and bike-friendly district that embraces diversity.
Tucson is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the first city to be so honored.
Zocalo is a hyper-local monthly magazine reflecting the heart and soul of Tucson through its arts, culture, entertainment, food, and events.
Nature
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place. Exhibits re-create the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert Region with more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants along almost 2 miles of paths traversing 21 acres of beautiful desert.
The sky islands of the Coronado National Forest are healthy ecosystems with an abundant and diverse flora and fauna. They provide an array of high quality outdoor recreation opportunities with an emphasis on enhancing visitor understanding and enjoyment of the Forest’s special natural and cultural resources.
Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson.
The Chuck Huckelberry Loop is a system of paved, shared-use paths and short segments of buffered bike lanes connecting the Rillito, Santa Cruz, and Pantano River Parks with the Julian Wash and Harrison Road Greenways.
Arts & Entertainment
Touching lives through the power of theatre, Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) is the preeminent professional theatre in the state of Arizona.
The Center for Creative Photography is the premier research collection of American photographic fine art and archives, promoting creative inquiry, dialogue, and appreciation of photography’s enduring cultural influence.
The "Crown Jewel of Downtown" is a beautifully restored 1930's art deco theatre known for its outstanding acoustics and intimate setting. The Fox presents classic films, community events and an exciting mix of live entertainment.
The historic Rialto Theatre is a unique entertainment venue and cornerstone of downtown Tucson, offering a broad range of high-quality performing arts that are reflective of the diverse and vibrant community it serves.
The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block encompasses an entire city block in historic downtown, and features original and traveling exhibitions as well as tours, education programs, studio art classes, and a Museum Store to delight and educate visitors.
Arizona Arts is a unified gateway to unique visual and performing arts assets, experiences, and educational programs.
Be sure to check out the Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food!