Mission San Xavier del Bac (also commonly referred to as San Xavier del Bac Mission) is a church, school, and frequently visited tourist attraction in Tucson on the Tohono O'Odham San Xavier Indian Reservation.
The mission was named after Frances Xavier, a pioneering Christian missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order).
Completed in 1797, the church has Mexican, Spanish, and Tohono O'odham influences.
Dubbed the "white dove in the desert," visitors come from near and far to see the ornate and detailed artwork, to learn about the history, and to admire the careful preservation.
The mission is located at 1950 W. San Xavier Road in southwest Tucson.
The church is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily.
The museum is currently closed.
Free docent-led tours are typically offered on the hour, Monday-Saturday, from 9:15am to 12:15pm. Docents are community volunteers trained in the history, architecture, and culture of the Mission and its surroundings, as well as the interior and exterior conservation and preservation work of the Patronato. Each tour is approximately 30 minutes, begins at the museum entrance, and requires no advance registration. Please call ahead to confirm the schedule.
Yes. All are welcome, but priority is given to parishioners who have regularly been attending mass at the Mission, those who have a reservation, and those who arrive early. All remaining seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is available approximately 10 minutes or less before the start of mass. Masks are required in the Church.
Services typically last 45-60 minutes.
Please note the mass schedule:
Admission is free. Donations are accepted.
Visitor parking is available in a large dirt lot in front of the mission.
Dress for the weather as you will be walking both indoors and outdoors. There is neither heating in the winter nor air conditioning in the summer. Layers, sunglasses, a sun hat, and comfortable shoes are advised.
Bring water bottles, snacks, and cash for souvenirs or snacks. Perhaps a sketchpad or journal?
Yes.
The Mission is most crowded on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and least crowded on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Food is not allowed in the church itself. The adjacent San Xavier Plaza sells food, however, and there are some outdoor areas where you could sit down to enjoy a snack.
No. See above.
The Mission is pretty far off the beaten path so you'll likely have to drive 10+ minutes to dine. Our top picks within a 10-mile radius are:
Elementary age students (and older) will probably get the most enjoyment out of the artwork and museum. That said, babies and toddlers are certainly welcome.
Sure. The mission itself isn’t very big, but you may walk a bit around the property. Note that Grotto Hill is closed until further notice.
No.
The Mission was created to serve the needs of the local community. As such, the policy is "to only do marriages, baptisms, etc. for the local community. The church cannot be rented out."
No.
Pets are allowed in the facility if on a leash.
Check out the complete list of Tucson Museums.
