TEMPE — A new chapter in Arizona’s political and cultural history began Thursday as Arizona State Universityofficially launched construction of the John S. McCain III Library and Museum. The project, years in the making, will commemorate the service and spirit of the late U.S. senator through education, innovation, and public engagement.
Built on 22 acres near Mill Avenue and Curry Road, just north of Tempe Town Lake, the 80,000-square-foot facility will showcase McCain’s legacy through immersive exhibits, historical archives, and civic learning spaces. Plans also include a visitor center, a conference venue, and the new Arizona headquarters of the McCain Institute, an organization devoted to advancing democracy and human rights.
The library was first announced in 2023, when President Joe Biden traveled to Tempe to celebrate the project’s unveiling and highlight federal support from the American Rescue Plan. Designed by SHoP Architects and Local Projects, and built by Chasse Building Team of Tempe, the development will serve as both a museum and a civic learning hub.
ASU already preserves much of McCain’s personal and professional archive, and those materials will form the foundation of the new collection. When it opens in 2028, the library is expected to become a major destination for visitors, students, and scholars seeking to understand McCain’s influence on American politics and his call for public service.
University officials described the library as more than a memorial — a place designed to inspire future generations to engage with issues of character, courage, and leadership that defined McCain’s life.
