Museum

Echoes of the past gracefully intermingle with imaginative pursuits into the future in the City’s extensive collection of museums. Some reflect the rich history, diversity and customs of Albuquerque’s original settlers, while others simplify the complexities of science and technology. Newcomers and residents alike never tire of their leisurely explorations through time. Here’s a quick tour of what Albuquerque has to offer.

Albuquerque Biological Park
(Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Rio Grande Zoological Park)
505-768-2000 | cabq.gov
The Aquarium features a coral reef, moray eel -tunnel and 285,000-gallon shark tank. Walled Spanish and English gardens and glass conservatories show-case desert and Mediterranean plants at the Botanic Garden. The 60-acre zoo is home to 1,200 animals representing 260 species.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History
505-841-2800 | nmnaturalhistory.org
Offers hands-on displays, walk-through volcanoes and ice age cave, dinosaur dioramas, giant-screen Dynamax Theater.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
505-843-7270 | indianpueblo.org
Explores the 19 New Mexico Pueblo Indian tribes and their culture. Hands-on activities at Pueblo House Children’s Museum.

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
505-245-2137 | nuclearmuseum.org
The nation’s only congressionally chartered museum in its field. An intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age. Exhibits spanning the early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Albuquerque Museum
505-243-7255 | cabq.gov
Features Four centuries: A history of Albuquerque permanent exhibit; the sculpture garden containing 32 large works; and rotating exhibits highlighting the region’s traditional and modern art.

EXPLORA!
505-224-8300 | explora.us/en
Discovery encouraged via a giant weaving loom, rubbing tables, bubble-making equipment, giant kaleidoscope and hands-on computer equipment. A wonderful interactive museum for children of all ages.

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
505-277-4405 | unm.edu/~maxwell/
One of the leading anthropological research centers in the U.S.; permanent exhibit Ancestors & People of the Southwest presents the development of humans over 4 million years.

Meteorite Museum
505-277-2747 | meteorite.unm.edu
One-time space debris, along with the world’s second-largest stone meteorite – the one-ton Norton Country – are on display.

Campus Observatory
505-277-2616 | physics.unm.edu/pandaweb/observatory/
The premier place in the city for state of the art star-gazing activities.