Around Albuquerque - Museums

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:

Albuquerque Biological Park (Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Rio Grande Zoological Park) 
2601 Central NW (Aquarium & Garden)
903 10th St. SW (Zoo)
764-6200
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
180l Mountain Road NW
841-2800
Offers hands-on displays, walk-through volcanoes and ice age cave, dinosaur dioramas, giant-screen Dynamax Theater.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 
2401 12th Street NW
843-7270
Explores the 19 New Mexico Pueblo Indian tribes and their culture. Hands-on activities at Pueblo House Children’s Museum.

National Atomic Museum 
Kirtland Air Force Base
284-3243
Atomic bombers and missiles mix with displays on the development of atomic weaponry.

Albuquerque Museum 
2000 Mountain Road NW
243-7255
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 Science Center & Albuquerque Children’s Museum 
800 Rio Grande NW
243-7255 (242-4600/Recorded information)
Discovery encouraged via a giant weaving loom, rubbing tables, bubble-making equipment, giant kaleidoscope and hands-on computer equipment.

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology 
University and Grand NE
277-4405 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.

Meteoritic Museum 
UNM Campus/Northrop Hall
277-2747
One-time space debris, along with the world’s second-largest stone meteorite - the one-ton Norton Country - are on display.

Campus Observatory 
UNM North Campus/Yale NE
277-1446
The premier place in the city for state of the art star-gazing activities.