New Mexico Museum Guide

Museums, Cultural Centers & Historical Attractions

All numbers are in the 505 area code, unless otherwise noted.

ALBUQUERQUE

Albuquerque Museum of Art and History.
Permanent exhibits include Four Centuries, featuring Spanish Colonial artifacts and Explore, a hands-on gallery that teaches light, sound and motion through play. 2000 Mountain Rd. N.W., 242-4600.

Explora Science Center and Albuquerque Children’s Museum.
Exhibits and hands-on science demonstrations. Exhibits include a flight demonstrator, gravity well and echo tube. I-40 and Louisiana, 224-8300.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Learn about the history of the state’s 19 Indian pueblos and Pueblo culture from prehistoric times to the present. 2401 12th St. N.W., 843-7270.

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology.
An international collection, with special emphasis on materials from native cultures of the Southwest. University of NM, 277-4405.

Museum of Turquoise.
See turquoise formed in the rock and learn the history and myths about turquoise and Native Americans. 2107 Central N.W., 247-8650.

National Museum of Nuclear Science and History.
The Manhattan Project is prominently featured, giving the history of the experiment that produced the first atomic bomb. 1905 Mountain Rd. N.W., 245-2137.

National Hispanic Cultural Center of New Mexico.
A center dedicated to the support, preservation and enhancement of Hispanic arts and humanities. 4th St. and Avenida Cesar Chavez, S.W., 246-2261.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
Innovative hands-on educational exhibits include an active volcano, ice-age cave, dinosaurs, “Evolator” time machine and a larger-than-life Dyna Theater. 1801 Mountain Rd. N.W., 841-2802.

Rio Grande Nature Center.
Migratory fowl, nature trails and visitor center with a library and exhibits tracing the history, geology and ecology of the Rio Grande Valley. 2901 Candelaria Rd. N.W., 344-0274.

University Art Museum and Jonson Gallery.
Leading institutions in the Southwest for 19th and 20th century American and European art. University of NM near the intersection of Central and Cornell N.E., 277-4967.

SANTA FE

Museum of New Mexico.
Four great museums for one great price! One four-day pass is your ticket to Santa Fe’s finest museums, including the Palace of the Governors and the Museum of Fine Arts on the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe, and the Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture on Museum Hill. Museum Hill, on Camino Lejo, off Old Santa Fe Trail.

• Museum of Fine Art.
Celebrated historical and contemporary fine art from the state, region and the world, inside one of the most photographed buildings in the U.S. 107 Palace Ave., just off the Plaza, 476-5072.

• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture.
Encounter Native cultures of the Southwest from ancestral to contemporary times. See art, material culture and archaeology from a collection of some of the area’s most treasured jewelry, baskets, pottery and weavings. On Museum Hill, 476-1250.

• Museum of International Folk Art.
Experience the color and excitement of the world’s cultures through the people’s folk art. On Museum Hill, Off Old Santa Fe Trail, 476-1200.

• Palace of the Governors.
The state’s history museum, where some of the finest artifacts are housed in one of the oldest buildings in the country. Under the portal, Native Americans sell jewelry and crafts as they have since the 1930s. The Plaza, 476-5100.

El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe, Inc.
Devoted to showcasing and promoting Hispano culture, art and traditions of Northern New Mexico. 1615-B Paseo de Peralta, 992-0591.

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas.
A living history museum showing life in colonial New Mexico. 15 miles south of Santa Fe, 471-2261.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
Experience the collection that honors O’Keeffe and the study of American modernism. Educational opportunities abound for students of all ages. The museum’s public lecture series brings renowned scholars from around the world. Enjoy daily docent tours and explore the Museum Shop’s collection. You can also host a wedding, reception, or gathering at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and your guests will have the opportunity to privately tour the galleries of this world-renowned institution. Experience the wonder and allure of one of the most important artists of the 20th century. 217 Johnson St., Santa Fe, NM 87501, (505) 946-1000

Ghost Ranch Museums.
Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu is home to the Triassic dinosaur, Coelophysis, the New Mexico State Fossil. Some 200 million years of earth history are brilliantly exposed here where landscape has shaped the cultural history. The Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology and the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology are a place of study dedicated to the land and the people of northern New Mexico. The Piedra Lumbre Education and Visitor Center greets guests with indoor and outdoor exhibits related to history and nature. Visit www.ghostranch.org for hours of operation. Ghost Ranch, HC 77, Box 11, Abiquiu, NM 87510, (505) 685-4333 ext.118; (877) 804-4678

Governor’s Gallery.
Exhibitions of New Mexico artists of interest to international audiences. Fourth Floor, State Capitol, 476-2200.

Indian Arts Research Center.
World-class collection of more than 10,000 historical Indian art objects, including pottery, jewelry, textiles, kachinas, paintings and baskets. Open Friday at 2 p.m. Call for tour information. 660 Garcia St., 954-7205.

Institute of American Indian Arts.
A wonderful collection of contemporary Indian art and some historical material — more than 6,000 items. 108 Cathedral Pl., 983-8900.

Museum of Spanish Colonial Art.
With 3,000 objects, this is the most comprehensive compilation of Spanish Colonial art. 750 Camino Lejo, 982-2226.

Santa Fe Children’s Museum.
Hands-on arts, science and humanities exhibits for children. 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359.

Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.
Major exhibits of Indian art and culture, featuring contemporary and historical Native American arts and crafts. 704 Camino Lejo, 982-4636.

TAOS

Ernest Blumenschein Home/Taos Historic Museum.
European culture and the adobe charm and beauty of Taos make a memorable visit to the home of the co-founder of the Taos Society of Artists. 222 Ledoux St., 758-0505.

Taos Art Museum & Fechin House.
An old Taos adobe, remodeled by Russian artist Nicholai Fechin, features hand-carved architectural details and works by Taos Society of Artists, Fechin and Taos Moderns. 227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, 758-2690.

Governor Bent Home & Museum.
Adobe home of the first New Mexico territorial governor contains frontier artifacts and family furnishings. 117-A Bent St., 758-2376.

The Harwood Foundation Museum.
The museum collects and researches the art, artists and art history of Taos County and adjacent areas from the last 100 years. 238 Ledoux St., 758-9826.

Kit Carson Home and Museum.
Exhibits on all periods of Taos history and the Old West. Kit Carson Rd. at Taos Plaza, 758-4613.

La Hacienda de los Martinez.
Restored Spanish Colonial hacienda with a look at life in Spanish Colonial New Mexico. Taos photographic exhibit and exhibits on Spanish culture. Two miles south on Ranchitos Rd. (N.M. 240), 758-1000.

Millicent Rogers Museum.
Rogers’ collection of Southwestern Native American and Hispanic art, including a collection of pottery by Maria Martinez and her family. Off Hwy. 522, 758-2462.

Ranchos Church.
One of the Southwest’s most photographed, painted and famous churches. It is always open to respectful visitors. Ranchos de Taos.

ACOMA

Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum.
Explore Acoma Sky City — Experience a thousand years of living history. Known as Sky City, the Pueblo of Acoma built atop a 367-foot-high mesa is North America’s oldest continually inhabited city (2,000 years). Acoma Artisan Marketplace, vendor demonstrations, museum, library, theater, cafe and gift shop. Daily guided walking tours of Sky City mesa. I-40, exit 102, Acoma, NM 87034, (800) 747-0181.

ALAMOGORDO

New Mexico Museum of Space History.
The museum complex chronicles the history of space exploration, from the earliest rocket testing to the space shuttle. Hwy. 2001, 437-2840, (877) 333-6589.

CAPITAN

Smokey Bear Museum.
A memorial to Smokey, the orphan bear cub who became a symbol for forest fire prevention. 102 Smokey Bear Blvd., 354-2748.

CARLSBAD

Carlsbad Museum & Art Center.
Local geology, arts and history exhibits. 418 W. Fox, 887-0276.

CIMARRON

Old Mill Museum.
Houses an interesting collection of early photos and memorabilia of regional history. 376-2466.

CLOUDCROFT

Cloudcroft Historical Museum.
Local history exhibits from 1880 to present. Hwy. 2, 682-2932.

DEMING

Deming/Luna Mimbres Museum.
Once called “the Smithsonian of the West,” this museum houses huge collections of Mimbres pottery, furniture, glass, rocks, bells, whiskey bottles, saddles, cars and a military room. 301 S. Silver, 546-2382.

ESPAÑOLA/CHIMAYÓ/POJOAQUE

Bond House Museum.
Local art and history exhibits. 710 Bond St., Española, 747-8535.

Chimayó Museum.
Showcases the art, culture and history of the area. County Rd. 98, 351-0945.

Poeh Cultural Center.
Dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Pojoaque Pueblo. 78 Cities of Gold Rd. on Hwy. 84/285, 455-3334.

FARMINGTON

Farmington Museum.
Contains exhibits on general history and science, local history, Navajo history, prehistory of the area and a children’s museum. 302 N. Orchard, 599-1174.

GALLUP

Rex Museum.
Railroad and mining history of the area. Rt. 66 and Third St., 863-1363.

GRANTS

New Mexico Mining Museum.
The only uranium mining museum in the world. 100 Iron St., 287-4802.

LAS CRUCES

Branigan Cultural Center.
Changing art and local history exhibits. 500 N. Water St., 541-2155.

Gadsden Museum.
Indian and Spanish artifacts and local history exhibits. Old Mesilla, 526-6293.

Las Cruces Museum of Natural History.
Numerous changing exhibits on the Southwest’s natural history. 700 S. Telshor Blvd., 522-3120.

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.
The largest agricultural museum in the U.S., with exhibits on farming and ranching, Southwestern art exhibits. 4100 Dripping Spring Rd., 522-4100.

NMSU Museum.
A journey through time, showing the technological and cultural changes in the Southwest. Minerals, gems, fossils and an overview of geological history are also on display. Kent Hall/University at Solano, 646-3739.

LAS VEGAS

City Museum of Las Vegas and Roughriders Memorial.
History of Northeast New Mexico and display of Roughrider uniforms and memorabilia. 727 Grand Ave., 454-1401.

LOS ALAMOS

Art Center at Fuller Lodge.
Hosts local, regional and national artists in monthly gallery exhibits. 2142 Central Ave., 662-9331.

Bandelier National Monument.
A small museum in the Visitor Center focuses on Indian culture and artifacts from 1200 A.D. to modern Pueblo times. 672-3861.

Bradbury Science Museum.
A glimpse into World War II’s Project Y. Los Alamos National Laboratory, 15th and Central Ave., 667-4444.

Los Alamos Historical Museum.
A look at the community’s past as well as information about the surrounding Pajarito Plateau. 1921 Juniper St., 662-4493.

PORTALES

Blackwater Draw Museum.
Displays artifacts from the Blackwater Draw site, inhabited around 11,000 years ago. Eastern NM University, 562-2202 (or 356-5235 for the site).

RATON

Raton Museum.
Raton and Colfax County history. Ghost towns, mining, ranching, railroad, art and other exhibits. 216 S. First, 445-8979.

ROSWELL

International UFO Museum and Research Center.
One of the world’s premier museums on extra terrestrial phenomenon and UFOs. A center for serious research and exhibits. 400 N. Main, 625-9495.

Roswell Museum and Art Center.
Fine art including works by Peter Hurd, Henriette Wyeth; rocket science exhibit featuring work of Dr. Robert Goddard; Rogers Aston Gallery of American Indian and Western Art. 100 W. 11th, 624-6744.

RUIDOSO

Hubbard Museum of the American West.
Museum exploring mankind’s universal dependence on the horse. Off Hwy. 70 E., 378-4142.

SILVER CITY

Silver City Museum.
Trace the history of this area from prehistoric Indians to present while exploring the beautiful H.B. Ailman Victorian home. Looks at life in the Southwest during Victorian era. 312 W. Broadway, 538-5921.

Western New Mexico University Museum.
The multicultural history of Southwestern New Mexico includes the largest permanent exhibit of Mimbres pottery in the U.S. WNMU, 538-6386.

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES

Callahan’s Auto Museum.
The only museum in New Mexico devoted to the automobile. 410 Cedar St., 894-6900.

Geronimo Springs Museum.
Local history and mineral exhibits, Mimbres pottery. 211 Main St., 894-6600.

TUCUMCARI

Tucumcari Historical Museum.
Indian artifacts, farming and ranching exhibits, early town memorabilia. 416 S. Adams, 461-4201.

STATE MONUMENTS

General Information: Open Wednesday to Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets: $3 at Coronado, Jémez, Fort Selden, Bosque Redondo/Fort Sumner and El Camino Real International Heritage Center. Prices vary at Lincoln. Free to New Mexico residents on Sunday. Free for 16 and younger.
For further information: www.nmmonuments.org.

Jémez State Monument
The ruins of Giusewa, the ancient settlement ancestral to present-day Jémez Pueblo, and the site of San José de los Jémez, a 17th-century Spanish mission church, are set in the striking beauty of San Diego Canyon. Closed Tuesday. State Highway 4, 43 miles north of Bernalillo, Jémez Springs, NM, 829-3530.

Coronado State Monument
The pueblo ruin of Kuaua was once home to agriculturists who thrived on the Rio Grande’s banks. Preserved murals are among the finest examples of pre-Columbian art in North America. Study these panels at the monument named for Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, whose expedition sojourned in the area during the winter of 1540-41. Closed Tuesday. Off I-25, Exit 242 to State Hwy 550/44, 1.7 miles west to Kuaua Road, Bernalillo, NM, 867-5351.

El Camino Real International Heritage Center
El Camino Real was the first road from Mexico that led to the European settlement of the New World. El Camino Real, the Royal Road or King’s Highway, was an artery between Mexico City and Northern New Mexico. Today, I-25 parallels this National Scenic Byway. Closed Tuesday. 1-25 Exit 115, 35 miles south of Socorro. 854-3600.

Bosque Redondo Memorial/Fort Sumner State Monument
The site of the million-acre Bosque Redondo Reservation where more than 9,000 Navajo and Mescalero Apache were interned by the government from 1863-1868. This tragic time is interpreted through photographs and text. Closed Tuesday. Three miles east of Fort Sumner on Billy the Kid Rd., 355-2573.

Lincoln State Monument
This once quiet Hispanic village saw a period of lawlessness made famous by such characters as Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. They are gone, but the spirit of the 1880s lives on in the streets of Lincoln. Open daily. 12 miles east of Capitan on U.S. 380, Lincoln, NM, 653-4372.

Fort Selden State Monument
The adobe-brick outpost that once housed cavalry units of Black troops nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers.” It was also the boyhood home of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. See living history encampments the second Saturday of each month. Closed Tuesday. I-25 Exit 19 at Radium Springs, 13 miles north of Las Cruces, NM, 526-8911.

For a complete list of New Mexico’s treasures, visit www.nmculture.org