The 10 Best Museums in New Mexico!

When the sun rises over New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost range of the Rockies, it spreads a wash of color that illuminates the grandeur of this land of enchantment. The state has breathtaking natural beauty, a cultural history that represents thousands of years of people living here and calls to artists of all mediums to come and create. Here are 10 of the best museums in New Mexico.

Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe, NM

The everyday art of cultures from around the world is on display here. This is the largest collection of international folk art in the world. It might take a while to see all 130,000-plus objects that represent more than 100 countries, but it’s worth a stop in Santa Fe.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, Albuquerque, NM

Dinosaurs roam the halls including Stan, the second largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found, in exhibits that highlight New Mexico’s natural and scientific history. There’s also a planetarium that unlocks the mysteries of the New Mexico night sky, as well as the Startup gallery which connects visitors to the revolutionary history of the personal computer craze. This is a must stop in Albuquerque for all science enthusiasts and history buffs.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Santa Fe, NM

Larger-than-life flowers and expansive landscapes capture New Mexico’s beauty under the brush strokes of this iconic artist. Get an up-close-and-personal look at some of her most well-known paintings and photographs, as well as details about her extraordinary life and her impact on American modernism painting. Seeing the natural world through her eyes at this Santa Fe landmark is a transformative experience.

New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo sounds like it could be one of Jupiter’s moons, so it’s appropriate that the town is home to this off-the-beaten-track museum. Housed in a golden glass cube smack dab in the middle of the New Mexico desert, it even looks a little other worldly. Composed of nine different exhibits with a heavy emphasis on the state’s involvement in the U.S. space program, this is an out-of-this-world experience.

Albuquerque Museum of Art & History, Albuquerque, NM

Located in the heart of Albuquerque’s Old Town, this municipally-owned museum fea-tures a comprehensive collection on the art, history, culture and people of the South-west. A half-century of curating the region’s finest artworks provides visitors with an unforgettable insight into the region’s rich cultural legacy.

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Albuquerque, NM

This safe-zone for those interested in understanding the events that shaped the Atomic Age chronicles the story of nuclear history and science in the United States and the important role New Mexico has played in the story. Lots of interactive and hands-on exhibits make this a great place for adults and children. Spend some time in Albuquerque learning about the past, present and future of nuclear technology.

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Santa Fe, NM

The life stories of the Pueblo, Apache and Navajo native peoples come to life through the preeminent collection of Native art and material culture on display here. Pottery, weavings, jewelry and paintings representing the unique traditions of each Native group connect visitors to the ancient and beautiful history of the Southwest’s indigenous populations from ancestral to contemporary times. The permanent exhibit, Here, Now and Always, captures the essence of this narrative.

SITE Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM

Be prepared to see the arts in a new way at this museum and contemporary art center that challenges your perceptions about the modern art world. Renowned for its biennial exhibitions that showcase the innovative and inspirational art of today, you’ll leave with a new found understanding and appreciation of contemporary art. Located in one of Santa Fe’s unique urban spaces known as the Railyard.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque, NM

You can’t find a more extensive collection of Pueblo Indian culture, history and art than at this museum. Owned by New Mexico’s 19 Indian Pueblos, it’s filled with thousands of authentic artifacts from pre-Columbian to current time, as well as opportunities to try your hand at pottery-making or gourd painting, taste a Tewa Taco or traditional Pueblo oven bread. Immerse yourself in Pueblo culture at this vibrant venue near Old Town Albuquerque.

Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, Albuquerque, NM

You’ll feel lighter than air and achieve new heights of understanding about the history, science and technology of ballooning at this colorful and educational environment. Channel your inner aeronaut as you look upward at baskets and gondolas, imagining the sights you’d see floating high above the earth.

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918 Historic U.S. 66, Moriarty, NM
Mission Statement:The mission of the U.S. Southwest Soaring Museum is to build a world-class museum that:Preserves and presents the history and leg... Read More
121 Sandia Crest Road, Sandia Park, NM
It took Ross Ward over 40 years to carve, collect, and lovingly construct what is now Tinkertown Museum. His miniature wood-carved figures were fir... Read More
601 Eubank Boulevard South East, Albuquerque, NM
Mission:The Museum’s mission is "To serve as America’s resource for nuclear history and science. The Museum presents exhibits and quali... Read More
2846 State Highway 14 North, Madrid, NM
A Ghost Town Museum - Walk through the Engine House Theatre with the Train Engine 769 looking over the stage. Tour Building #1 & #2 - nerv... Read More
251 Main Street South East, Los Lunas, NM
Mission Statement: The Los Lunas Museum of Heritage & Arts connects the present generation to the history of Los Lunas, surrounding communitie... Read More
1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Mission: The Museum’s mission is to serve the citizens of New Mexico, especially its students from K-12 schools, pueblos, and universities a... Read More
500 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM
Mission : The mission of the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology is to increase knowledge and understanding of the human cultural experience across spa... Read More
104 North First Street, Belen, NM
Our Mission:To preserve and promote the history of the Harvey House and Harvey Girls, the history and role of railroads in the southwest, and local... Read More
1100 2nd South West, Albuquerque, NM
The Wheels Museum is a non-profit organization that works to preserve the history of transportation and travel, especially as it pertains to Albuqu... Read More
400 Marquette NW, Room 605, Albuquerque, NM
The Cultural Services Department of the City of Albuquerque, operating the Albuquerque Biological Park (Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio G... Read More
616 Central Avenue South West, Albuquerque, NM
Purpose: Our purpose is to educate visitors well as teach about other genocides and forms of bullying that have affected people around the world.... Read More
9201 Balloon Museum Drive North East, Albuquerque, NM
Mission:The Mission of the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation is to raise funds, foster public recognition and promote and bu... Read More
1801 Mountain Road North West, Albuquerque, NM
Mission:The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science preserves and interprets the distinctive natural and scientific heritage of our state ... Read More
202 San Felipe NorthWest, Albuquerque, NM
About Us: The Rattlesnake Museum is an exciting and educational experience for the entire family. This animal conservation museum reveals the hundr... Read More
2000 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM
Mission statement : The Albuquerque Museum Foundation is authorized to pursue and to further the cultural and educational programs and purposes a... Read More
2000 Mountain Road North West, Albuquerque, NM
The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History has served as the city's cultural center since 1967. Located in the heart of Old Town, The Museum maintai... Read More
2107 Central Avenue North West, Albuquerque, NM
The Turquoise Museum and its collection of turquoise have been used as a source of information and pictures for over 40 years. Uncover the mystery ... Read More
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