Location: Albuquerque
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10 Specialty Museums in Albuquerque That You Shouldn't Miss
Whether you're into history, culture, outdoor adventures or just in need of some new and unique scenery, Albuquerque offers exciting attractions for all ages and interests, anytime of the year. In the historic section of Old Town, ancient Indian and Spanish cultures come to life through old churches, quaint shops and piazzas, winding brick paths and adobe benches. Browsers can spend a whole day making their way through the more than 100 stores, boutiques and galleries that sell Southwestern goods as well as unique products from around the world. During the winter holiday season, Old Town is adorned with small lit candles and thousands come to stroll through the streets, listen to live music and celebrate. It is truly a sight to see. But the history doesn't stop there. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Petroglyph National Monument offer a glimpse of old Indian customs and art. Families will find plenty to do at the Albuquerque Biological Park, which features a zoo, aquarium and botanic garden. Outdoor types will find ample opportunities for hiking, biking and golf. After working up an appetite, head to any number of fine restaurants that serve up a choice of hot or even hotter New Mexican cuisine. To top it all off, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of all this vibrant city has to offer.
Restaurants in Albuquerque
1. New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 196 reviews
The volunteers of the New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society are completely restoring the 1944, 4-8-4 Santa Fe (AT&SF) Steam Locomotive No. 2926 to full running order. Seventeen + years in the restoration process and now under steam as of August 20, 2018 - this is not a museum. This is a working restoration operation staffed with skilled volunteer welders, pipe-fitters, mechanics and many other trades. Free tours are available to visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You'll be issued a hard hat and a personal guide who will present a hands-on introduction to this very large locomotive, cab, and its tender! You may call ahead to see if the operation is closed due to adverse weather. Parking is free and donations are important to keep the restoration moving forward. Adults, children and groups are welcome for tours, 9AM - 2PM. Merchandise is available for purchase from the gift shop. Bring your camera. Visit our website to learn more! NMSL&RHS is a non-profit 501(c)3.
Reviewed By Specialstay
The 2926 is a steam engine and tender rebuilt with a great team of dedicated old rail enthusiasts. Their love of this old train and the thousands of people who come to watch the progress of reconstruction is evident to everyone who visits their site on Saturdays while they are open. History is alive on the rails of the 2926! Come see it for yourself and bring your children to experience hospitality while the volunteers rebuild a piece of equipment which helped build this country.
2. Rattlesnake Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By TeamWard - Nottingham, United Kingdom
The Rattlesnake museum is a real treat easily located in Old Town with lots of Rattlesnakes in tanks plus a few other creatures some very interesting exhibits and well worth discovering.
3. American International Rattlesnake Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
This museum houses the world's largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes and aims to correct common reptilian misconceptions.
Reviewed By maman823 - Albuquerque, United States
Quite a terrific immersion into the world of these amazing reptiles along with other exhibits of world known naturalists. Loved it. Certainly worth the admission
4. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,029 reviews
Re-opening April 8, 2021. See website and purchase tickets before visiting. https://indianpueblo.org/welcome IPCC was founded in 1976 and is jointly owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Located in the historic Albuquerque Indian School District just minutes from Downtown and Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a world-class museum and cultural center created to be a place where we, Pueblo people, can tell our story. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the only place in North America to host traditional Native American dances every weekend year round and also offers an exciting schedule of cultural and community activities, including rotating museum exhibits, events with Native American artists, hands-on children’s programs & art festivals. Visitors can also experience the award-winning Native Sourced, Pueblo Inspired cuisine of Pueblo Harvest and shop at the Indian Pueblo Store, a trusted destination for authentic handcrafted Native American art.
Reviewed By rrpd - Rochester, United States
From an excellent full service restaurant, to a sampling of native American culture & arts, this makes for an excellent stop for families & individuals when traveling into the Albuquerque area.
5. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,237 reviews
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is the New Mexico’s only congressionally chartered museum in its field and a Smithsonian affiliate. Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear energy in the past, present and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers. Originally known as the National Atomic Museum, it was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Reviewed By RetiredTravelerTN - Nashville, United States
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History has much to offer with good displays of science and history in areas devoted to various topics such as B-52s, Los Alamos, the cold war, nuclear medicine, and energy. Outside, planes and missiles are displayed. We appreciated the volunteer who offered to take our photo in front of one of the planes. Multiple videos are shown in the museum theater. Visitors to this museum may spend one to three hours depending on level of interest and personal schedule. Veteran, senior, and active military discounts are available.
6. National Hispanic Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By PaulA3368 - Albuquerque, United States
Nice museum with permanent and changing exhibits, performances indoors and outdoors, and a good restaurant The mural in the Torreon is incredible, a must see.
7. Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Exhibits and programs relating to cultures around the world, with a special emphasis on the cultural heritage of the Southwest.
Reviewed By phvi2617 - Anaheim, United States
This was my first stop on a recent trip to New Mexico, and it served as an excellent introduction to the cultural history of the area. It's a small museum, but the displays are very in-depth and engaging. The two permanent exhibits cover the indigenous people of the Southwest and early human ancestors. Since it's an academic museum, there is an emphasis on the methods and science of anthropology. Free entry ($5 suggested donation) and very interesting exhibits make this a worthwhile visit. Be sure to check out the unique architecture of the surrounding campus as well.
8. Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
Reviewed By sjasis - Allegany, United States
If you're interested in hot air balloons and the festival in Albuquerque every year, this is a great museum to visit. Get the history of hot air balloons/ballooning and enjoy the colorful displays. There is also a short 3-D movie of a hot air balloon ride that makes you feel like you are in the basket, and some interactive exhibits for youngest visitors. Great place to visit.
9. Turquoise Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
The Turquoise Museum and its collection of turquoise have been used as a source of information and pictures for over 22 years. Uncover the mystery of turquoise, delve into its’ rich history, learn about the different mines, specimens, and stories of colorful characters at The Turquoise Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Authors of books, magazines, articles, and research papers have all used the museum as a source of information. Its rich repository of turquoise specimens from over one hundred mines, educations, and histories make it a must see in its’ travel exhibits and permanent location in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The museum is still privately owned and operated to this day. The Museum is closed Sundays, Holidays and Special days please call for before you come.
Reviewed By peterdan
The founder's son was on hand to explain every detail of the fabulous collection of turquoise from around the world. The gems there are thoughtfully set out in various settings and we spent two and a half hours fascinated by the location (originally home to a wealthy woman) and the vast variety of masks, jewelry and polished stones. Truly one of a kind and a must see.
10. Telephone Museum of New Mexico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By marannyar - Albuquerque, United States
This is such a fun museum. They have something for everyone. They have old phones and switchboards as well as old phone cable bundles and insulators and old pictures of people involved in different aspects of telephones. They also describe the technology behind the phones.
