Did you know that there are approximately 850 million visits to museums every year in America? They contribute $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year. If you think about how marvelous museums are, these numbers make sense. Museums can transport you to old worlds, future worlds, worlds you never thought you could be a part of.
If you’re looking to add some of those unknown worlds to your day, check out our list of museums in the area. They are all within driving distance and offer a variety of topics that will enchant every member of the family.
9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113 Directions
There's a lot of hot air at the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. The massive museum is filled with fascinating exhibits on the history of ballooning including memorabilia from famous balloonists. The museum also supports the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Festival, the largest balloon festival in the world.
2000 Mountain Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104 Directions
New Mexico Art and its global influences are found at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. The spacious and airy museum attraction features permanent installations and special exhibits from around the world that showcase centuries of art and artifacts. Enjoy dining at the museum cafe and purchasing works of art, books, and fine arts and crafts at the Gallery Store.
202 San Felipe St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104 Directions
There's plenty of venom at the American International Rattlesnake Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, home to the largest collection of different species of live snakes in the world. Explore myths, cure phobias and unravel the mysteries of the most misunderstood creature in the animal Kingdom. Remember your visit with a cool rattlesnake logo T-shirt!
2401 12th St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104 Directions
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque preserves and promotes the culture, history and art of the Pueblo people. Of the 21 Pueblo villages that exist today, ABQ is home to 19 villages from the Acoma Pueblo to the Zuni Pueblo village. The 10,000-square-foot attraction offers permanent exhibits and changing exhibits that feature traditional and contemporary Indian artists and dances.
601 Eubank
Albuquerque, NM 87123 Directions
Atomic Power is on display at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The congressionally chartered museum and a Smithsonian affiliate explore the influence of nuclear energy on our world. The one- of-a- kind museum travels you through the atomic age, the Cold War and nuclear science.
1801 Mountain Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104 Directions
Naturalists go to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science near Old Town Albuquerque to explore the origins and geological history of the American Southwest. Naturally there are exhibits and attractions like the Dawn of the Dinosaurs and New Mexico's Ice Age, 3D films that come to life at the Dynatheater, and stars falling at the Planetarium.