Three Albuquerque museums you don’t want to miss
Turquoise Museum, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Nuclear Science and History Museum
Albuquerque museums
Albuquerque has an amazing variety of museums, and together they tell the story of New Mexico and the West and how they have shaped American culture.
On a recent trip to Albuquerque, my husband and I visited three very different museums:
- The Turquoise Museum, a privately owned exhibit of the science and mystique of the stone turquoise
- The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, an immersive experience of the Pueblo people from ancient times to present
- The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, which traces nuclear development from weapons to medicine
1. The Turquoise Museum
The Turquoise Museum is a rare privately-owned museum. Founded in 1993 and still operated by the Lowry family, it’s billed as home to one of the largest and most varied collections of turquoise in the world. It’s housed in a modern castle at 400 Second St., SW, in Albuquerque.
What you’ll find at the Turquoise Museum
The museum is divided into rooms throughout the house, with sections on the science and history of turquoise, where and how it’s mined, as well as the value and quality of turquoise stones. One of the most interesting sections specifically addressed turquoise jewelry, with the goal of helping buyers determine value and authenticity of turquoise.
What to know before you go
- Buy tickets online: Tickets must be purchased online at the museum’s website, The Turquoise Museum. You cannot buy tickets at the door. It’s a good idea to do this ahead of time.
- Self-guided or guided tour? We opted for the self-guided tour instead of the guided tour. The guided tour is significantly more expensive. The museum is somewhat confusing in design, so a guide can be helpful, but in our experience, it was not necessary or worth the extra cost.
- The gift shop is pricey, and the selection is limited. However, you can feel assured that the quality and source of the stones is accurately represented, and each piece of jewelry comes with a certificate of authenticity.
2. National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
My husband is a space and science buff, while I am not. This museum satisfied both of us — his deep interest in the science and history, and my interest in the cultural impact.
What you’ll find at the Nuclear Science Museum
I was expecting a museum about the atomic bombs used at the end of World War II and was dreading what I thought might be a disturbing experience. The museum was so much more, and the dark history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was impactful and meaningful, but did not feel emotionally overwhelming.
In addition to nuclear science, the museum told the story of American’s fascination with the atomic age and our fear and wariness of nuclear technology. It showed modern uses of nuclear technology in medicine and other fields.
What to know before you go
- Plan to stay: This is a large museum rich in storytelling and artifacts. We stayed about two hours and could have stayed longer.
- Great for kids: This museum includes hands-on exhibits and is a great experience for children as well as adults.
- Don’t forget to go outside: Outside the museum are actual missiles and artifacts.
- Virtual museum experience: If you can’t get to Albuquerque, you can experience the museum virtually on its website: The Nuclear Museum
3. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
New Mexico has almost 20 Pueblo tribes, and you can stop at Pueblo villages and historical sites throughout the state. But if you want to go to one place where you can understand the scope and complete history of the Pueblo people, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is it.
What you’ll find at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
The Indian Pueblo museum is on Pueblo land, governed by the tribal councils of the 19 New Mexico Pueblo communities. It sits at the former location of the Albuquerque Indian School.
The museum includes artifacts, murals and exhibits that tell the story of the first Pueblos, how they lived and thrived, and the impact of European and American expansion. It’s an uplifting and inspiring portrait of a people determined to maintain their identity and culture.
What to know before you go
- Plan to include a meal: Do not miss the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, which is housed in the museum. The food is inspired by New Mexico and Pueblo recipes, and is absolutely delicious. It can get crowded at times, but we had no problem getting a table early on a weekday.
- Guided tours available: We did not choose to take a guided tour, but we could overhear one nearby. Given that experience, I’d recommend it.
- Check the event schedule: The Pueblo center has frequent events as well as fascinating temporary exhibits. Artists show and sell traditional crafts almost daily. Check out the schedule to see what’s happening when you’re there.
Another Albuquerque museums to consider:
We wanted to visit the Rattlesnake Museum in Old Town Albuquerque. Unfortunately, it had closed because of illness the day we tried to visit. If I go back to Albuquerque, I will definitely try to make a stop. The Rattlesnake Museum
More New Mexico travel suggestions
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