Here are 10 museums worth visiting in New Mexico

Rachel Driskell Rachel Driskell Rachel Driskell Special to the Journal

Published June 16, 2024 - 11:00 a.m. Modified June 16, 2024 - 11:00 a.m.

Here are some of museums and historic sites run by state of New Mexico

Nov 6, 2023

From history to art to Southwestern culture, in New Mexico you'll find a variety of top notch museums that offer something for everybody.

Here is a guide to some of the top museums worth visiting. Please confirm hours, pricing, and exhibit offerings with each museum.

1. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science offers a fascinating journey through the state's geological, paleontological, and astronomical history. With interactive exhibits and a planetarium, it's a great educational experience for all ages.

Address: 1801 Mountain Road Northwest, Albuquerque

(505) 841-2800

Hours: Open Wednesday - Monday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays

2. Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Dedicated to the iconic American artist Georgia O'Keeffe, this museum in Santa Fe showcases her stunning paintings and celebrates her unique vision. In addition to the main museum campus in Santa Fe, the O’Keeffe Museum maintains O’Keeffe’s two homes and studios in northern New Mexico, a research center and library, and a variety of collections relating to O’Keeffe and modern art.

Address: 217 Johnson St., Santa Fe

(505) 946-1000

Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

3. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) Campus serves as a gathering place where pueblo culture is celebrated through creative and cultural experiences, while providing economic opportunities to pueblo and local communities. The center features art, food, history, and traditional dance performances.

Address: 2401 12th St. Northwest, Albuquerque

(505) 843-7270

Hours: Open Tuesday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

4. Museum of International Folk Art

Celebrating 70 years, this museum is a treasure trove of folk art both local and from around the world. The core collection, donated by museum founder Florence Dibell Bartlett has grown to over 130,000 objects from more than 100 countries. It's a colorful and vibrant celebration of the human spirit expressed through art.

Address: 706 Camino Lejo (on Museum Hill) Santa Fe

(505) 476-1204

Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

5. National Hispanic Cultural Center

This center is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and advancement of Hispanic culture, arts and humanities. They offer exhibitions, lectures, book readings, performing arts and educational programing. The center also creates a space for Hispanic, Chicano and Latinx artists to present their work and bring it to the national stage.

Address: 1701 4th St. Southwest Albuquerque

(505) 476-5063

Hours: Vary by season

6. New Mexico Museum of Art

A hub of Southwestern and contemporary art, this museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. It features a wide range of artistic styles and genres. The museum believes that art is for everyone. They work with art and artists to explore the human experience, new ideas, and diverse cultures.

Address: 107 West Palace Ave., Santa Fe

(505) 476-5072

Hours: Open Saturday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Fridays 10 a.m.- 7p.m.

7. Bradbury Science Museum (Los Alamos)

Discover the fascinating world of science and the history of the Manhattan Project at this informative museum in Los Alamos. Approximately 60 interactive exhibits trace the history of the WWII Manhattan Project, highlight the laboratory's current and historic research projects related to defense and technology, and focus on research related to national and international economic, environmental, political, and social concerns. These exhibits draw nearly 80,000 visitors a year.

Address: 1450 Central Ave., Los Alamos

(505) 667-4444

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

8. New Mexico History Museum

The New Mexico History Museum occupies three distinct buildings: the Palace of the Governors (1610), Fray Angélico Chávez Library (1907), and Pete V. Domenici Building (2009).The spaces are connected through a large interior lobby and outside courtyard. Primary access is through the main entrance at 113 Lincoln on the west side of the Domenici Building.

Address: 113 Lincoln Ave., Santa Fe

(505) 476-5200

Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday open till 7 p.m. Hours vary by season

9. Roswell UFO Museum and Research Center

Delve into the world of extraterrestrial mysteries and UFO encounters at this intriguing museum in Roswell. No matter what you believe, there’s plenty to learn about the area’s fascinating and infamous history.

Address: 114 North Main St., Roswell

575-625-9495

Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

10. Museum of Spanish Colonial Art

The society began its mission to preserve the regional Hispanic traditional arts in 1928. This museum showcases the artistic traditions of Spanish colonial New Mexico through a diverse collection of art and artifacts.

Address: 750 Camino Lejo Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

(505) 982-2226

Hours: Closed Monday Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.