International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop
4.4(2.8K)google
3.7(486)yelp
EducationalFamilyIndoorQuirky
Overview
Located in downtown Roswell, this world-famous museum is dedicated to the study of the infamous 1947 Roswell UFO Incident and general paranormal phenomena. It features an extensive archive of historical newspaper clippings, eye-witness testimonies, artifact replicas, alien models, and a highly popular gift shop packed with quirky extraterrestrial souvenirs.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeA world-famous indoor pop-culture sanctuary celebrating the 1947 Roswell UFO Incident, outstanding in any season, peaking beautifully during the annual UFO Festival in early July. For standard days, arriving right at the 9:00 AM opening bell on a weekday morning is highly strategic; this lets you examine the archival government cover-up files and life-sized alien animatronics without heavy queues.
Getting ThereCommanding the central commercial drag of Roswell at 114 N Main St. Driving a car is exceptionally efficient: follow the main highway alignment of US-285 straight into the historic city center; the museum's signature retro theater marquee and neon alien signage are impossible to miss, flanked by abundant complimentary street and municipal lot parking spaces.
Travel Tips
- Summer and weekend midday ticket queues extend far down the external sidewalk; enter right at 9:00 AM opening or after 4:00 PM to avoid the line choke-points.
- Downtown street meters carry strict duration limits with aggressive towing; over-length road-trip rigs should utilize the free oversized municipal lot two blocks back.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Photography of the Roswell Incident archives and alien autopsy props is permitted; however, using full-size tripods or high-lumen commercial LED lights is banned.
Reviews
Positive
- The ultimate mecca for the 1947 Roswell UFO crash! The collection of affidavits, declassified files, and animatronic aliens satisfies all sci-fi curiosity.
- The central vintage flying saucer display features an animatronic light-and-smoke show every few minutes, providing highly engaging fun for all ages.
- The massive connected gift shop is a paradise for quirky green alien souvenirs, boasting dizzying varieties at surprisingly affordable prices.
- Located downtown with a large free lot and ample neat restrooms; tickets cost just a few dollars, offering incredible, true-to-promise value.
Heads up
- The exhibit style is very old-school and low-tech, relying heavily on walls of text, binder printouts, and newspaper clippings rather than digital screens.
- The campy commercialism is thick; some alien models have a cheap plastic feel akin to B-movie props, disappointing serious scientific minds.
- Weekend and holiday crowds are massive; the tight indoor galleries get packed like a market, making it too chaotic to stand and read affidavits.
- The indoor A/C is kept aggressively freezing; the stark contrast with summer heat outdoors leaves guests shivering, making a light jacket useful.