New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
4.7(5.1K)google
4.2(126)yelp
FamilyFossilsPlanetariumScience
Overview
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is a natural history and science museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico near Old Town Albuquerque. The Museum was founded in 1986. It operates as a public revenue facility of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TueClosed
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeAn outstanding year-round paleontology indoor center. Arriving at 9:00 AM on a non-holiday weekday morning provides a spectacular, quiet environment to marvel at the massive Jurassic dinosaur skeletons and walk through the simulated volcano cave before regional school field trip crowds and echoing tour rushes pack the halls.
Getting ThereSituated in the central museum corridor at 1801 Mountain Rd NW, just steps from Old Town. Drive via I-40 to exit 157A for Rio Grande Blvd, travel south briefly, and turn left onto Mountain Rd for two short blocks. The science complex features its own large, complimentary public surface lot along with metered city municipal road spaces.
Travel Tips
- Dinosaur galleries are highly congested with local school field trips on weekends; adult visitors should prioritize Tuesday through Thursday afternoons.
- Planetarium theater tickets are sold separately from general admission and fill up rapidly; purchase show vouchers at the main counter immediately upon arrival.
- The subterranean parking garage has a strict 6.8-foot clearance; high-clearance overland rigs or compact RVs must park in the outdoor north lot.
Reviews
Positive
- The dinosaur halls are top-tier! Massive T-Rex and Seismosaurus skeletons come to life, perfectly showcasing NM's rich paleontological heritage.
- The digital Planetarium offers stunning audiovisual effects and highly immersive space films, making it ideal for educational kids' trips.
- The location right next to Old Town Plaza with an oversized private lot makes it incredibly convenient to pair a museum visit with dining.
- The layout flows smoothly from the birth of Earth to the Space Age, complete with accessible elevators ensuring frictionless stroller travel.
Heads up
- Several permanent interactive booths covering geology and physics have been used for years, feeling dated, with a few touchscreens totally broken.
- Admission is piecemeal; the main museum, planetarium, and 3D theater require separate tickets, making a complete family visit quite expensive.
- Weekend morning slots are packed with school field trips and rowdy kids; hallways echo loudly, making it tough for adults seeking quiet viewing.
- The on-site museum gift shop carries a steep price premium, and most dinosaur toys or science books can be bought cheaper on general e-commerce.