Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

This modern structure, which underwent a spectacular 40,000-square-foot expansion in 2004, houses the largest collection of Spanish-colonial artifacts in the nation, along with relics of the city's birth and development. The centerpiece of the colonial exhibit is a pair of life-size models of Spanish conquistadors in original chain mail and armor. Perhaps the one on horseback is Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who, in search of gold, led a small army into New Mexico in 1540 -- the turning point in the region's history. Among the museum's attractions are treasure chests filled with pearls and gold coins, religious artifacts, and early maps (some dating from the 15th century and showing California as an island). A multimedia presentation chronicles the development of the city since 1875. The sculpture garden contains 45 works by 20th-century southwestern artists that include Glenna Goodacre, Michael Naranjo, and Luís Jiménez. Free tours of the museum sculpture garden, which contains more than 50 works, are offered mid-April through mid-October, Tuesday-Saturday at 10 AM. Across from the museum, Tiguex Park is a tree-shaded, grassy plot that hosts many events, including arts and crafts fairs and concerts.

The Albuquerque Museum is located at 2000 Mountain Road NW, at the intersection of Mountain Road and 19th Street, directly west of Tiguex Park

To reach the Albuquerque Museum from Interstate 40

1. Exit I-40 at the Rio Grande Blvd exit.
2. At the bottom of the ramp, turn south.
3. Continue to the stoplight at the intersection of Rio Grande Blvd. and Mountain Road; enter the left turn lane and turn left on to Mountain Road.
4. Pass the first stop light on Mountain Road (San Felipe); at the second stop light (19th Street) turn right.
5. The Albuquerque Museum is immediately to your right, set back from the road. Free parking is available on the grounds. Call 505-243-7255 if you require further assistance.

Hours of Operation9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday - Sunday; closed Mondays and City holidays.

Admission

• Adult, $4 ($1 discount for Adult New Mexico resident with valid ID)
• Senior (65+), $2
• Children, ages 4 - 12, $1
• Children, 3 and under; Albuquerque Museum Foundation Members; ICOM, AAM & NMAM members, Free.
• Admission is free every Sunday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and all day on the first Wednesday of every month.
• Learn more about becoming a member of the Albuquerque Museum Foundation by calling 505-842-0111.
• Pre-arranged Docent-guided school tours (K-12) must be booked two weeks in advance. For more information contact Theresa Sedillo at (505) 243-7255.