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Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Review

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Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

Address: 9201 Balloon Museum Dr. NE, off Alameda Blvd. west of I-25, Northeast Heights, Albuquerque, NM | Map It
Phone: 505/768-6020
www.balloonmuseum.com

Category: Museums/Galleries
Location: Northeast Heights

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Fodor's Review:

Opened in 2005 at Balloon Fiesta Park, the dramatic museum celebrates the city's legacy as the hot-air ballooning capital of the world. This dashing, massive facility is named for Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo, who pioneered ballooning in Albuquerque and were part of a team of three aviators who made the first manned hot-air balloon crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in 1978. You can understand the reason for constructing such a large museum when you examine some of the exhibits inside—these include several actual balloons of important historic note as well as both large- and small-scale replicas of balloons and zeppelins. You'll also see vintage balloon baskets, actual china and flatware used from the ill-fated Hindenburg as well as an engaging display on that tragic craft, and dynamic displays that trace the history of the sport, dating back to the first balloon ride, in 1783. Kids can design their own balloons at one particularly creative interactive exhibit. There's a large museum shop offering just about any book or product you could imagine related to hot-air ballooning, and as of this writing, a café was under construction.

The museum anchors Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Park, home to the legendary Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (505/821-1000 or 888/422-7277. www.balloonfiesta.com), which began in 1972 and runs for nearly two weeks in early October. Albuquerque's long history of ballooning dates from 1882, when Professor Park A. Van Tassel, a saloon keeper, ascended in a balloon at the Territorial Fair. During the fiesta, which is the largest hot-air-balloon gathering anywhere, you can watch the Special Shapes Rodeo, when hundreds of unusual balloons, including depictions of the old lady who lived in the shoe, the pink pig, and dozens of other fanciful characters from fairy tales and popular culture, soar high above the more than a million spectators. There are night flights, obstacle races, and many other surprising balloon events. Book your hotel far in advance if you plan to attend, and note that hotel rates also rise during the fiesta.

Cost: $4
Open: Tues.-Sun. 9-5

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