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Albuquerque's terrain is diverse. Along the river in the North and South valleys, the elevation hovers at about 4,800 feet. East of the river, the land rises gently to the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, which climb to over 6,000 feet; the 10,378-foot summit is a grand spot from which to view the city below. West of the Rio G
Albuquerque's terrain is diverse. Along the river in the North and South valleys, the elevation hovers at about 4,800 feet. East of the river, the land rises gently to the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, which climb to over 6,000 feet; the 10,378-foot summit is a gra
Albuquerque's terrain is diverse. Along the river in the North and South valleys, the elevation hovers at about 4,800 fe
Albuquerque's terrain is diverse. Along the river in the North and South valleys, the elevation hovers at about 4,800 feet. East of the river, the land rises gently to the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, which climb to over 6,000 feet; the 10,378-foot summit is a grand spot from which to view the city below. West of the Rio Grande, where Albuquerque is growing most aggressively, the terrain rises abruptly in a string of mesas topped by five volcanic cones. The changes in elevation from one part of the city to another result in corresponding changes in temperature, as much as 10°F at any time. It's not uncommon for snow or rain to fall on one part of town but for it to remain dry and sunny in another, and because temperatures can shift considerably throughout the day and evening, it's a good idea to bring along a couple of layers when exploring.
World-class contemporary art dominates the changing shows at this multilevel nonprofit that holds a special place in the New Mexico art scene. Visually compelling collaborations...
World-class contemporary art dominates the changing shows at this multilevel nonprofit that holds a special place in the New Mexico art scene. Visually compelling collaborations with an international set of museums and artists cross media boundaries, and often explore issues that are not only dear to the hearts and minds of this multicultural, environmentally diverse state, but resonate globally. The installations here are always top-notch, the works displayed are of the highest quality, the ideas—whether expressed in video, prints, sculpture, diodes, or paint—provocative.
516 Central Ave. SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102, USA
The city's foremost outdoor attraction and nature center, the park comprises Tingley Beach (and its trout-stocked ponds) as well as three distinct attractions: Aquarium, Botanic...
The city's foremost outdoor attraction and nature center, the park comprises Tingley Beach (and its trout-stocked ponds) as well as three distinct attractions: Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Zoo. The garden and aquarium are located together (admission gets you into both facilities), just west of Old Town, off Central Avenue; the zoo is a short drive southeast, off 10th Street. You can also ride the scenic Rio Line vintage narrow-gauge railroad between the zoo and gardens and the aquarium complex; rides are free if you purchase a combination ticket to all of the park's facilities.
903 10th St. SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102, USA
In a modern, light-filled space, the Albuquerque Museum serves up a brilliantly curated selection of contemporary art from the museum's own Southwestern artists–centric collections and...
In a modern, light-filled space, the Albuquerque Museum serves up a brilliantly curated selection of contemporary art from the museum's own Southwestern artists–centric collections and world-class touring shows; it also presents illuminating shows with regionally topical, historical, and cultural themes. "Trinity: Reflections on the Bomb," "Jim Henson: Imagination Unlimited," "Making Africa: A Continent of Contemporary Design," and Patrick Nagatani's "Excavations" are but a few that have drawn crowds. The Common Ground galleries represent an important permanent collection of primarily 20th-century paintings, all by world-renowned artists with a New Mexico connection. A changing rotation of 19th- and 20th-century photographs from the museum's extensive local archive lines the museum's walkway halls; other spaces dig even deeper into compelling aspects of Albuquerque and regional history. The Sculpture Garden contains more than 50 contemporary works by an internationally known roster of artists that includes Basia Irland, Tom Waldron, Ed Haddaway, and Fritz Scholder; Nora Naranjo-Morse's spiral land-art piece resonates deeply for a city—and a museum—that recognizes that water and land issues define Albuquerque's history and its future. Visitors may pick up a self-guided Sculpture Garden map or come for the free (with admission) docent-led tours at 11 am Wednesday and Saturday (March through November); docent-led tours of the galleries, also free, are held daily at 2 pm, year-round. The museum's innovative children's activity room always ties in to current exhibits and is an instant magnet for kids. Slate at the Museum, a casual eatery operated by downtown's Slate Street Cafe, serves soups, salads, espresso drinks, desserts, and other tasty light fare.
2000 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104, USA
Decorated with light fixtures made from buffalo skulls (the eye sockets glow amber in the dark), traditional Navajo symbols, dazzling tilework, and nine spectacular Western-theme...
Decorated with light fixtures made from buffalo skulls (the eye sockets glow amber in the dark), traditional Navajo symbols, dazzling tilework, and nine spectacular Western-theme wall murals by Carl Von Hassler, the 1927 Carl Boller--designed movie palace represents Pueblo Deco at its apex. The 660-seat KiMo (refurbished with its original balcony, hand-painted ceilings, and restored marquee) would be notable in any town, but it's a real standout for Albuquerque. Guided tours are often offered with Downtown's First Friday ARTScrawl (www.artscrawlabq.org), or you can just catch a film or a live performance here. Jazz, dance, blues, book tour readings, film—everything from traveling road shows to an inspired city-sponsored film series (Hitchcock pre-Hollywood, for example)—might turn up here. Former Albuquerque resident Vivian Vance of I Love Lucy fame once performed on the stage; today you're more likely to see Dweezil Zappa, Pink Martini, Adam Ant, or a film-festival screening.
423 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102, USA
A showpiece for the city, and a showcase for Hispanic culture in Albuquerque's historic Barelas neighborhood, this beautifully designed space contains a vibrant art museum,...
A showpiece for the city, and a showcase for Hispanic culture in Albuquerque's historic Barelas neighborhood, this beautifully designed space contains a vibrant art museum, multiple performance venues, a restaurant, a fresco-lined torreon (freestanding windowless tower) depicting the span of Hispanic (and pre-Hispanic) history, a 10,000-volume genealogical research center and library, and an education center. Its stunning and acoustically superb Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts and smaller Albuquerque Journal Theatre host ballet, flamenco dancing, bilingual theater, traditional Spanish and New Mexican music, the famous world music festival ¡Globalquerque!, and many other performances. Exhibits at its first-rate museum include dynamic displays of photography, paintings, sculpture, and traditional and contemporary craftwork by local artists as well as internationally known names. A vintage WPA-era school contains the library and La Fonda del Bosque restaurant ($, no dinner), which features Latin fusion fare indoors and out on the patio.
1701 4th St. SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102, USA
Previously known simply as the National Atomic Museum, this brilliant Smithsonian affiliate traces the history of the atomic age and how nuclear science has dramatically...
Previously known simply as the National Atomic Museum, this brilliant Smithsonian affiliate traces the history of the atomic age and how nuclear science has dramatically influenced the course of modern history. Exhibits include replicas of Little Boy and Fat Man (the bombs dropped on Japan at the end of World War II), a compelling display about the difficult decision to drop atomic bombs, and a look at how atomic culture has dovetailed with pop culture. There are also children's programs and an exhibit about X-ray technology. The campus also contains the 9-acre Heritage Park, which has a B-29 and other mega-airships, plus rockets, missiles, cannons, and even a nuclear sub sail. One highlight is the restored 1942 Plymouth that was used to transport the plutonium core of "the Gadget" (as that first weapon was known) down from Los Alamos to the Trinity Site for testing.
601 Eubank Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87123, USA
The Sunday market here (May–October, 10–2) is a fine excuse to explore this wondrous, light-filled, almost cathedral-like space, said to have been the largest steam...
The Sunday market here (May–October, 10–2) is a fine excuse to explore this wondrous, light-filled, almost cathedral-like space, said to have been the largest steam locomotive repair facility in the country in its heyday. Dating back to the early 20th century, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe buildings here, built on the Atlantic & Pacific originals from the 1880s, put you at the center of how Downtown (or New Town, as it was then known)—and modern Albuquerque—came to be. The market, vibrant with growers and makers, occupies the 1917 Blacksmith Shop. Another historic railyard building nearby, the Storehouse, now houses the growing Wheels Museum, which is dedicated to interpreting local rail history with model train equipment and more (www.wheelsmuseum.org). A massive 1944 AT&SF Steam Locomotive (No. 2926) is under restoration in the Sawmill neighborhood and may find its home here as well (www.nmslrhs.org).
777 1st St. SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102, USA
A stellar roster of artists with an international following (many New Mexico--based) show at this shoebox-shape gallery that would be right at home on either...
A stellar roster of artists with an international following (many New Mexico--based) show at this shoebox-shape gallery that would be right at home on either coast. Its clean lines are perfect for displaying pieces from photographers (Natsumi Hayashi, Hiroshi Sugimoto), multimedia artists (Mary Tsiongas, Eric Tillinghast, John Baldessari), metal-work sculptors (Emi Ozawa), and printmakers (Alex Katz, Ed Ruscha), as well as works from global initiatives like ISEA 2012: Machine Wilderness and 2009's LAND/ART New Mexico.
514 Central Ave. SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102, USA
Along the banks of the Rio Grande, this 270-acre refuge in an especially tranquil portion of the bosque (about midway up on the Paseo del...
Along the banks of the Rio Grande, this 270-acre refuge in an especially tranquil portion of the bosque (about midway up on the Paseo del Bosque trail) is the nation's largest cottonwood forest. There are numerous walking and biking trails that wind into the 53-acre Aldo Leopold Forest and down to the river. Bird-watchers come to view all manner of migratory waterfowl. Constructed half aboveground and half below the edge of a pond, the park's interpretive center has viewing windows and speakers that broadcast the sounds of the birds you're watching. You may see sandhill cranes, frogs, ducks, and turtles. The park has active programs for adults and children.
2901 Candelaria Rd. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87107, USA
One of the world's longest aerial tramways, here tramway cars climb nearly three miles up the steep western face of the Sandias, giving you a...
One of the world's longest aerial tramways, here tramway cars climb nearly three miles up the steep western face of the Sandias, giving you a dazzling close-up view (whatever the season) of the imposing rock formations and wind-blown wilderness. From the observation deck at the 10,378-foot summit you can see Santa Fe to the northeast and Los Alamos to the northwest: about 11,000 square miles of spectacular scenery. You may also see graceful hawks or eagles soaring above or mountain lions roaming the cliff sides. An exhibit room at the top surveys the wildlife and landscape of the mountain; a few steps away is Ten 3, where a lounge and cliffside dining await. You can also use the tram as a way to reach the Sandia Peak ski and mountain-biking area. It's much colder and windier at the summit than at the tram's base, so pack a jacket. Tram cars leave from the base at regular intervals for the 15-minute ride to the top. Purchase tickets (all round-trip) up to 24 hours ahead online; parking fee is included.
10 Tramway Loop NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87122, USA
This features magnificent 20th- and 21st-century prints, as well as photos and paintings that rival the finest collections throughout the Southwest. Changing exhibits cull from...
This features magnificent 20th- and 21st-century prints, as well as photos and paintings that rival the finest collections throughout the Southwest. Changing exhibits cull from more than 30,000 archived pieces, which include groundbreaking works by modernist giants such as Bridget Riley, Richard Diebenkorn, and Elaine DeKooning. Photography—from the likes of Ansel Adams, Patrick Nagatani, and Beaumont Newhall—is a particular strength, and provocative shows have featured immense prints, complemented with video projections and a range of mixed-media installations. Transcendentalist master Raymond Jonson's work, as well as other landmark acquisitions he made, are displayed. The museum's vision for the future is to allow yet more of their impressive holdings—a Picasso print, an O'Keeffe painting—to be seen regularly. Lectures and symposia, gallery talks, and guided tours are often scheduled.
203 Cornell Dr. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA
Included in the largest collection of different species of living rattlers in the world are such rare and unusual specimens as an albino western diamondback...
Included in the largest collection of different species of living rattlers in the world are such rare and unusual specimens as an albino western diamondback and a melanistic (solid black) diamondback. From the outside the museum looks like just a plain old shop—aside from the friendly crew of tortoises who are usually there to greet you—but inside, the museum's exhibits, its engaging staff, and explanatory videos supply visitors with the lowdown on these venomous creatures. Did you know that they can't hear their own rattles and that the human death rate from rattlesnake bites is less than 1%? The mission here is to educate the public on the many positive benefits of rattlesnakes, and to contribute to their conservation.
202 San Felipe St. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104, USA
This dramatic museum celebrates the city's legacy as the hot-air ballooning capital of the world. Albuquerque's high altitude, mild climate, and a fortuitous wind pattern...
This dramatic museum celebrates the city's legacy as the hot-air ballooning capital of the world. Albuquerque's high altitude, mild climate, and a fortuitous wind pattern known as the Albuquerque Box make it an ideal destination for ballooning. The dashing, massive facility is named for Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo, who pioneered ballooning here and were part of a team of three aviators who made the first manned hot-air balloon crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in 1978. Filling the airy museum space are several fully inflated historic balloons, and both large- and small-scale replicas of gas balloons and zeppelins. You'll also see vintage balloon baskets, china and flatware from the ill-fated Hindenburg and an engaging display on that tragic craft, and dynamic exhibits that trace the history of the sport, dating back to the first balloon ride, in 1783. Interactive stations are set up so kids can design their own balloons.
9201 Balloon Museum Dr. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87113, USA
Perhaps the most stunning of Albuquerque's wineries, Casa Rondeña—which is technically in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, not the city proper—was designed to resemble a Tuscan...
Perhaps the most stunning of Albuquerque's wineries, Casa Rondeña—which is technically in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, not the city proper—was designed to resemble a Tuscan villa, with its green-tile roof and verdant grounds laced with gardens and fountains. Though a true patina of age has yet to develop (the winery was built in 1995), the vintners have made this a pleasant place for sipping. Casa Rondeña produces a very drinkable Meritage red blend as well as a respectable Viognier. You can see a vintage oak fermentation tank and a great hall with soaring ceilings, where tastings are conducted. The winery hosts chamber and jazz music events with wine receptions and dinners.
733 Chavez Rd. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87107, USA
Toe-tapping music and the freshest of fresh produce—and surely the delicious shade created by the towering cottonwoods here in Robinson Park—have folks gathering every Saturday...
Toe-tapping music and the freshest of fresh produce—and surely the delicious shade created by the towering cottonwoods here in Robinson Park—have folks gathering every Saturday morning from April through mid-November. This sweet respite on the western fringe of Downtown also hosts city crafts makers; high-quality wares range from fine block-printed linens to small-batch soaps. Get the freshest greens from the South Valley's Wholeheart Farm, an apricot scone from Bosque Baking Co., or a hot brew from Java Joe's, and enjoy a stroll.
Central Ave. at 8th St. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102, USA
After several visits to New Mexico, Ernie Pyle, a Pulitzer Prize–winning news reporter, built a house in 1940 that now contains the smallest branch of...
After several visits to New Mexico, Ernie Pyle, a Pulitzer Prize–winning news reporter, built a house in 1940 that now contains the smallest branch of the Albuquerque Public Library (it is also a National Historic Landmark). On display are photos, handwritten articles by Pyle, and news clippings about his career as a correspondent during World War II and his death from a sniper's bullet on April 18, 1945, on the Pacific island of Ie Shima.
900 Girard Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87106, USA
First-time visitors may be forgiven for pausing as they approach Gruet's brick chalet-inspired building, set down as it is hard by the highway in a...
First-time visitors may be forgiven for pausing as they approach Gruet's brick chalet-inspired building, set down as it is hard by the highway in a transitional industrial area. Inside, however, is one of the nation's most acclaimed producers of sparkling wines. Some of its vineyards—all in-state—are as close as Santa Ana Pueblo, just north of Bernalillo, and may be seen while driving Interstate 25. Gruet (pronounced grew-ay) had been famous in France since the 1950s for its Champagnes. In New Mexico, the Gruet family has been producing wine since 1984, and it's earned nationwide kudos for its Methode Champenoise (employing traditional Champagne-making methods for its sparkling wine), as well as for impressive Pinot Noirs, Rosés, and Chardonnays. Most of the state's top restaurants carry Gruet vintages, as do leading wine cellars around the country.
8400 Pan American Fwy. NE (I–25), Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87113, USA
The multilevel semicircular layout of this museum was inspired by Pueblo Bonito, the prehistoric ruin in northwestern New Mexico. Start by visiting their permanent exhibit...
The multilevel semicircular layout of this museum was inspired by Pueblo Bonito, the prehistoric ruin in northwestern New Mexico. Start by visiting their permanent exhibit space "We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story," which interprets the Pueblo people's legacy through carried-down traditions and remarkable pieces from their renowned holdings of fine Native American pottery, textiles, baskets, and other masterworks. Changing exhibits may feature close-ups of a particular artist, such as the gorgeously composed and colorful copper-plate prints of Santa Clara Pueblo painter Helen Hardin. Mural Discovery Tours are offered on Friday at 1 pm and ceremonial dances are performed year-round on weekends; there are often arts-and-crafts demonstrations as well. The museum gift shop provides a fine overview of current Pueblo arts. Its Indian Pueblo Kitchen restaurant is a tasty spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Note that the museum lies a bit northeast of Old Town, in the Los Duranes neighborhood—a five-minute drive away.
2401 12th St. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104, USA
Tapping a significant collection of Southwestern artifacts and archival photos, the Maxwell's engaging shows encompass three fascinating fields: archaeology, cultural anthropology, and evolutionary anthropology. As...
Tapping a significant collection of Southwestern artifacts and archival photos, the Maxwell's engaging shows encompass three fascinating fields: archaeology, cultural anthropology, and evolutionary anthropology. As the first public museum in Albuquerque (established in 1932), its influence has grown over the years, but its compact space ensures that exhibits are scaled to the essentials. A viewer—whether of a permanent exhibit on peoples of the Southwest or a temporary one—will be intrigued and informed, but not overwhelmed. Of special note is their rare and substantial collection of Mimbres pottery from AD 800–1000. The museum's gift shop is worth a look for its selection of reliably vetted Native American crafts.
500 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA
This little, but moving, 1932-vintage storefront museum packs plenty of punch with its poignant exhibits that document genocide and persecution throughout history, such as the...
This little, but moving, 1932-vintage storefront museum packs plenty of punch with its poignant exhibits that document genocide and persecution throughout history, such as the infamous Bataan Death March, with special emphasis placed upon the Holocaust carried out by the Nazis before and during World War II. Exhibits include "The African American Experience" and others touch on child slave labor, the rescue of Bulgarian and Danish Jews, and the Nuremburg Trials. A re-created gate from a concentration camp and many artifacts related to Holocaust survivors and the Nazi party are also on display.
616 Central Ave. SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102, USA
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