For many, the top destination in Albuquequerque is the charming streets of Old Town, where you can fill the vibrant underpinnings of history and culture that built this city. While no visit to Albuquerque is complete without spending some time in Old Town, you’d be remiss if that was all you saw! There’s an incredible diversity of things to do in Albuquerque, including visiting a range of great museums like the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, not to mention the Bradbury Science Museum at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Like much of New Mexico, you can see the indelible marks of Native Americans, Spanish Colonists, and Mexican influences everywhere you turn. From art, architecture, and history to science and nature, these influences have touched everything, and one of the best ways to dive deeper into these cultural influences is to visit museums in Albuquerque. Some museums are located right at the end of Old Town, which means they are walkable from our Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast. Still others, like the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, are further afield.
Of course, these museums represent just a small fraction of all the things you can do in Albuquerque. We’d love to be your home base while you explore everything from Historic Route 66 to the charming streets of Old Town. We’re perched at one end of Albuquerque’s oldest and most charming neighborhood, making us the perfect location during your stay. Enjoy some of the best hospitality in the southwest, and book your room at our top-rated Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast in Old Town today!
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Though there are plenty of fantastic museums in Albuquerque worth visiting, depending on your personal interests, we really love sending guests to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. When guests are done there, we also recommend they visit the Bradbury Science Museum at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for a more in-depth look at Albuquerque’s involvement in our nation’s nuclear history.
The Los Alamos National Laboratory is famous for its involvement in the development of the atomic bomb under the guise of the Manhattan Project. Today, it continues to be a significant source of nuclear research. You can learn more about Albuquerque’s role in this history at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. It offers a range of exhibits, from the development of nuclear weapons to the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. It’s a thought-provoking journey that challenges visitors to consider the complex legacy of nuclear science.
The museum presents a comprehensive narrative of nuclear technology, including covering significant historical milestones and the intricate geopolitics attached to it. But the Museum of Nuclear Science & Hostry goes far beyond helping to tell the story of the Manhattan Project and nuclear war. It also explores modern applications of nuclear science, including in fields like medicine and energy.Current exhibits at the museum include the following:
- The DaVinci Machines Exhibit is a temporary exhibit celebrating the innovations of this historic figure.
- The Outdoor Heritage Park, which includes things like planes, rockets, missiles, cannons, and nuclear sub-sail, is one of the most popular parts of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.
- Unlike some of the Secrets of Los Alamos in 1944, an exhibit by American Sculptor Jim Sanborn
- Learn more about the Decision to Drop atomic bombs, as well as the impact on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- Dive into Cold War Era history as it relates to nuclear science.
- Learn about elements of pop culture that are rooted in nuclear science.
- Learn more about Uranium’s role in the energy of the future.
- Learn about the different aspects of nuclear science in modern medicine.
Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone with a keen interest in understanding one of the most pivotal elements of modern history, the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History offers a thought-provoking journey through one of our Nation’s most complex moments.
More Fantastic Museums in Albuquerque to Visit
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is a great place to start, but we’ve already mentioned another fantastic museum that’s worth a visit: The Bradbury Science Museum. This extraordinary museum, located about 90 minutes from our Bed and Breakfast, is attached to the famed Los Alamos National Laboratory and offers an unprecedented look at our Nation’s nuclear history.
In total, there are more than 60 exhibits to explore at the Bradbury Science Museum, including those focused on the history of nuclear science and technology, how it has been used and is being used in defense of our country, and other modern-day applications in nuclear science, including healthcare, technology, and the environment.
Of course, there are also plenty of other fantastic museums in Albuquerque – including those that have nothing to do with science or technology. From extraordinary art to centuries of history and culture, here are our favorite museums in Albuquerque to visit next time you stay with us.
- The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science provides an intriguing look into the history of the natural world. The planetarium is particularly noteworthy.
- For a comprehensive insight into New Mexico’s Pueblo Native American culture, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is unparalleled. This center houses an impressive array of exhibits dedicated to the Pueblo peoples, representing all 19 New Mexican Pueblos and celebrating their enduring cultural legacy.
- Art enthusiasts will find the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History, situated in Old Town, to be exceptional. This museum showcases an extensive collection of Southwestern art, including pieces by renowned artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, alongside 400 years of regional history.
- Lastly, for those intrigued by hot air ballooning, the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is a must-visit.
Of course, with so many fantastic museums to visit and even more great things to do in Albuquerque, you’ll want to spend a few days here exploring. We invite you to spend a few days of relaxed comfort in the heart of Albuquerque’s Old Town Neighborhood at our historic Bed and Breakfast. Book your room today!
