The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque is the oldest public museum in the area and features a collection of over one million artifacts that are displayed through permanent and temporary exhibits. Admission is always free at Maxwell Museum.

  • When was the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology established?
    • The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology was established in 1932 as the first public museum in Albuquerque.
  • What was the original name of the museum?
    • The museum was originally named the Museum of Anthropology of the University of New Mexico.
  • When did the museum receive its current name?
    • In 1973, the museum was renamed Maxwell Museum of Anthropology after a large expansion was made possible by donations from Dorothy and Gilbert Maxwell.
  • Is the Maxwell Museum accredited?
    • Yes, the museum was accredited by the American Association of Museums in 1973.
  • What is the mission of the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology?
    • The museum serves as a comprehensive center for cultural and public education.
    • It plays a major role in preserving important archaeological sites in New Mexico and enhancing public school curriculums.
  • When is the museum open?
    • The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM.
    • It is closed on all major holidays.
  • Is the museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?
    • Yes, the museum is fully ADA compliant and accessible for those with mobility and disability issues.
    • Special accommodations can be made with one week's notice.
  • What are the main collections at the Maxwell Museum?
    • The museum’s one million artifact collection is divided into four distinct collections:
      • Archaeology
      • Ethnology
      • Osteology
      • Archives
    • The museum houses extensive artifacts from the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, with an emphasis on the American Southwest and New Mexico region.
  • Does the museum feature temporary exhibits?
    • Yes, the museum hosts temporary and traveling exhibits throughout the year that reflect culturally significant events.
    • These exhibits are detailed on the Maxwell Museum website and are subject to frequent changes.
    • Many exhibits are also viewable online.
  • What are the permanent exhibits at the museum?
    • Ancestors – Explores the evolution of modern humans and the development of language, tool use, and the transition from A. africanus to Homo sapiens.
    • People of the Southwest – Focuses on the cultural developments of the American Southwest over the past 12,000 years, featuring artifacts from the Casas Grandes, Rio Grande, Mimbres, and Cibola settlements.
  • What educational opportunities are available at the Maxwell Museum?
    • The museum offers various educational programs, some requiring registration fees and reservations.
  • What is the Traveling Trunk Program?
    • For schools and community groups that cannot visit the museum, trained docents bring the museum to them, focusing on Southwestern archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and world cultures.
  • What are Check-out Kits?
    • Check-out Kits are available to educators on a biweekly basis and cover themes such as:
      • Agriculture of the Southwest
      • China
      • Weaving
      • Southwest geology treasure boxes
      • Immigration across the Bering Strait
  • Are field trips available?
    • Yes, docent-led tours are available for school and community groups.
    • Tours require a small fee and are limited to 30 participants per group.
    • Most tours are recommended for all ages, with three themes to choose from.
  • Does the museum offer summer camps?
    • Yes, each summer the museum offers themed summer camps for children ages 7-12.
    • Details on annual camp offerings can be found on the museum website.
  • What is the Museum Studies Program?
    • This specialized program is for students pursuing a degree in museology or related fields.
    • Programs are available to undergraduate and master’s students.
    • The program prepares students for careers as museum educators, exhibit curators, and administrators.
    • Many University of New Mexico students are employed through assistantships, fellowships, and work-study programs at the museum.
  • Does the Maxwell Museum have a store?
    • Yes, the Maxwell Museum Store is available online and ships to United States addresses only.
    • The store features:
      • Carvings
      • Folk art
      • Rugs
      • Jewelry
      • Pottery
      • Clothing
      • Books related to human anthropology and the Southwestern United States

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, 500 University Ave, NE, Building 11, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, Phone: 505-277-3700

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