The biggest city in the state of New Mexico and the 32nd biggest city in the United States, Albuquerque is a unique location with a lot to offer. Named after Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, 10th Duke of Albuquerque, this city is located in a central position in the state in Bernalilo County. It stretches out to cover over 189 square miles and is home to more than half a million people, with around a million in the full metropolitan area. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
4 Best Albuquerque RV Parks & Campgrounds
- Albuquerque RV Parks, Photo: Charly Hafner/stock.adobe.com
- Balloon View Homes & RV Park, Photo: SHrenchir/stock.adobe.com
- Palisades RV Park, Photo: savoieleysse/stock.adobe.com
- Albuquerque KOA Journey, Photo: Fabian/stock.adobe.com
- Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post, Photo: MoonfliesPhoto/stock.adobe.com
- Cover Photo: Henryk Sadura/stock.adobe.com
Attraction Spotlight: National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque> is the only museum congressionally chartered in the history of the Atomic Age. Exhibits explore the development of nuclear technology and the various uses of nuclear energy today.
History
The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History was founded in 1963 as a center for the education of nuclear weapons and technology. Finding a home on Kirtland Airforce Base, the museum opened in 1969. A few years later the museum was named National Atomic Museum and was recognized in 1973 as the only public museum leading efforts to preserve the history of atomic energy and the nuclear industry.
After the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001, the museum was forced to close, but was reopened in May of 2002 in a rented location in Old Town. In April of 2009, the National Atomic Museum found a permanent home in Southeast Albuquerque and was renamed The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Museum is open daily from 9am-5pm and admission fees do apply for visitors over 5 years of age.
Exhibits
The permanent exhibits at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History educate visitors on the past, present, and future capabilities of atomic science including atomic theory, political issues that lead to World War II, Cold War, and nuclear medicine. The museum also has online archives of past and present exhibits for those unable to visit the museum in person. Rentable exhibits are also available for offsite groups and presentations.
Critical Assembly, the Secrets of Los Alamos 1944: An Installation by Jim Sanborn- This exhibit takes visitors back to 1944 where they can study recreations of the Manhattan Project atomic bomb and learn about the laboratory experiments that were instrumental in the development of this weapon.
Heritage Park- This outdoor exhibit features airplanes, rockets, missiles, cannons, and a nuclear sub sail across 9 acres of outdoor space. This is one of the most visited attractions at the museum and includes the largest aircraft collection available to the public in New Mexico. Planes on display include the B-29 Superfortress, B-52B Stratofortress, A-7 Corsair II, and many others.
Nuclear Medicine- The history of nuclear medicine and technology is explored in this exhibit that demonstrates how radioactive materials can help to diagnose and treat diseases.
Nano- Hands on exploration is encouraged Nano where visitors will learn about the science they cannot see and how nanotechnology is changing the world. Visitors can build a carbon Nanotube.
Nuclear Waste Transportation- Learn how nuclear waste is managed safely and environmental regulations that ensure that radioactive waste is handled safely.
Energy Encounter- Visitors can learn about the green energy options available for homes and businesses including solar and wind energy, and what place nuclear energy has in the future of energy production.
Uranium, Enriching the Future- Interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore the way nuclear power has evolved and the enrichment process that uranium goes through to provide clean energy at the 100 nuclear plants in America.
Radiation 101- Education on the basic principles of radiation and what it is used for is showcased in this exhibit.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki- Visitors will learn the devastating effects that the atomic bomb had on these cities in Japan during World War II.
Cold War- The nuclear arms race and history of the cold war between the USSR and United States is discussed in this exhibit that follows the history of nuclear arms from 1950-1990’s.
Atomic Culture/Pop Culture- Visitors are immersed in the cultural items relevant to the atomic age including comic books, posters, propaganda and art.
Little Alberts lab- Children learn about physics and Albert Einstein in this interactive exhibit area.
Decision to Drop- This exhibit follows history from the Manhattan Project through the Cold War and explains the issues that lead to the dropping of the first atom bomb as well as life in the 1940’s.
Pioneers of the Atom- Visitors to this exhibit will learn about the scientists and researchers involved in the making of the atomic bomb and nuclear energy.
Education Opportunities
The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History offers many educational programs to expand on the knowledge and history of nuclear energy and sciences. Camps are offered during winter, spring and summer breaks for children in grade school that educates on subjects related to robotics, forensics, engineering, and many other sciences. Teachers can access resources through the website that will increase engagement in the exhibits at the museum such as scavenger hunts, and programs during Nuclear Science Week and STEM week. There are also programs for students age 5-15 that are homeschooled during the school year.
601 Eubank, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87123, Phone: 505-245-2137
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Attraction Spotlight: History & Ghost Tours of Old Town
History & Ghost Tours of Old Town, Albuquerque is a local Albuquerque tour guide company that specializes in offering interesting outdoor walking tours that are informative and entertaining. These tours visit hidden parts of Old Town Albuquerque while sharing historical facts and trivia about the Duke City. The company offers general group tours and private tours with advance booking.
History Tour
This 75-minute walking tour is a walk through the alleys and streets of Old Town Albuquerque, which is also one of the oldest towns in North America. This day tour uncovers the hidden architectural details while reminiscing the happenings of the Civil War. Also included in the visit are the trade scenes that once belonged to the early merchants.
'Scavenger Hunts' are a 2-hour group activity that involves solving a challenge with the help of a series of clues provided. This day activity is great for exploring the oldest neighborhood of Albuquerque. The prices start from $30 per team consisting of 5 players.
Ghost Tours
The Old Town of Albuquerque, New Mexico, holds a reputation for being haunted and Old Town Tours organizes several nightly tours to unveil interesting ghost stories, folklore, and legends alike. These night tours range from 90 minutes to 4 hours and include custom-made tours for adults and children.
The “Toast a Ghost Haunted Pub Crawl” is a group tour that visits the Old Town’s pubs, saloons, and bars that are haunted – prices start from $17 per participant aged 21 and above. Children can opt for the “Spook Troop Jr. Ghost Hunting Tours,” a fun and informative night tour for children – prices start from $55 per group.
Ticket Bookings
All tour tickets must be bought at least 2 hours before the tour start time. Ticket bookings can be either made online on the company website or over the phone. Payments made online or via phone call will receive a booking confirmation email along with a receipt for the payment. To participate in the tour, the receipt must be printed and brought along to the venue. The tour tickets can also be bought in person at the company's ticketing window.
Gifts & Souvenirs
Old Town Tours has an online shop that offers a wide variety of ghost-themed gifts and souvenirs that can be purchased using PayPal, Amazon, or credit card.
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Old Towne Tours, 303 Romero St. NW Plaza Don Luis - Space # N-120 Albuquerque, and New Mexico 87104, Phone: 505-246-8687
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Attraction Spotlight: National Hispanic Cultural Center
The Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico seeks to preserve the legacy and history of Hispanic cultures and humanities through the presentation of over 700 events, an art museum, library, center for genealogy, and providing educational resources to the community.
About
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is a campus of facilities dedicated to the preservation and education of Hispanic Cultures from around the world and Southwest United States. Established in 2001, there are nine locations on the campus that provide educational opportunities and an immersive experience in Hispanic culture. Each facility has its own hours of operation which are detailed on the National Hispanic Cultural Center website with closing on major holidays.
Attractions
Torreon/Vigil Fresco- This public art facility houses a painting that was completed in 2010 by Frederico Vigil and uses the ancient technique of fresco to depict the evolution of Hispanic culture from prehistoric time to the present.
History & Literary Arts Building- The Library and Genealogy Center are found in this building as well as Salon Ortega.
La Fonda del Bosque- This restaurant serves Cuban style food with other Latin infusions and is open for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gluten free options are available as well as a fully stocked bar serving adult beverages. The restaurant is family friendly and casual with complimentary Wi-Fi.
Virginia and Edward Lujan Plaza Major- This open plaza is the center of the 20-acre campus with space for setting up outdoor events and performances.
Art Museum- The Art Museum is home to a collection of over 2,500 works by Hispanic artists and reflects the diversity found in Latino art. There are several galleries in the museum that house the permanent exhibit as well as temporary and traveling exhibitions.
Intel Center for Technology and Visual Arts- Administrative offices, La Tiendita Gift Shop, and the NHCC Foundation offices are located here.
Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts- Two theaters, box office, the Wells Fargo Auditorium and the PNM Rehearsal Hall are found in this facility which is the largest building on campus.
Pete V. Domenici Education Center- located in the back of the campus, the Education Center is where classrooms, the Spanish Resource Center, and Pop Fizz Paleteria can be found.
Paseo del Bosque Trail- This multi-use trail is accessible from the National Hispanic Cultural Center campus and lines the edges of the Rio Grande Cottonwood Forest. There are 16 miles of paves trails and public art that can be enjoyed as the trail winds through TIngley Beach, Central Avenue and more.
Exhibits
There are two permanent exhibits at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
Mundos de Mestizaje- This 4,000-square foot fresco was created by Frederico Vigil and is located in the Torreon. The painting reflects thousands of years of Hispanic culture and history.
Aqui Estamos: The Heart of Arte- This collection is showcased in the Art Museum and is comprised of more than 2,500 artworks by Hispanic and Latino artists from around the world including contemporary art. This collection is positioned in the first gallery of the Art Museum and presents rotating artifacts and art from the museum’s permanent collection.
Educational Opportunities
The National Hispanic Cultural Center provides several opportunities for enrichment and education through workshops and special events. Many of these events and workshops are available for short amounts of time and require registration. Details are available on the NHCC website.
Saturdays in the Museum- Every Saturday at 2pm, a docent lead tour is included with the free admission to the NHCC. Each tour focuses on one particular part of the Museum or theme.
History and Literary Arts Research Library and Archives- The research library at NHCC is home to more than 12,500 titles with a concentration on Hispanic culture and history particularly in the Southwest United States, Mexico, Latin America and Spain. The Archives houses rare books and other paper collections such as manuscripts and maps.
Herrera Internship Endowment-Created for Hispanic females, this endowment allows the advancement of underrepresented groups to have access to higher education and was established by Dr. Denise Herrera.
Educator Workshops and Youth Events- The workshops at NHCC are offered in conjunction with special exhibits and events and therefore change frequently. Educators and scholars are welcome to participate in workshops that deepen the understanding of Hispanic culture and heritage.
Summer Institutes for Youth- The NCHH has recently launched a summer program for youth. These 4 week programs are designed to promote leadership, creativity, performance, and healthy eating habits and are in partnership with a Spanish-immersion experience at Instituto Cervantes.
Spanish Resource Center- Located in the Pete V. Domenici Building, the Spanish Resource Center offers a library with literature pertaining to Spanish Life and Culture. More information about this resource can be found by going online or calling the center.
1701 4th Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102, Phone: 505-246-2261
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