The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is a state-operated educational facility located near Old Town in Albuquerque. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in April 2026 and reflects the museum’s current operating schedule, which includes full facility closures every Tuesday, alongside updated combination ticket pricing for the DynaTheater and Planetarium.
Quick facts
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Wednesday to Monday: 09:00 to 17:00; Tuesday: Closed |
| Ticket prices | Adults: $14; Seniors (60+): $12; Youth (13-17): $12; Children (3-12): $10; Under 3s: Free |
| Address | 1801 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104 |
| Nearest public transport | 18th Street (car park) or ABQ RIDE bus stops |
| Typical time needed | Two to three hours |
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science opening hours
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is open from 09:00 to 17:00 from Wednesday to Monday. The final entry to the exhibition halls is typically permitted up until 16:30, though the on-site ticketing desks often close shortly before this time.
These core opening hours operate year-round with no seasonal variations, but the facility is completely closed to the public every Tuesday. The museum also operates restricted hours or shuts entirely on major public holidays, specifically remaining closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science ticket prices
General admission ticket prices for non-resident visitors to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science are $14 for adults aged 18 to 59, $12 for seniors aged 60 and over, and $12 for youth aged 13 to 17. Children aged three to 12 pay $10, while toddlers aged two and under enter for free, and verified New Mexico residents receive significantly discounted entry rates across all demographic categories.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
5 great Albuquerque experiences to book
- 🎈 Admire the sunrise on a hot air balloon ride across the desert.
- 🌅 Alternatively, take your balloon ride at sunset.
- 🎬 Get on the trail of Walter White with a Breaking Bad filming locations tour.
- 🚴 Take a bike tour – and see Albuquerque’s top natural sights.
- 👻 Listen to spooky historic tales on an Old Town ghost tour.
How to get to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
The most direct way to reach the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science using public transport is via the ABQ RIDE bus network, which services the historic downtown districts. Visitors can take the Central Avenue routes, alight near Old Town, and walk the remaining few blocks north to the museum entrance.
For visitors travelling by car from Interstate 40, the facility is easily accessible by taking the Rio Grande Boulevard exit and driving south for half a mile. Drivers then turn east onto Mountain Road, before turning north onto 18th Street to access the designated visitor vehicle areas.
Why book the Best of ABQ City Tour?
- 🚋 Unique Open-Air Trolley: Experience Albuquerque from “Coyote,” a custom-designed, open-air trolley that offers 360-degree views and an immersive way to soak in the high-desert air and sunshine.
- 🌵 Historic Old Town Roots: Explore the city’s birthplace, dating back to 1706, and learn about the Spanish colonial history, traditional adobe architecture, and the iconic San Felipe de Neri Church.
- 🛣️ Cruising Route 66: Travel along the famous “Mother Road,” taking in the longest urban stretch of the original highway in the U.S., complete with vintage neon signs and mid-century charm.
- 🎬 “Tamalewood” & Filming Sites: Discover why Albuquerque is a top filming destination as you pass recognizable locations from hit shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
- 🏙️ Diverse Neighborhood Highlights: Get a comprehensive look at the city’s character, from the vibrant murals of Downtown and the University of New Mexico campus to the trendy, neon-lit Nob Hill district.
Parking at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Free parking is available for all visitors in the museum’s dedicated surface car park. This lot is located immediately adjacent to the main building and is accessed by turning north onto 18th Street directly from Mountain Road.
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science car park accommodates standard passenger vehicles, while larger campervans or school coaches may need to utilise designated street parking or overflow areas during peak holiday periods. There are no strict time limits enforced for museum guests using the primary lot.
How long to spend at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Most people spend between two and three hours at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. This duration allows visitors to follow the chronological path through the main permanent galleries, read the informational displays, and observe the large dinosaur skeletons at a steady pace.
Visitors intending to watch a 3D documentary in the DynaTheater or attend a scheduled show in the Planetarium should allow an additional 45 minutes to an hour per screening. Families with young children may also extend their stay to use the interactive science stations located throughout the facility.
Accessibility at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is fully accessible for wheelchair users, featuring step-free access from the car park, paved external pathways, and wide internal corridors. Elevators connect all public floors of the exhibition space, allowing unrestricted movement between the geological and biological galleries.
The museum hosts periodic “Relaxed Nights” designed as sensory-friendly evenings with reduced noise, dimmed lighting, and motionless animatronics for visitors with sensory processing requirements. Accessible restroom facilities and designated disabled parking bays are also available on-site.
Inside / what to see at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
The permanent exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science trace the geological and biological history of the state, taking visitors on a chronological journey from the formation of the universe through to the Ice Age. The facility features a distinctive architectural layout with a glass atrium and life-sized bronze dinosaur sculptures marking the front entrance.
A major highlight is the Cretaceous exhibition hall, which displays the skeleton of the “Bisti Beast” (Bistahieversor sealeyi), a unique tyrannosaur species discovered in the New Mexico badlands. The adjacent Jurassic hall features enormous reconstructed skeletons of a Seismosaurus and a Saurophaganax.
Visitors can also walk through a simulated active volcano, which demonstrates the volatile geological forces that shaped the regional landscape. The museum’s upper floors house exhibits on the emergence of early mammals and human ancestors, alongside a dedicated space focusing on the modern high-desert ecosystems of the state.
Beyond the static displays, the building contains the digital Planetarium and the massive 3D DynaTheater, which both require separate admission and screen rotating educational films throughout the day. The ground floor also hosts a gallery dedicated to the origins of the personal computer, reflecting Albuquerque’s role in the early history of Microsoft.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Practical tip |
| Timing | Arrive when the doors open at 09:00 on a weekday to view the popular dinosaur halls before large school groups arrive. |
| Crowds | Check the museum schedule for “Relaxed Nights” on select Tuesday evenings if you require a low-sensory environment with reduced noise. |
| Layout | Follow the designated chronological timeline beginning on the ground floor to understand the evolutionary sequence of the exhibits. |
| Entry process | Purchase combination tickets at the front desk if you intend to add a Planetarium or DynaTheater show to your general admission. |
| On-site logistics | Bring a light jacket or jumper, as the air conditioning in the lower exhibition halls and theatres is frequently kept at a low temperature. |
Frequently asked questions about the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
| Question | Answer |
| Is the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science suitable for children? | Yes, the facility features engaging dinosaur skeletons, a simulated volcano, and interactive educational displays. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science? | No, visitors can purchase walk-up general admission and theatre tickets directly at the main entrance desk. |
| Is the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open on Sundays from 09:00 to 17:00, as it restricts its weekly closure day exclusively to Tuesdays. |
| Are bags allowed at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science? | Standard day bags and backpacks are permitted inside the galleries, though oversized luggage should be left at home. |
Things to do near New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
- Explora: Located directly across the street, this hands-on science and children’s museum offers interactive exhibits focused on physics, engineering, and mathematics.
- Albuquerque Museum: Situated a five-minute walk east, this facility houses extensive exhibits detailing the art, history, and culture of the American Southwest.
- Historic Old Town Albuquerque: A cultural district located a short walk south, featuring traditional adobe architecture, independent boutiques, and the historic San Felipe de Neri Church.
- Tiguex Park: An expansive urban green space located directly between the museums, featuring mature trees, paved walking paths, and recreational areas.
- ABQ BioPark: A 10-minute drive south brings visitors to this large environmental complex, which encompasses a comprehensive zoo, a botanic garden, and a modern aquarium.
More New Mexico travel
Other New Mexico travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Practical guide to visiting the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque.
- Important information for those visiting Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque.
- What you need to know before visiting Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos.
- Plan your visit to Valles Caldera National Preserve and Aztec Ruins National Monument in north-western New Mexico.
- Guide to visiting El Morro National Monument in western New Mexico.
