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Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

All About The Anderson

New hands-on exhibit coming to the Balloon Museum

Located at 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE in Albuquerque, the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum draws countless curious visitors every year to see their extraordinary exhibits with their own eyes. The balloon museum hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with free admission on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You can also enter for free on the first Friday of every month .

Fodor’s Expert Review Anderson

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.

Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

  • 9201 Balloon Museum Dr. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87113

Since it opened in 2005, the museum has welcomed over one million visitors from Albuquerque and many other communities in New Mexico, as well as from across the country and around the world. Through its extensive collection of artifacts, interactive special exhibitions and engaging educational programs, the museum is a gateway to science, exploration and discovery.

The Balloon Museum is open year-round and hosts many community-oriented special events, features unique art and architecture, and offers distinctive rental spaces for meetings, weddings, receptions and other celebrations.

  • Admission:$4 , Seniors $2 , Children $1, Children under 3 free
  • Hours of Operation:9am -5pm
  • Miles to Airport:13

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Whats Appealing To The Over

  • The New Mexico climate is varied, ranging from plains and high desert to mountainous terrain with over 88 named mountain ranges.
  • The state has more mountain peaks above 10,000 feet than any other. The four land regions include the Great Plains, the Colorado Plateau, the Rocky Mountains, and the Basin and Range region.
  • Although Albuquerque and Santa Fe are home to many unique and quirky New Mexico museums, they also dot the state in smaller towns

Quirky New Mexico Museums: Only In The Land Of Enchantment

Taking Flight At The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque ...

These six quirky New Mexico museums may seem randomly diverse. But, they represent the states broad and eclectic history and heritage.

Start with its fusion of Spanish, Mexican, Puebloan, Native American, and Pioneer historical cultures. Add to that its nuclear history and its alleged alien history. Now add those renowned turquoise skies and an average of 280 days of sunshine.

Indeed, New Mexicos air is so clean that it cleanses the body, which is why the state is considered a place for spiritual and wellness healing. The landscape, too, is diverse. Geological and geographic formations collide here to provide a uniquely high desert and montane experience amidst cactus, pinon, juniper, and pine.

Put it all together, map it out, and buckle up for a tour of museums you can experience only in New Mexico.

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Meow Wolf The House Of Eternal Return Experience Santa Fe

Meow Wolf The House of Eternal Return Experience is another of New Mexicos quirky museums

Unquestionably one of New Mexicos most quirky museums and experiences, Meow Wolf House of Eternal Return has received international acclaim. This art installation/entertainment/detective/museum experience, which opened in March of 2016, feels like an Alice in Wonderland trip.

Its both an interactive surreal detective experience and a pop culture museum. You never know whats up the fireplace, inside the fridge, or behind a closet door. Or, for that matter, the washing machine. Interactive, colorful, and multi-sensational hidden discoveries constantly entertain and challenge the mind. Its great for all ages.

Museum Of International Folk Art Santa Fe

Some might think the The International Folk Art Museum is one of New Mexios quirky museums, but actually its collection is internationally renowned

Not so much much quirky as focused, the Museum of International Folk Art holds the worlds largest international folk art collection. Folk art focuses on the traditional decorative and practical art born within a communitys culture. These diverse and eclectic works often are rich in color.

This state-run museum located on Santas Museum Hill exhibits works including miniature collections from more than 100 countries.

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Above And Beyond In Support Of The Museum

The Balloon Museum Foundation is 501 non-profit organization that believes in the power of the Balloon Museum to inspire visitors to do amazing things.

The Foundation hosts a variety of special events and unique community outreach activities throughout the year to nurture an appreciation of the history, science, and adventure of ballooning.

We carry out our work in collaboration with the Balloon Museum to ensure that they individually and collectively achieve maximum effect. It is our hope that by presenting and promoting the exhilarating sport of ballooning, the Foundation can help lift the Museum, Albuquerque, and the sport of ballooning to a higher place.

American International Rattlesnake Museum Albuquerque

New Highly-Interactive Exhibition Opens at the Balloon Museum

Visit the locals in Albuquerque

Snakes alive! You will be hard-pressed to find a museum dedicated solely to all things about rattlesnakes. But you can slither into this quirky New Mexico museum in Albuquerque. Officials at the American International Rattlesnake Museum say it has more varieties of rattlers than the San Diego, Bronx, National, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver zoos combined.

Here youll see young and old rattlesnakes. And, youll learn more about their behavior and habitats, including why rattlesnakes are more afraid of you than you are of them.

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Everything You Need To Know About The Anderson

Albuquerque is bursting with unique attractions of all shapes and sizes! One of the most popular hotspots in this amazing city is the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, which educates the community about everything relevant to the realm of hot air ballooning, from the science behind them to how they were used throughout history. Here, you can browse exhibits, listen to lectures, and attend events opportunities for fun are endless at this engaging museum in New Mexico. Discover what this one-of-a-kind place in Albuquerque has to offer, then make plans to visit during your next vacation out West!

International Ufo Museum And Research Center Roswell

Learn about Roswells alien encounters at this quirky museum

Cue the Twilight Zone theme: For an other-worldly experience that focuses on UFOs and aliens, visit the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico. The museum also covers Area 51, ancient astronauts and abductions, crop circles, and other UFO sightings.

Keep an open mind when you visit this museum, which supposedly documents the famous Roswell incident. In 1947, an alien spaceship reputedly crashed on a ranch near Roswell. Allegedly, investigators also found deceased aliens bodies near the crash scene.

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Balloon Museum: 2021 Exhibitions Events Opportunities

The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Courtesy/Balloon Museum Foundation

Balloon Museum Foundation News:

ALBUQUERQUE The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and its partnering Foundation announce new exhibitions, events and opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy Oct. 2-10 during Albuquerques largest festival and tourism event of the year, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The Balloon Museum is open year round directly south of Balloon Fiesta Park on an elevated overlook, which boasts one of the best views of the daily launches of hundreds of hot air balloons and the evening balloon glows and fireworks during Balloon Fiesta.

ABOUT THE BALLOON MUSEUM

With interactive and beautiful exhibitions, the Balloon Museum takes a visitor on the journey of humans first flight in 1783 via hot air balloon, through exploration of ballooning in culture, scientific research and advancement, military applications to space exploration. The Balloon Museum also details the history of ballooning in Albuquerque, including sport ballooning and women in ballooning. During Balloon Fiesta season, Oct. 2-10, the Balloon Museum is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with general museum admission.

ELEVATED VIEWING EVENTS during Balloon Fiesta Season at the Balloon Museum:

All of the tiers include access to the Balloon Museum exhibitions and amenities, docents to answer questions, and golf cart access to the Balloon Fiesta .

THE BALLOON MUSEUM SHOPPE

How To Reach Anderson

Things to do in Albuquerque: Anderson
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Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Albuquerque before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night’s sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Albuquerque and book an accommodation of your choice.

  • Anderson-abruzzo International Balloon Museum Address: 9201 Balloon Museum Dr. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113, 87113, United States
  • Anderson-abruzzo International Balloon Museum Contact Number: +1-5057686020
  • Anderson-abruzzo International Balloon Museum Timing: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
  • Anderson-abruzzo International Balloon Museum Price: 4 USD
  • Best time to visit Anderson-abruzzo International Balloon Museum: 09:00 am – 01:00 pm
  • Time required to visit Anderson-abruzzo International Balloon Museum: 01:00 Hrs
  • Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary!

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National Museum Of Nuclear Science & History Albuquerque

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque

Located about eight miles from Albuquerque, the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is an excellent diversion for those interested in atomic energy. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum traces the story of the Atomic Age. Exhibits span from the very beginning of our knowledge of the atom to the Manhattan Project and the Cold War. The museum also covers the state of nuclear technology today, focusing on peaceful uses.

However, one of the museums biggest bonuses and my favorite is outside in Heritage Park: Here, you can ogle five acres of static displays that include military aircraft, rockets, missiles, and canons. Its the most extensive aircraft collection for public viewing in New Mexico.

A Must See Museum In Albuquerque Nm

We were in Albuquerque, NM for the 2021 Balloon Fiesta. We went to the balloon museum. It was really neat.

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If youre a true balloon enthusiast, I can see this being a really terrific treat to see the ballooning history on display. But if youre just passing through, its a nearly-complete waste of time and money. First, the woman at the ticket booth at about 1 pm Oct 8 was about as unpleasant as anyone can get. That should have tipped us off to skip the museum. Once inside, the entire museum is poorly marked for chronology so you meander aimlessly. Again, ballonists and serious enthusiasts may love it. Otherwise, find something else to do.

This tells the history, engineering, weather and basically everything youd want to know about hot air balloons. This includes how Albuquerque got to host the annual festival. If you have an interest its great. Kids love the interactive exhibits. If hot air balloons are not your thing, nor science or engineeringthen this is not for you. I really liked the connections between hot air balloons, plane flights, and space exploration. Also really like learning all the ways balloons have been used over the centuries.

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Come Stay With Us At The Bottger Mansion Of Old Town

Complete your getaway out West by staying in the finest accommodations possible! Indulge yourself in some comfortable lodging by booking a lovely room in the Bottger Mansion of Old Town, a historic bed and breakfast in Albuquerque offering great rooms, outstanding amenities, and friendly hospitality. Explore the many attractions of Albuquerque, such as the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, or simply relax in our shady courtyard. Our hot, homemade breakfast in simply heavenly, and our beautiful property creates a peaceful environment. You will love your time in our gorgeous inn in New Mexico, so check our availability and book your stay today we guarantee this will be a dream vacation for you!

Building Design And Construction

Balloon Museum exhibit commemorates historic flight

The Museum, designed by the architectural firm Gerald A. Martin, Ltd., is a partial two-story high bay building. The high bay, which is the main gallery, is 80 feet tall with a tensile fabric roof. The interior ceiling is 75 feet high.

Construction of the Museum was completed in November 2004 at a cost of $10.4 million dollars. Framing is chiefly steel with some concrete supports. The structural engineer of record was Chavez-Grieves Consulting Engineers.

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Balloon Museum In Albuquerque

The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is the world’s premier balloon museum facility dedicated to the art, culture, science, history, sport and spectacle of ballooning. The balloon museum, which opened in 2005, features one of the worlds finest collections of ballooning equipment and memorabilia. Its fitting that it is located in Albuquerque, the capital of ballooning.

Set on the southern edge of Balloon Fiesta Park, the balloon museum is a focal point in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, but its scope is much more broad.

Through innovative exhibits, the balloon museum showcases the adventurous spirit, endeavors and achievements of individual balloonists, including several Albuquerque residents who continue to break records in the ballooning world. The balloon museum is named after two Albuquerque pilots who were pioneers in long-distance helium balloon flight. Ben Abruzzo and Maxie Anderson were part of the crews who first successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a balloon in 1978 and the Pacific Ocean in 1981.

What We Do

Balloon Museum Mission

The mission of the museum is to inspire a spirit of exploration, discovery, and achievement through experiences that engage our visitors in the history, science, sport, and art of ballooning.

Vision Statement

Create a vibrant, accredited museum, one that enriches peoples lives and brings people together – whether from across town or from around the world – to learn, grow, share, and celebrate.

Institutional Values and Principles

  • Demonstrate respect and the highest standards of professionalism in our work and interactions with colleagues and the public
  • Be authentic, accurate, and fair in the interpretation of our subject matter
  • Serve our audiences in unique, meaningful ways in order to sustain the relevance, popularity, and permanence of the museum
  • Ensure the public trust through proper stewardship of the collection and our resources
  • Recognize and fulfill the responsibilities that come from serving diverse audiences
  • Encourage learners to be critical thinkers in order to unlock knowledge and understanding now and in the future
  • Build institutional success through innovation, efficiency, collaboration, and accountability

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