New Mexico Museum of Space History: outdoor exhibition.
|

New Mexico Museum of Space History: 1 of 50 Museums Around the World to Blow Your Mind.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I have personally used and would recommend. Also, Two Worlds Treasures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

As soon as we walked to the New Mexico Museum of Space History yard, my husband started mouth-watering seeing all the rockets he recognized from he was little. At the same time, our wannabe astronaut son couldn’t wait to check them out one by one. Obviously the heat from the New Mexico afternoon sun didn’t bother them at all.

Location: at the top of Highway 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310.

Visited: June 2014.

Our story:

When you arrive at New Mexico Museum of Space History, this is where you go first: John P. Stapp Air & Space Park, the outdoor exhibits. This park consists of large space-related artifacts documenting mankind’s exploration of space; some are donated or on loan to the museum by private collectors. For examples, Sonic Wind I rocket sled ridden by Dr. Stapp and Mercury Capsule.

We moved from one rocket to the others, reading all the information provided, and of course sitting on them when permitted. Shortly after we got to Mercury Capsule, my husband and son pretended they’re the astronauts. They really found their home here.

New Mexico Museum of Space History

The museum itself is not very big. Once you’re done exploring and playing in the yard, it’s time to go inside. After paying the entrance fee, you will see sign that will guide you to the first exhibit all the way to the last one. They put the exhibits in a way that help you exploring the museum easily.  You won’t miss anything. And, there’s no empty space in this museum. Just make sure you have a strong neck bone, because you won’t only see the exhibits on the eye level, but you will need to look above as well. Haha..

You’ll find out about why this museum located there and go through some of the Museum’s most celebrated objects like the real moon rock, rare replicas of first man-made satellites, Sputnik and Explorer, and the Gargoyle, an early guided missile. Then you’ll get to know how mankind has adapted to the extreme environmental challenges of space travel. Of course you’ll learn about rocket history and the story of remarkable technology of the satellite, too. Last but certainly not least, you’ll discover about space science in New Mexico and who’s who in the International Space Hall of Fame.

New Mexico Museum of Space History: trying to land the spaceship.

When we were there, we went to watch a movie at their IMAX Theater as well. It was in a separate building in their Educational Center. Space Camp was in session and we got to see their program. Oh, how I envied the kids whose doing their summer space camp there. They had superb program. If only there’s one like this around Dallas-Ft. Worth area near where we live.

New Mexico Museum of Space History: control room.

After spending 2.5 hours there, I understood why this museum is featured in Lonely Planet’s newest travel book 50 Museums to Blow Your Mind. It’s not only full with space history, but the artifacts they have… it’s hard to believe you will find it in a city with population a little over 30,000. I can only say one thing: go visit the museum when you are in the city!

Tips:

  • Open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. every Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Sat. Noon to 5 p.m. every Sun. Closed every Tue and on Christmas and Thanksgiving.
  • Admission: Adult (13-59) $8.00, Children (4-12) $6.00. (as of March 2018). Ticket to Planetarium is sold separately.
  • As of July 1, 2016, New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium, formerly Tombaugh Theater, opened to the public. It’s the world’s first theater featuring Spitz SciDome 4k Laser FullDome planetarium system.

Other things to do around New Mexico Museum of Space History:

A visit to a museum is always fun. Don’t forget to save this for later.

A visit to New Mexico Museum of Space History is a must while you are in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The museum isn't that big, but it fulls with space artifacts that you've never thought before. You can even sit on some of them. Once done with the museum - outside and inside - cross the street to the Educational Center building to watch the space movie at the New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium. You won't regret your visit! Go ahead, save this image for later or click it now!

If you are space enthusiasts, even if you are not, then a visit to New Mexico Museum of Space History is a must. Located in Alamogordo, New Mexico, this museum isn't that big but full with space artifacts that you never thought you would be able to see. You can even sit on some of them. Our family spent 2.5 hours easily here and it was still one of the museums we enjoyed a lot. #newmexicomuseumofspacehistory #alamogordo #newmexico #travelusa

Don't forget to share

Similar Posts

28 Comments

  1. I am not a huge museum person but I LOVE science and space museums because they’re just so fascinating! This looks great!

  2. Sounds like an interesting museum to explore. I’ve been to a similar one in DC (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum) and I was totally in awe, even though its not really a subject of my interest. I can totally see my nephew having a good time here!

    1. Yeah! People who like air and space will like it here. We went to the Smithsonian in DC and stayed day for a day!

  3. Wow! No wonder this museum can blow our minds! Cant believe visitors are allowed to sit in some of the actual rockets and aircrafts here 😀 This place is fascinating not just for kids but also adults! Loved your virtual tour. 🙂

  4. This is definitely not the kind of museum I’m used to. I’d love to visit and find out how environmental challenges have affected space travel and what adaptations have been made. Oh.. how I wish I would have had my summer camps in a museum of space history!

  5. I love space exploration (and science fiction) so I’d definitely enjoy a visit to the New Mexico Museum of Space History. I’ve been to Kennedy a couple of times, and also the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum… I like the small feel of this place in New Mexico, one of those little local museums that really appeal, perfect for a couple of hours browsing.

    1. Another space exploration enthusiasts! Great! I know you will enjoy this place. Small, but pack with information. We haven’t been to Kennedy, but we spent all day in Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, from they opened until they closed. 🙂

  6. Not a big fan of museums, but this one definitely got me intrigued. This is experience tourism at its very best, giving the guests both Immersion and a exhaustive learning experience.

    1. Yeah, I would say this museum is not like the museum what people have in their mind. It’s more to a huge lab.

  7. What a great place for kids and budding astronauts! I’ve always wondered what its like inside a space aircraft. Seems like a very interesting place.

    1. Absolutely! Especially when there were only a couple of people when you visited. It’s like the place is yours.

  8. So fun that they let you sit in some of the rockets and aircrafts there! I would love to spend a few hours here seeing all the different types of space crafts and learning more about space! Love that there’s an IMAX theatre in there too – it’s a great break space from walking around and you get to learn something new at the same time.

    1. This museum is like a bonus in town for us. Who would have thought to visit a museum like this that is far enough from Albuquerque and Santa Fe?

Any thoughts? Leave your reply here.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.