New Mexico Museum of Space History: 1 of 50 Museums Around the World to Blow Your Mind.
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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.
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.
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:
- Playing on the giant gypsum White Sands National Monument.
- Are you a pistachio lover? Or, just like visiting quirky site on your road trip? Visit McGinn’s Farm.
A visit to a museum is always fun. Don’t forget to save this for later.
How fun! The rockets and planes look like the perfect thing for kids to enjoy, and it is reasonably priced as well.
For kids and kids at heart. 😉
I am not a huge museum person but I LOVE science and space museums because they’re just so fascinating! This looks great!
I was in New Mexico this time last year and your post is making me want to go back!
Isn’t it beautiful out there?
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!
Yeah! People who like air and space will like it here. We went to the Smithsonian in DC and stayed day for a day!
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. 🙂
Isn’t it? We didn’t believe it either.
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!
I’m sure they have more information on that matters updated now!
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.
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. 🙂
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.
Yeah, I would say this museum is not like the museum what people have in their mind. It’s more to a huge lab.
Sitting in rocket is such a cool thing to do. I would love to experience this. When in Mexico, I am surely heading there.
It’s New Mexico. I hope faith will bring you here.
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.
Absolutely! Especially when there were only a couple of people when you visited. It’s like the place is yours.
Oh, I think hubby is going to want to go here. It looks like a rocket scientist’s dream.
Absolutely! To become an astronaut was my husband’s dream. And now is our son’s.
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.
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?
We love space museums! Good one to keep in mind.
Now this looks like a fun place! I love when the museums have exhibits that the kids can climb on and explore!
Isn’t it? It gives them an opportunity to learn deeper.