The Albuquerque Balloon Museum overlooks the balloon fiesta grounds. Photo: Visit Albuquerque
The Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum was created to inspire visitors through the celebration of ballooning.
Hot-air ballooning traces its history to 1783, when daring inventors first used the contraptions to usher in the era of airborne transport. Today, you can explore the rich history of ballooning in the 55,000-square-foot one-of-a-kind building.
Designed by Studio Southwest Architects, the Balloon Museum building suggests an inflating balloon at its entrance, which features a stretched fabric covering. The museum, a center of activity during the annual Balloon Fiesta, looks out on the launch field of the International Balloon Fiesta Park. It is a worthwhile visit any time of the year.
Inside, visitors will find interactive displays that trace the art, science and magic of balloon history.
Permanent exhibitions
Permanent exhibitions include:
Photo courtesy of the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
Arctic Air. Here’s an audacious idea: Fly a balloon to the North Pole. In 1897, S.A. Andrée set off from Danes Island with a mission to reach the pole. The immersive exhibit recreates the explorer’s arctic camp, and its facade is a replica of his balloon hangar.
The Weather Lab, where children and adults can learn about the power of weather as well as two conditions pivotal to life in New Mexico: the Albuquerque Box and fire weather. The lab was created by students at the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning.
Visitor information
The Balloon Museum has tours and lectures. Its updated events list is here.
The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is free on Sunday mornings from 9 to 1pm. It also offers free admission on the first Friday of the month. (Exception: No free admission days during the Balloon Fiesta.)
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The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Admission for adults is $6, New Mexico residents is $5, seniors (65+) $4, Youth (6 to 17) $3, children 5 and under are free.
Its address is 9201 Balloon Museum NE, Albuquerque, NM. 87113. Phone: (505) 768-6020
