An Air Force volunteer in assists with the Discover STEM Week at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque. Photo: Kirtland Air Force Base
The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History opened in 1969 and bills itself as the only congressionally chartered museum in its field. During a visit, you can explore exhibitions that enlighten on everything from pivotal moments in atomic history to its portrayal in pop culture through the years.
The atomic age began in New Mexico, and that is why the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is here. It is home to the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, where the atomic bomb was developed, and the Alamagordo Bombing Range 210 miles south of Los Alamos, where the Los Alamos scientists detonated the first bomb in the so-called Trinity test.
The museum’s inviting motto of “Reactions Welcome” beckons you to learn more.
Permanent exhibitions
Permanent exhibitions include:
Critical Assembly, the Secrets of Los Alamos 1944 recreates the labs used by scientists at Los Alamos in the top-secret Manhattan Project, which led to the first atomic bomb. For the exhibition, artist Jim Sanborn either obtained actual items used in the labs or he sculpted replicas of them himself.
Heritage Park is a 9 acre outdoor exhibit of planes, rockets, missiles and cannons. Visitors can stand under the wing of a B-29 or a B-52, two of the most storied aircraft of the modern age. Also on view is a replica of the tower used for the Trinity test.
Visitor information
The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The museum will close at 3 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Admission for adults is $15, seniors (60+) is $13, youth (6-11) is $11, children 5 and under are free.
Admission for veterans is $8, active military and dependents is $7.
The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is free for holders of a Bank of America card on the first full weekend of the month.
LOOKING FOR FREE ALBUQUERQUE MUSEUM DAYS? FIND THEM HERE
The Nuclear Museum address is 601 Eubank Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM. 87123. Phone: (505) 245-2137
