All archaeology museums to visit in New Mexico

Uncover the secrets of the past at 18 archaeology museums in New Mexico. These museums feature artifacts and exhibits that reveal the history of ancient civilizations.

Are you curious about ancient civilizations and archaeological finds? Here are the archaeology museums you must see in New Mexico:

  1. Chaco Culture National Historical Park1

    Chaco Culture National Historical Park

     Nageezi, NM
    Since 1980, Chaco Canyon has been recognized as a National Historical Park of the USA under the name Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Further, in 1987, it was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, acknowledging its global cultural significance. This recognition has helped preserve and protect the site for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
  2. The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History2

    The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History

     Albuquerque, NM
    The Albuquerque Museum, previously known as the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, is a public institution dedicated to art and history located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This museum is a significant cultural and educational hub in the city, focusing on the preservation of the art of the American Southwest and the history of Albuquerque and the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico.
  3. Palace of the Governors3

    Palace of the Governors

     Santa Fe, NM
    The Palace of the Governors, located on Palace Avenue in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a historic adobe structure. It was built in the Territorial Style of Pueblo architecture, which is a unique blend of Native American and Spanish architectural elements. This style is characterized by its use of adobe (sun-dried mud bricks) in construction, flat roofs, and rounded edges. The Palace's architecture is a testament to the rich cultural history of the region.
  4. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument4

    Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

     Mountainair, NM
    The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, located near Mountainair in the U.S. state of New Mexico, is a complex of three Spanish missions. These missions were constructed between 1622 and 1635, and once served as a thriving hub for the Native American trade communities of Tiwa and Tompiro language-speaking Pueblo people. Today, the monument stands as a beautiful reminder of the earliest contact between Pueblo Indians and Spanish Colonials.
  5. El Morro National Monument5

    El Morro National Monument

     Ramah, NM
    El Morro National Monument is a significant historical site located in Cibola County, New Mexico, United States. This monument is a testament to the rich history and culture of the region, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past. It is a part of the U.S. national monuments, making it a significant landmark in the country.
  6. Bandelier National Monument6

    Bandelier National Monument

     Los Alamos, NM
    The Bandelier National Monument is a unique combination of a memorial and a nature reserve. It is located in the northern part of New Mexico, USA, and spans an impressive area of approximately 136 km². This vast expanse of land offers a diverse range of landscapes and natural features, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
  7. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture7

    Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

     Santa Fe, NM
    The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a dedicated space for the display and preservation of Native American art and culture. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of Native American communities.
  8. E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center - Pecos National Historical Park8

    E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center - Pecos National Historical Park

     Pecos, NM
    The Pecos National Historical Park is a significant historical site located in New Mexico, approximately 27 km east of Santa Fe. This park is a testament to the rich history and culture of the region, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the past.
  9. New Mexico History Museum9

    New Mexico History Museum

     Santa Fe, NM
    The New Mexico History Museum, located in Santa Fe, is a significant part of the state-run Museum of New Mexico system. This system is managed by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, ensuring the preservation and promotion of the state's cultural heritage. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of New Mexico's rich history, making it a valuable destination for tourists interested in understanding the state's past.
  10. Los Alamos History Museum10

    Los Alamos History Museum

     Los Alamos, NM
    The Los Alamos Historical Museum is situated in the historic Guest House, which is adjacent to the Fuller Lodge. This was part of the Los Alamos Ranch School and was a preferred place for General Leslie Groves to stay during the Manhattan Project. This connection to a significant period in history adds a unique layer to the museum's appeal.
  11. Coronado Historic Site11

    Coronado Historic Site

     Bernalillo, NM
    The Coronado Historic Site is a significant part of the Museum of New Mexico system, governed by the State. It is the Tiwa pueblo of Kuaua, a historic site that offers a glimpse into the past. This site is an integral part of New Mexico's history and culture, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the Tiwa pueblo of Kuaua.
  12. Albuquerque Museum12

    Albuquerque Museum

     Albuquerque, NM
    The Albuquerque Museum, previously known as the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, is a public institution dedicated to art and history located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This museum is a significant cultural and educational hub in the city, contributing to a variety of programs and initiatives.
  13. Alamogordo Museum of History13

    Alamogordo Museum of History

     Alamogordo, NM
    The Tularosa Basin Museum of History, previously known as the Tularosa Basin Historical Society Museum, is a history museum located in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The museum houses a vast collection of historical photographs, documents, and relics from Otero County. This collection provides a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of the region, making it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the past of Otero County and New Mexico.
  14. Deming Luna Mimbres Museum14

    Deming Luna Mimbres Museum

     Deming, NM
    The Deming Luna Mimbres Museum, formerly known as the Deming Armory, is a historic site located at 301 South Silver Avenue in Deming, Luna County, New Mexico. This building, which was originally constructed as a National Guard armory, has a rich history dating back to 1915. It was added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties in 1978 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  15. Petroglyph National Monument Visitor Center15

    Petroglyph National Monument Visitor Center

     Albuquerque, NM
    The Petroglyph National Monument is a significant landmark located along New Mexico's West Mesa. This volcanic escarpment, made of basalt, provides a stunning view of the western horizon of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established on June 27, 1990, the monument is managed by the National Park Service and the city of Albuquerque. It's a unique destination that offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
  16. Aztec Ruins National Monument Visitor Center16

    Aztec Ruins National Monument Visitor Center

     Aztec, NM
    The Aztec Ruins National Monument, located in the northwestern part of New Mexico, is a cultural historical site that protects several well-preserved ruins of early Pueblos. Contrary to what the name suggests, the Pueblos were not built by the Aztecs, but were mistakenly named after them. Early settlers believed, recalling stories of the conquest of Mexico, that they had been built by the Aztecs.
  17. Museum - Salmon Ruins17

    Museum - Salmon Ruins

     Lee Acres, NM
    Salmon Pueblo, also known as Salmon Ruins, is a significant archaeological site that represents the Chaco-Canyon culture. It is located near Bloomfield in New Mexico. This site offers a unique insight into the indigenous cultures of the North American Southwest, particularly the Ancestral Puebloans who built and inhabited this settlement.
  18. Blackwater Draw Site and Museum18

    Blackwater Draw Site and Museum

     Clovis, NM
    The Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark is home to a significant archaeological site, first recognized in 1929. The site underwent its first large-scale excavation in 1932, and since then, it has yielded a wealth of artifacts and remains from various time periods. Visitors to the site can gain a deep understanding of the region's history and the people who once inhabited it.