National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Albuquerque


Located at the edge of the massive Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque’s southeast corner, and surrounded by an outdoor Heritage Park holding discarded missiles and fighter planes, this lively museum explores the fascinating – if sobering – history of nuclear energy in war and peace, from the Manhattan Project and the Cold War up to today. Retired military personnel serve as docents.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Albuquerque attractions

1. University of New Mexico Art Museum

5.03 MILES

Most exhibits here are drawn from the university's permanent collection, which is particularly strong on lithographs and regional artists.

2. University of New Mexico

5.04 MILES

There are several museums and galleries packed into the small but peaceful campus of UNM, along with abundant public art and a performing arts center. The…

3. Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

5.35 MILES

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology will satisfy the cultural anthropologist in you, and holds the largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan artifacts in…

4. Turquoise Museum

6.64 MILES

Reveling in its striking new digs, known locally as 'The Castle', this museum spotlights New Mexico's signature rock. You'll find more than 400 pieces of…

5. National Hispanic Cultural Center

6.87 MILES

In the historic Barelas neighborhood, near the river a mile south of downtown, this modern, architecturally imaginative center for Hispanic visual,…

6. ABQ BioPark Zoo

7.28 MILES

Set on 60 shady acres beside the Rio Grande and home to chimpanzees, giraffes, elephants, crocodiles and more, this zoo puts on a busy schedule of events…

7. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

7.72 MILES

Collectively run by New Mexico's 19 Pueblos, this cultural center is an essential stop-off during even the shortest Albuquerque visit. Revamped in 2016,…

8. ¡Explora!

7.73 MILES

From the lofty high-wire bike to the mind-boggling Light, Shadow, Color area, this gung-ho museum offers a hands-on exhibit for every type of child (don't…