The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Courtesy/Balloon Museum Foundation 

Balloon Museum Foundation News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and its partnering Foundation announce new exhibitions, events and opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy Oct. 2-10 during Albuquerque’s largest festival and tourism event of the year, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The Balloon Museum is open year round directly south of Balloon Fiesta Park on an elevated overlook, which boasts one of the best views of the daily launches of hundreds of hot air balloons and the evening balloon glows and fireworks during Balloon Fiesta.

ABOUT THE BALLOON MUSEUM

With interactive and beautiful exhibitions, the Balloon Museum takes a visitor on the journey of human’s first flight in 1783 via hot air balloon, through exploration of ballooning in culture, scientific research and advancement, military applications to space exploration. The Balloon Museum also details the history of ballooning in Albuquerque, including sport ballooning and women in ballooning. During Balloon Fiesta season, Oct. 2-10, the Balloon Museum is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with general museum admission. 

ELEVATED VIEWING EVENTS during Balloon Fiesta Season at the Balloon Museum:

Guests may choose to enjoy the morning balloon launches and the evening balloon glows from above the crowds while eating a delicious meal at the Balloon Museum. The Balloon Museum Foundation presents three tiers of dining and viewing experiences. Sponsorships are available.

THE HILLTOP TERRACE
The HILLTOP TERRACE, the most popular tier, is located on the Balloon Museum lawn in a heated tent and terrace with incredible views. Local chefs provide large buffets for breakfast and dinner.

THE VISTA GREENS is a new casual tier on the Balloon Museum in a private picnic and garden area. With delicious breakfast burritos and casual dinner options, this tier is great for young adults, families and groups. During Albuquerque’s most beautiful sunset, the Greens will present live Albuquerque music for a festive happy hour vibe.

THE TOPFLIGHT ATRIUM is the new ultra VIP experience. In the top floor atrium of the Balloon Museum, guests have private access to the wrapped balcony where guests may see a balloon fly directly overhead. At the Atrium, local chefs prepare fine local ingredients for plated meals, wonderful drinks and views. The Atrium guests receive a parking pass for the onsite museum parking lot.

All of the tiers include access to the Balloon Museum exhibitions and amenities, docents to answer questions, and golf cart access to the Balloon Fiesta (about a 7 minute cart ride).

The Balloon Museum Foundation is proud to present local chef and food highlights with Shawn Weed of the Acre, the team at the famous Garcia’s Kitchen and popular local Tractor Brewing and Trouble Minds Distilling.

Tickets sell out early. Tickets and pricing are available at www.balloonmuseum.com

NEW EXHIBITIONS at the Balloon Museum

In addition to illuminating permanent exhibitions, visitors to the Balloon Museum during Fiesta will be able to experience a number of new exhibitions. After being delayed a year during the pandemic, Elevation Station, the new permanent youth-oriented interactive exhibition opened in the summer of 2021.

Additionally, temporary exhibitions on view during Fiesta will include: All Black and White, which explores the use of black and white both in the costumes of the Fiesta launch directors and in the work of contemporary New Mexican artists; Magic, a large-scale painting by Jane Maclean; and In Their Words: Stories by Women on the Ground and In the Air, which looks at women in ballooning throughout history and in the present through images, artifacts, and art. 

EDUCATIONAL AND SPECIAL EVENTS at the Balloon Museum

The Balloon Museum is thrilled to be hosting a full slate of programs and events during Balloon Fiesta 2021. Before Fiesta even officially begins, the museum will host the prestigious Féderation Aéronautique Internationale Ballooning Commission International Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Friday, October 1.

During the week-long event, the Museum will present ballooning book readings and art talks as well as events that utilize the museum’s absolutely picture perfect location next to the field for evening events on the lawn for families and those looking for a magical adult-only night out.

THE BALLOON MUSEUM SHOPPE

Visitors and locals alike love the Balloon Museum Shoppe, the premier shopping for balloon memorabilia. Ranging from affordable keepsakes to fine art, the Balloon Museum Shoppe prepares all year to present unique and favorite gift items. Featuring many local artisans and high quality NM crafts, the Balloon Museum Shoppe is an interesting one-stop to see how deeply the ballooning spirit interweaves with the local New Mexican culture.

The Balloon Museum Foundation sponsored the NM Artist Series which commissions local artists to depict NM ballooning. Visitors to the Balloon Museum Shoppe during Balloon Fiesta will find exclusive merchandise celebrating balloons through the eyes of local artists. Amy Baca Lopez is a 2021 artist and pictured here with her painting and Art Mug. The Balloon Museum Shoppe is open when the Balloon Museum is open to the public. 

About the Balloon Museum

Named in honor of Albuquerque’s pioneering aeronauts Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo, the museum opened in 2005, and has since welcomed over one million visitors from across New Mexico, the United States, and around the world. The mission of the museum is to inspire a spirit of exploration, discovery, and achievement through experiences that engage our visitors in the history, science, sport, and art of ballooning and other innovative forms of flight. URL: cabq.gov/balloonmuseum IG: @balloonmuseum