Aerial shot of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Photo by Tira Howard
NMMNHS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Summer is in full swing, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science has a full slate of activities to help visitors of all ages escape the heat and learn about New Mexico’s natural wonders.
“With our Young Explorers Summer Camps and Junior Docent program throughout the week, and activities nearly every weekend, there’s always something new to explore at the museum in June and July,” New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) Executive Director Dr. Anthony Fiorillo said.
Starting this week, join us for an extra-special Sally’s Night on Friday, June 20! This annual celebration, which celebrates the legacy of Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, features special guest Melinda Snodgrass, who wrote the award-winning Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Measure of a Man.” Snodgrass will be available from 6–6:30 p.m. to sign her books. Visitors are encouraged to visit museum’s traveling exhibition Sci-Fi & Sci-Fact, which explores the ways that science fiction and scientific fact overlap and helped to create our modern world.
At the end of the month, the museum will host a public engagement event, “What’s Old Will Be New,” aimed at answering questions and providing more information about the upcoming renovation slated to begin in August. Starting at 3:00 p.m., hear from museum and city leaders about the changes to the museum and surrounding neighborhood.
In July, the fun continues with all-ages events and a pair of scientific talks. From 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 12, the museum will host its final Family Day before the upcoming renovation. Visitors will have the opportunity to bring rocks, fossils, and other finds, and museum experts will be on-hand to identify these objects and answer questions about fossil identification.
Then, at 6:30 p.m., July 19, heliophysicist Dr. Chris Lowder will discuss his work on NASA’s PUNCH mission and the amazing data that will allow us to better understand our star and its effects on Earth. The following week, Museum Set and Exhibit Designer Alaina Wiwi will discuss the artworks on display in the Museum’s newest permanent hall, the Bradbury Stamm Construction Hall of Ancient Life, at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 23. And from 5:30–7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 31, catch the final Relaxed Night of 2025 with sensory-friendly, low-stimulation activities for all ages.
Last but certainly not least, the museum invites visitors to say goodbye in style before it closes for renovations with a weekend of activities starting Saturday, August 2. This event will be packed with food trucks, family activities and much more! More information about each of these events, and registration links where applicable, are available at nmnaturalhistory.org/events.
About the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Trustees of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation, through the generous support of donors. Established in 1986, the mission of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is to preserve and interpret the distinctive natural and scientific heritage of our state through extraordinary collections, research, exhibits, and programs designed to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. The NMMNHS offers exhibitions, programs, and workshops in Geoscience, including Paleontology and Mineralogy, Bioscience, and Space Science. It is the Southwest’s largest repository for fossils and includes a Planetarium and a large format 3D DynaTheater.