NMMNHS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs today announced the reopening of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science Saturday, April 4, following a major state-funded renovation that strengthens the museum’s infrastructure and enhances the visitor experience.
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) serves as a key destination for New Mexicans and out-of-state visitors alike, drawing more than 175,000 ticketed visitors during FY 2025. The museum also served approximately 40,000 school children over that same period.
The $3.67 million project, supported through state funding sources administered by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA), represents one of the most significant investments in the museum in decades and reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality educational and cultural experiences for all New Mexicans.
“The reopening of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science marks an exciting new chapter for one of our state’s most beloved cultural institutions,” NMDCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego said. “This investment reflects our deep commitment to expanding access to education, strengthening community connections, and preserving the resources that make New Mexico unique. We are honored to welcome visitors back to a revitalized space that belongs to all New Mexicans.”
The museum closed last August to begin the ambitious renovation, designed to modernize critical building systems while creating a brighter, more welcoming and easier to navigate environment for visitors.
“Throughout this process, we’ve worked to make the museum a more vibrant and dynamic space without losing the elements that have made it special for generations of visitors,” the museum’s Executive Director Dr. Anthony Fiorillo said. “And this is just the first step in our quest to reimagine our future as a world-class institution. We are grateful to all our partners and to our community for their support over the past seven months.”
Improvements made include:
- A redesigned entrance and box office that will streamline the ticket-buying process for visitors and museum membership alike.
- An expanded gift shop that will feature new offerings for all ages.
- New skylights that bring natural light into the atrium.
- Refreshed permanent exhibition halls featuring updated science content focused on New Mexico’s dynamic geology and biology.
- A rebuilt sewer line to support the museum’s long-term growth and operations.
In addition to these upgrades, the museum will debut a new traveling exhibition, Animal Armor: The Evolution of Armor in Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals, on the museum’s first floor. Developed by Colorado-based Gaston Design Inc., Animal Armor explores how animals have evolved defensive armor to protect themselves from predators and competition over the last 500 million years.
The museum’s new features will be joined by longtime favorites like Bella: the museum’s roaring animatronic Bisti Beast, the Evolator: the museum’s retro elevator through time, and many other much-loved attractions.
With this reopening, NMDCA continues its work to invest in the state’s museum system, strengthen cultural infrastructure, and ensure that New Mexico’s stories of science, history, and discovery remain accessible to residents and visitors alike.
NMDCA extends its sincere appreciation to the many partners who made this transformative project possible. We are especially grateful for the support and partnership of Explora, Albuquerque Museum, City of Albuquerque, and New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation.
The Department also recognizes and thanks the dedicated contractors whose expertise and dedication brought this vision to life, including R&M Construction, Western Mechanical, Tipton Engineering, Living Designs Group Architects, Hausermann Mechanical, Harmonix Technologies, Titan Aquatic Exhibits, All-Rite Construction, Proscape Landscape, and HEI.
The museum invites members of the public to attend a reopening celebration Saturday, April 4. Starting at 10 a.m., enjoy a block party, ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a chance to explore the museum’s new amenities and familiar attractions. Shows at the Planetarium, Powered by Meta and the Verus Research DynaTheater will be included with museum admission throughout the weekend. Visit nmnaturalhistory.org to learn more.