Albuquerque Museum (cabq.gov/museum) has the unenviable task of trying to make sense of this complicated city's history, but it takes a good stab at it with a diverse range of paintings and portraits, war memorabilia, photography and the story behind New Mexican inventions like Altair, the first commercially successful personal computer.
Two permanent exhibitions include Only in Albuquerque and Art of New Mexico, the latter about the urban and natural landscapes that have been inspiring art in the state for some 13,000 years. Pieces are fascinatingly wide ranging – from models of old trading posts to more abstract sculptures and interactive sculptures (with artists introducing their work via speakers near the artworks). Only in Albuquerque, meanwhile, is an interactive collection of four galleries under the themes Spirited, Innovate, Courageous and Resourceful, telling the story of the first settlers in the area to the present day. There are loads of retro artifacts, from native American rugs, faming equipment and vintage mail wagons to '60s bathing suits, retro toys and items that have been in space.
Rotating special exhibitions take place in the other galleries from nuclear communities to the night sky to iconic modernists O’Keeffe and Moore. Tip: if you plan on visiting the adjacent Old Town too, buy your museum entry ticket first (you get three hours parking for free for your $6 entry ticket – which is cheaper than if you were buying parking alone). Bags have to be locked in lockers (free) during a visit.
