Releases | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

State-Run Museums and Historic Sites to Reopen September 24

September 22nd, 2020

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is pleased to announce that the state’s eight museums and seven of its historic sites will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2020. These facilities, which closed on March 16, 2020, may resume operation at 25% of normal capacity under the state’s current Public Health Order.

“We are excited to be reopening the doors to our museums and historic sites, and have been thoughtfully preparing to ensure the health and safety of our employees and visitors,” said DCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego. “During closure, we have remained dedicated to preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of New Mexico virtually, but we know New Mexicans are eager to experience our state’s rich heritage in person.”

Enriching people’s lives is an important part of DCA’s mission, and the beauty and wonder of our state’s rich cultural heritage is best experienced in our museums and at our historic sites. When visitors return, they will be able visit (or revisit) many popular exhibitions that were on view when museums and historic sites closed in March.       

All museums and historic sites will operate with modified schedules (see below). This includes closing at 4 p.m. each day to provide additional time for cleaning and sanitizing. Additionally, facilities operating on Wednesdays will reserve from 10 a.m. to noon for higher-risk populations. This corresponds with DCA’s weekly free day for state residents 60 and older. The public is encouraged to visit each facility’s website or call to confirm days and hours of operation before visiting. Online ticket sales are currently available at New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Art Museum.

The DCA is extending the expiration date of its New Mexico CulturePass, which allows one visit to each state museum and historic site while active, by six months. Memberships sold through the private National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation, International Space Hall of Fame Foundation, and Friends of New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum will be valid six months past their original expiration date. The Museum of New Mexico Foundation memberships are valid one month past their original expiration date.

Access to some areas will be limited or remain closed in compliance with public health directives, including theaters, classrooms, libraries, collections storage, and picnic/snack areas. The public will not have access to coat checks, lockers, or backpack/purse storage, nor the use of rental equipment such as headsets, portable speakers, strollers, etc., unless required for ADA accessibility. Group visits, public programs, special events, and volunteer/docent activities will continue in virtual formats only. Reduced occupancy might result in a wait to gain entry. While queuing for entry, visitors should observe social distancing. Visitors will be required to wear a mask or multilayered face covering.

Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Monday:

      •      National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum, Albuquerque

      •      New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe

      •      Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Santa Fe

      •      Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe

Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Sunday and Monday:

      •      New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, Las Cruces

Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Monday and Tuesday:

      •      Coronado Historic Site, Bernalillo

      •      Fort Selden Historic Site, Radium Springs

      •      Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial, Ft. Sumner

      •      Jemez Historic Site, Jemez

      •      New Mexico History Museum, Santa Fe

      •      New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, Albuquerque

Wednesday through Monday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Tuesday:

      •      The New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo

Thursday through Monday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Tuesday and Wednesday:

      •      Fort Stanton Historic Site, Ft. Stanton

      •      Lincoln Historic Site, Lincoln

Thursday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday:

      •      Los Luceros Historic Site, Alcade

Taylor-Mesilla Historic Property remains closed.

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DCA reopening graphic

New Mexico CulturePass

Your ticket to New Mexico's exceptional Museums and Historic Sites.
From Indian treasures to space exploration, world-class folk art to awesome dinosaurs—our museums and monuments celebrate the essence of New Mexico every day.
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An animated image of a cell phone showing various topics presented in the Encounter Culture podcast

Encounter Culture

Take a look inside the museums and historic sites of New Mexico without leaving home. Join host Charlotte Jusinski, and a variety of guest curators, artists, and exhibitors in exploring the art and culture of the state in Encounter Culture, a new podcast from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

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