Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology exterior on the University of New Mexico campus, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, Albuquerque, NM
PerryPlanet, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

University-based museum exploring global human history through archaeological collections, cultural exhibits, and educational programs focused on the Southwest and beyond.

General Information

Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and all major holidays
Fees:
Admission is free
Donations are welcome
Pet Policy:
Pets are not allowed
Seasons:
All year
Location:
500 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131
Website:
maxwellmuseum.unm.edu

Take I-25 to Exit 224B (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue), head east to Redondo Drive, then turn left and continue 300 feet to the museum on the right.

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, located on the University of New Mexico campus, is a premier institution dedicated to the study and celebration of human cultures past and present. Founded in 1932, it was Albuquerque’s first public museum and has since grown into a hub for anthropological research and education. The museum houses over three million artifacts, including archaeological, ethnographic, and osteological collections from around the world. Permanent exhibits such as “Ancestors” and “People of the Southwest” explore human evolution and the rich cultural heritage of the region, while rotating exhibitions highlight global themes and contemporary issues.

Visitors to the Maxwell Museum can engage with interactive displays, attend lectures and workshops, and explore online exhibits from home. The museum also supports community outreach and educational programs for all ages, including traveling trunks and field trips for K–12 students. With its commitment to ethical stewardship, cultural sensitivity, and public engagement, the Maxwell Museum offers a thoughtful and inclusive space for learning about the human experience across time and geography.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Totem pole at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
PerryPlanet, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted