A compact specialty museum featuring the world’s most diverse collection of live rattlesnake species alongside exhibits exploring reptile biology, conservation, and cultural history.
Sunday–Monday: Closed
Summer Sundays: 1:00pm to 5:00pm (seasonal)
Seniors, Students, Military: $7.95
Children (3–12): $6.95
Children under 3: Free
How to Get There
From Albuquerque (Downtown, 2 mi): Head west on Central Ave NW, turn right onto Rio Grande Blvd NW, then follow signs into Old Town and continue to San Felipe Street where the museum is located.
Overview
The American International Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop offers a surprisingly immersive encounter with some of the most misunderstood creatures of the desert. Inside its unassuming adobe-style exterior, visitors come face-to-face with dozens of live rattlesnake species displayed in carefully recreated habitats, forming the largest collection of its kind in the world. Alongside these living exhibits are artifacts, artwork, and cultural displays that trace the relationship between humans and snakes across centuries, replacing fear with fascination through education and close observation.
Founded in 1990 as a dedicated conservation and education center, the museum has become a unique landmark for travelers interested in wildlife and natural history. Its mission centers on dispelling myths and highlighting the ecological importance of rattlesnakes, while providing a memorable, hands-on experience for guests of all ages. Beyond the exhibits, the adjoining gift shop offers quirky and specialized souvenirs, allowing visitors to take a piece of this unconventional attraction home.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the American International Rattlesnake Museum, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.