Maxwell Museum of Anthropology - The University of New Mexico

Such a nice little museum! I loved checking it out while in town, so much cool information and exhibits

Definitely worth the trip! For one thing, it's free. For another, after exploring history and science museums in 9 or 10 states now this is my favorite, tied with the Natural History Museum also there in Albuquerque. Both of them have their own pros and cons but this one is a smaller and thus easier to get through and it's free. My least favorite part is rather particular to me. I don't like being told I can't take pictures and there's a place upstairs where you're asked not to without explanation. If there's something I can't do that I can do elsewhere I like to at least we told why. Did the bits are carefully and thoughtfully laid out with a clear history unfolding. You see how the ancient homes in the Southwest evolved, how pottery and ropes evolved. You see how camps were laid out. That one helped my imagination the most. It wasn't at all what I expected. You see a replica of an actual dig site! That was exciting too. There's also a huge exhibit of all sorts of baskets. I wish I'd had more time to study them. The ingenuity of basket weaving amazes me. To think all you're doing is taking some basic fibers and wrapping or folding them around each other and somehow creating a three-dimensional object. It's like origami on a whole other level. Origami done with what's left after the paper shredder. Incredible! But Lucy stole the show. Lucy has been my favorite hominid since I was young. She's a famous specimen of the Australopithecus afarensis species. I could write pages about that encounter alone and there was much more than her in that exhibit but for now I'll just say -- go. See it for yourself! It's free so you have nothing to lose and your chances of it being a great experience are very, very, high.

For a smaller free museum, this was a great experience. The staff was very friendly especially the director of public events and there was even some free refreshments and pictures. I'm a history nerd and truly enjoyed the overview of New Mexican archeology and the reproduction of an actual archeological dig.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree

I was very intrigued when I first heard about this museum. The exhibits were really interesting and very informative. I thought the exhibit with the makeshift archeological set up very interesting as I've always had a soft spot for archeology. I also enjoyed the early man exhibit. While it was small, there really was alot to learn. I look forward to going back after their new exhibit is set up.

Great museum. The displays on local Pueblo culture was more interesting than that of generic human history even though this was intriguing as well. I was most fascinated seeing the rocks and arrowheads, almost exactly similar to ones my father had collected up north in Montana. There is a large amount of pottery; amazing to see the intricate designs and shapes; equal to or more impressive than pottery from other parts of the world at the same time but somehow these get labeled as 'prehistoric'...all you can do is LOL at how dismissive academia can be of Indigenous culture at times. Overall a great way to spend an hour or so, located right on UNM campus, which is also good for a walking tour to see the unique architecture. There was no admission other than being asked politely to sign your name in their guest book. Students work and run most aspects of the museum, go and give them your support.

It's a great exhibit with a good amount of state and international artifacts of several indigenous tribes of the past. The pieces there really give some insight into the state's past and also to the span of humanity's evolution. The gift shop is incredibly expensive and has some neat stuff but not really much. I hope they have rotating exhibits because it is an interesting place to have on campus.

A very accessible and didactic museum with a large and beautiful collection of Mimbres pottery and in-depth explanation of the archeological process. Count a couple of hours, and a bit more for the temporary exhibits. Worth it. Parking sounds scary but is actually simple as the museum attendant provides you with a pass on arrival.

First rate introduction to the prehistoric archaeology of New Mexico as seen from the perspective of the UNM researchers. However there is no mention of the Sandia Cave controversy see Douglas Preston in The New Yorker. In addition there is a Chinese porcelain exhibition. The museum also has a temporary exhibit on English attempts beginning in the late 1700s to produce Chinese quality porcelain.

UNM offers the Maxwell Museum to the public free of charge... and it's quite the gem. If given the opportunity, I'd recommend checking it out.

This was kind of a hidden gem, and luckily I found it on google maps while searching for things to do in the area. It can be difficult to see the building from the street, as it is not very well labeled, and the label on the building is hidden behind a tree. The museum is located on campus, so you have to get a parking voucher inside once you park and bring it back out to your car. If you're visiting from out of town, just to note, the campus is beautiful. On the day I went, there was a symphony playing at noon right in the courtyard outside of the museum. The museum itself is very informative, there is lots of reading! Probably not the best for children.