ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque is set to reopen after around eight months of major renovations.
The museum will reopen April 4 to visitors who will see the redesigned entrance and box office, an expanded gift shop and new skylights. Plus, the museum will have refreshed, updated exhibits and new exhibits to go alongside old favorites, like Bella the animatronic dinosaur and the “Evolator.”
“Throughout this process, we’ve worked to make the museum a more vibrant and dynamic space without losing the elements that have made it special for generations of visitors,” said Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, the museum’s executive director. “This is just the first step in our quest to reimagine our future as a world-class institution. We are grateful to all our partners and to our community for their support over the past seven months.”
The museum closed Aug. 4 to rebuild a sewer line and start $3.67 million in renovations. The state funded the projects through the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
“The reopening of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science marks an exciting new chapter for one of our state’s most beloved cultural institutions,” said Debra Garcia y Griego, NMDCA cabinet secretary. “This investment reflects our deep commitment to expanding access to education, strengthening community connections and preserving the resources that make New Mexico unique. We are honored to welcome visitors back to a revitalized space that belongs to all New Mexicans.”
The museum will debut a traveling exhibit on the museum’s first floor, titled “Animal Armor: The Evolution of Armor in Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals.” It explores how animals’ defensive armor has evolved over the last 500 million years to protect themselves.
The museum will kick off its public reopening celebration April 4 at 10 a.m. The celebration will feature a block party, an opportunity to explore the renovated museum and planetarium shows included with general admission for that weekend.
The museum drew 175,000 visitors during the 2025 fiscal year, including around 40,000 school children.