Native Americans and Ballooning NOW OPEN!

The contributions of Native American members of the World War I US Balloon Corps and Native balloonists and crew members are featured in the exhibition. Information on Native American participants in sport ballooning and a variety of balloon-based scientific and astronomical programs in the U.S. are also highlighted.

Included in the exhibition are artifacts from North and South American Native groups. They include paintings, bead work, pottery, basketry, jewelry, and sand paintings with balloon themes.

Also featured are ballooning events in “Indian Country,” the commercial balloons of tribal enterprises such as casinos, and Native images incorporated in balloon envelope designs.

The exhibition highlights several new acquisitions to the Museum’s permanent collection, including Santo Domingo Pueblo potter Robert Tenorio's bowl "Balloon Fiesta at Sandia Pueblo."

The Museum will have special programs and demonstrations during the course of the exhibition, dates to be announced.

Special Exhibition on Airships Held Over!

Blimps, dirigibles, zeppelins . . . no matter what we call them, airships have played a fascinating role in world history, art, culture, science and recreation. From the Hindenburg to Goodyear—from Graf Zeppelin to Led Zeppelin—images of airships challenge our imagination. In this new exhibit we revisit the wonder of these “monsters of the sky” through award-winning models, art and historical objects.

Learn about the types of airships; their influence on popular culture (films, music, toys and games); and some of the unforgettable airship tragedies. Enjoy heraldic World War I china shaped like airships. Get a glimpse of service ware and tableware designed for great ships such as the Graf Zeppelin and Hindenburg.

And if you think that only balloons are used for sport and recreation, come view Albuquerque’s own Good Beer Blimp gondola car! Now through June 21, 2008.

AIRSHIPS: THE BIG, BAD & BOLD is included with paid admission to the Balloon Museum.