The Balloon Museum's entrance exhibit of the first balloons, showcasing the first human flight in a balloon by the Montgolfier brothers (far right) and the first human flight in a hydrogen (gas) balloon, the Charliere (far left). And featuring in the background, the Blanchard English Channel gas balloon crossing and the LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin above. Photo by Abby Boling
On Display at the Balloon Museum
We are a family friendly museum with exhibits that incorporate hands-on components, interactive displays and the Elevation Station with a wide range of activities. History buffs will enjoy exploring our exhibits featuring one-of-a-kind historical artifacts, including gondolas and envelopes that have set world records. Our exhibits are rooted in science, technology, engineering, art, and math with a focus on innovation, exploring the unknown, and embracing the value of trying new things—regardless of the outcome. The Balloon Museum is also proud to be the home of the F.A.I. C.I.A. Hall of Fame exhibit, showcasing balloonists from around the world who have pushed the boundaries in lighter-than-air aviation.
Our newest exhibit, Balloons Over Route 66 showcases a mural developed by local artist Jessey Sandoval along with 43 youth artists from around the Albuquerque metro area. The mural features-the Burque Vibe,-highlighting iconic signs, local hotspots, low-riders, as well as, beloved desert wildlife. Above this black-and-white mural you'll spot colorful balloon drawings floating above the landscape. This collaborative art piece was completed as part of a Citywide centennial celebration of The Mother Road.
join us at the opening reciption
Our museum's collection team are the caretakers of a wide range of one-of-a-kind historical objects and archives, ballooning memorabilia, works of art, and more. Some artifacts date back to the beginning of ballooning in the late 18th century while more contemporary collection items connect to recent ballooning milestones and events. Our Collection Spotlight often features artifacts that may not relate to a specific exhibit on display but enable museum visitors to get a close-up look at intriguing pieces from the collections.
Our newly renovated theater now includes new seats, a new screen and hearing assist devices available upon request at the information desk. All theater programming is included with museum admission. The Anderson Theater features a rotation of short films, documentaries, and ballooning adventure highlights. During special events this theater also serves as an educational space featuring talks and demonstrations by field experts, and our museum collections team. Theater seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. Thank you to New Mexico True and the Anderson family for making this possible.
The Balloon Museum’s newly established Special Collection Library will be devoted to collecting and preserving printed resources of the history, science, sport, and art of lighter-than-air flight. The library contains materials from an international sphere, and we are proud to boast its extensive multi-language holdings that encompass the world of lighter-than-air flight in its history, advancements, and achievements.
When this library opens it will be accessible by-appointment for research focused requests.
We are fortunate to have five pieces of public art here at the Balloon Museum. These sculptures are constructed from a wide range of materials: stone, steel, concrete, cables, wicker, cloth and light. Each piece is displayed where visitors are able to get up close and personal with the art. However, we recommend experiencing these pieces from various distances to truly experience the unique way each sculpture relates to the outdoor landscape during different times of day.