Location: Las Cruces
Top Things to do in Las Cruces
10 Museums in Las Cruces That You Shouldn't Miss
With the majestic Organ Mountains to the east and the mighty Rio Grande to the west, Las Cruces stands as an oasis at the junction of the I-10 and I-25. New Mexico State University makes its home here, among fine art galleries, informative museums, a lively theater scene and high desert terrain. The sun almost always seems to be shining in Las Cruces, which enjoys on average 350 days of clear blue skies per year, making it the perfect base to explore the breathtaking surrounding area.
Restaurants in Las Cruces
1. The Zuhl Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
The Zuhl Museum: Where Rocks Come Alive! Part art gallery, part natural history museum, the Zuhl collection at New Mexico State University showcases thousands of beautiful specimens of petrified wood, fossils and minerals. The Zuhl Collection contains petrified wood, fossils, rocks and minerals. The Zuhl Museum is easily accessible to local citizens, school groups and visitors to the university and southern New Mexico. New hours: Tuesday-Friday 12-4pm and Every Second Saturday of each month 12-4pm.
Reviewed By toad94 - Lakewood, United States
Our son loves rocks and says he wants to be a geologist when he grows up, so this museum was a given for our family. But even our daughter who is less interested in geology was still impressed by the magnitude of these slabs. They are huge. The kids liked learning about how the petrified wood was formed. It doesn't take long to go through the rooms but we're definitely glad we visited this place.
2. M. Phillips Fine Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Fine art gallery with emphasis on Russian, Danish, historical Southwest and NM art. Art glass and fine jewelry also offered.
3. Agave Artists
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
AGAVE ARTISTS, artist-owned cooperative gallery, just off the old Mesilla plaza. The four-room gallery exhibits the work of 20 local artists in a variety of media, including paintings, wall art, 3-D sculpture,ceramic art, and original jewelry. AGAVE ARTISTS is located at 2250 Calle de San Albino, an adobe building part of the historic Josefina's Old Gate property. Open 11 to 5 Thurs-Mon
4. Museum of Nature & Science
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Locally-funded museum with a focus on science and natural history.
Reviewed By JackieR3672 - Brandon, United States
This museum is very well designed! The staff is friendly and all of the interactive exhibits were in working order. This is a perfect museum for grandparents to take their grandchildren for a fun afternoon where both can learn and play together. Our 6 and 7 year old grandsons thoroughly enjoyed playing and learning together and we enjoyed answering their questions and learning along with them. The museum is larger than one would think from looking outside and it offers a range of nature and science exhibits relevant to all ages.
5. New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
For at least 4,000 years, people have been growing food in this region and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum tells this incredible story through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, oral histories, objects, and educational programs. In 2017-18, the Museum is celebrating 20 years of sharing this remarkable story of survival, ingenuity, and hope. It connects generations and weaves together people from various cultures that are uniquely New Mexico. Visitors from around the world have enjoyed the Museum, one of the region’s top attractions. The 47-acre campus in Las Cruces features several barns, animals, a greenhouse, play areas for children, an amphitheater, the Heritage Garden and much more. Permanent and changing exhibits, as well as a theater, library, gift shop, snack bar, and meeting rooms are located in the 100,000-square-feet, ranch-style main building, named after Bruce King, New Mexico’s only three-term governor and rancher.
Reviewed By katyrwalls - Middleburg, United States
This museum tells the history of agriculture in New Mexico from earliest times to present. One of the most interesting things is the oral histories. These early ranchers and farmers come to life in the retelling of their personal struggles. The outdoor exhibits are actual livestock that were, and are presently, raised in New Mexico. My docent, Liz, was very knowledgeable and explained about cross breeding cattle to improve meat grades. She showed me cattle from the early Spanish breeds to the crosses between Angus and a Brahman that produce Brangus, a hardy and popular breed of beef cattle more resistant to heat. The animal's there range from goats to horses and tiny calves to huge bulls you would not want to antagonize.
6. Las Cruces Museum of Fine Arts and Culture
7. Gadsden Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
8. Las Cruces Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By U2366ABjulias
This is a really interesting place to visit whether you enjoy trains, or American history, or both. The volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and friendly and have great stories about the exhibits and the history of the area. We had a great afternoon visiting this little museum. The model train area I'm sure is popular with children as well.
9. Tombaugh Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
10. MVS Studios
MVS Studios is a home to RUSSELL MOTT CERAMICS as well as 4 of the extraordinary local painters. Our stoneware ceramics pieces are both functional and decorative. We also feature Raku pottery.
