New Mexico Natural History Museum Reopens with Renovations

The museum has undergone a $3.67 million renovation project, including new exhibits and features.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:33am

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus scene of museum visitors moving through softly lit, blurred exhibits, conveying the sense of discovery and wonder at the heart of the museum's new offerings.The New Mexico Natural History Museum's renovations have created a more inviting and engaging experience for visitors to explore the wonders of the natural world.Albuquerque Today

The New Mexico Natural History Museum in Albuquerque is officially reopening this Saturday after being closed for seven months for repairs to the building's sewage system. During the closure, the museum also underwent a $3.67 million renovation project, including changes to the lobby, new exhibits like 'Animal Armor' and the 'Solarium' featuring NASA footage, and the renaming of two dinosaur exhibits based on evolving research.

Why it matters

The museum's reopening after extensive renovations is an exciting event for the local community, providing new educational and interactive experiences related to natural history, science, and art. The updates aim to increase public trust and understanding of the museum as a research institution.

The details

The museum's old sewage system was corroding and collapsing, forcing the seven-month closure. In addition to repairing the plumbing, the museum used the time to revamp the lobby, add new exhibits, and spruce up existing ones. The new 'Animal Armor' exhibit explores natural armor used by animals throughout history, while the 'Solarium' features NASA footage of the sun's surface. The museum also renamed two dinosaur exhibits, Diplodocus and Allosaurus, to reflect evolving research.

  • The museum closed for renovations in September 2025.
  • The $3.67 million renovation project took place over the 7-month closure.
  • The museum is officially reopening to the public this Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Dr. Anthony Fiorillo

The executive director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, who oversaw the renovation project.

Sarah Bush

The CEO of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation.

Emily Marie Dawson

An 8-year-old visitor who was excited about the new 'Animal Armor' exhibit.

Noah Dawson

A 10-year-old visitor who was impressed by the museum's renovations.

Brian Connell

A visitor who encouraged others to check out the new exhibits and features.

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What they’re saying

“We discovered our toilets were talking to us.”

— Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, Executive Director, New Mexico Museum of Natural History

“Between the lobby, the new skylights, people will feel like this is feels different and it feels better.”

— Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, Executive Director, New Mexico Museum of Natural History

“I saw one with like a puffer fish helmet. There was also human skulls wearing armor.”

— Emily Marie Dawson, 8-year-old visitor

“As part of our partnership with NASA, they have an exhibit called Solarium. They took footage of the surface of the sun. And so each minute that you see on the screen represents 10 hours of their recording, but you can see all the solar flares.”

— Sarah Bush, CEO, New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation

“I liked the new design and what the what they did.”

— Noah Dawson, 10-year-old visitor

What’s next

The museum will host a grand opening celebration this Saturday, April 5, 2026 at 10 a.m. For the opening weekend only, general admission tickets will also provide access to the planetarium's special shows.

The takeaway

The New Mexico Natural History Museum's extensive renovations, including new exhibits, features, and updates to existing displays, demonstrate the institution's commitment to providing an engaging and educational experience for visitors. The museum's focus on evolving research and partnerships, such as with NASA, aims to build public trust and understanding of natural history as an active field of study.