The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is pleased to announce that the state’s eight museums and seven of its historic sites will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2020. These facilities, which closed on March 16, 2020, may resume operation at 25% of normal capacity under the state’s current Public Health Order.
“We are excited to be reopening the doors to our museums and historic sites, and have been thoughtfully preparing to ensure the health and safety of our employees and visitors,” said DCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego. “During closure, we have remained dedicated to preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of New Mexico virtually, but we know New Mexicans are eager to experience our state’s rich heritage in person.”
Enriching people’s lives is an important part of DCA’s mission, and the beauty and wonder of our state’s rich cultural heritage is best experienced in our museums and at our historic sites. When visitors return, they will be able visit (or revisit) many popular exhibitions that were on view when museums and historic sites closed in March.
All museums and historic sites will operate with modified schedules (see below). This includes closing at 4 p.m. each day to provide additional time for cleaning and sanitizing. Additionally, facilities operating on Wednesdays will reserve from 10 a.m. to noon for higher-risk populations. This corresponds with DCA’s weekly free day for state residents 60 and older. The public is encouraged to visit each facility’s website or call to confirm days and hours of operation before visiting. Online ticket sales are currently available at New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Art Museum.
The DCA is extending the expiration date of its New Mexico CulturePass, which allows one visit to each state museum and historic site while active, by six months. Memberships sold through the private National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation, International Space Hall of Fame Foundation, and Friends of New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum will be valid six months past their original expiration date. The Museum of New Mexico Foundation memberships are valid one month past their original expiration date.
Access to some areas will be limited or remain closed in compliance with public health directives, including theaters, classrooms, libraries, collections storage, and picnic/snack areas. The public will not have access to coat checks, lockers, or backpack/purse storage, nor the use of rental equipment such as headsets, portable speakers, strollers, etc., unless required for ADA accessibility. Group visits, public programs, special events, and volunteer/docent activities will continue in virtual formats only. Reduced occupancy might result in a wait to gain entry. While queuing for entry, visitors should observe social distancing. Visitors will be required to wear a mask or multilayered face covering.
Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Monday:
• National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum, Albuquerque
• New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe
• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Santa Fe
• Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe
Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Sunday and Monday:
• New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, Las Cruces
Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Monday and Tuesday:
• Coronado Historic Site, Bernalillo
• Fort Selden Historic Site, Radium Springs
• Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial, Ft. Sumner
• Jemez Historic Site, Jemez
• New Mexico History Museum, Santa Fe
• New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, Albuquerque
Wednesday through Monday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Tuesday:
• The New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo
Thursday through Monday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Tuesday and Wednesday:
• Fort Stanton Historic Site, Ft. Stanton
• Lincoln Historic Site, Lincoln
Thursday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday:
• Los Luceros Historic Site, Alcade
Taylor-Mesilla Historic Property remains closed.
