Las Cruces, New Mexico is a fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and history. The city is located in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, surrounded by stunning landscapes and mountains. The Organ Mountains, in particular, provide a striking backdrop to the city and offer hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors.
One of the top reasons to visit Las Cruces is its rich history and culture. The city is home to several museums and historic sites that showcase the area’s Native American, Spanish, and Mexican heritage.
The Branigan Cultural Center, the Museum of Art, the Museum of Nature and Science and the Railroad Museum are the four Smithsonian-affiliated museums in Las Cruces, New Mexico. All four of them are located close to each other. If you are just stopping by Las Cruces and have only a few hours to spare, visiting these museums is worth your time. And one good thing? Admission is free!
See more of my New Mexico travels.
The Branigan Cultural Center
The Branigan Cultural Center hosts a permanent local history exhibit and changing cultural exhibits, as well as educational programs, classes, and other special events.
Location: 501 North Main Street, parking at 500 N. Water Street on the north end of Main Street Downtown,
next to the Museum of Art (click here for map)
Days: Tuesday – Saturday, (Sunday and Monday – Closed)
Time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Admission: Free
The Las Cruces Museum of Art
The Las Cruces Museum of Art hosts changing contemporary art exhibits, including national, international, juried, traveling, and invitational exhibits. The Museum runs an extensive art studio class program for all ages.
Location: 491 North Main Street
Days: Tuesday – Saturday (Sunday and Monday – Closed)
Time: 9:00 am – 04:30 pm
Admission: Free
Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science
This museum is about looking and understanding—looking up to the stars, looking out to the desert, and looking down to see ancient fossils. There are three primary permanent exhibits: Desert Life, Permian Trackways, and Light & Space exhibits.
I was able to watch the feeding of the venomous Gila Monster.
Location: 411 North Main Street
Days: Tuesday – Saturday (Sunday and Monday – Closed)
Time: 9:00 am – 04:30 pm
Admission: Free
Las Cruces Railroad Museum
Located in an historic Santa Fe Railroad depot, the Las Cruces Railroad Museum interprets the railroad history of Las Cruces and the impact of the railroad on Southern New Mexico.
Location: 351 N. Mesilla Street
Days: Thursday – Saturday
Time: 09:00 am – 04:30 pm
Also: See all my travel adventures here.
See more of my New Mexico travels.
The Branigan Cultural Center, the Museum of Art, the Museum of Nature and Science and the Railroad Museum are the four Smithsonian-affiliated museums in Las Cruces, New Mexico. All four of them are located close to each other. If you are just stopping by Las Cruces and have only a few hours to spare, visiting these museums is worth your time. And one good thing? Admission is free!
See more of my New Mexico travels.
The Branigan Cultural Center
The Branigan Cultural Center hosts a permanent local history exhibit and changing cultural exhibits, as well as educational programs, classes, and other special events.
Location: 501 North Main Street, parking at 500 N. Water Street on the north end of Main Street Downtown,
next to the Museum of Art (click here for map)
Days: Tuesday – Saturday, (Sunday and Monday – Closed)
Time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Admission: Free
The Las Cruces Museum of Art
The Las Cruces Museum of Art hosts changing contemporary art exhibits, including national, international, juried, traveling, and invitational exhibits. The Museum runs an extensive art studio class program for all ages.
Location: 491 North Main Street
Days: Tuesday – Saturday (Sunday and Monday – Closed)
Time: 9:00 am – 04:30 pm
Admission: Free
Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science
This museum is about looking and understanding—looking up to the stars, looking out to the desert, and looking down to see ancient fossils. There are three primary permanent exhibits: Desert Life, Permian Trackways, and Light & Space exhibits.
I was able to watch the feeding of the venomous Gila Monster.
Location: 411 North Main Street
Days: Tuesday – Saturday (Sunday and Monday – Closed)
Time: 9:00 am – 04:30 pm
Admission: Free
Las Cruces Railroad Museum
Located in an historic Santa Fe Railroad depot, the Las Cruces Railroad Museum interprets the railroad history of Las Cruces and the impact of the railroad on Southern New Mexico.
Location: 351 N. Mesilla Street
Days: Thursday – Saturday
Time: 09:00 am – 04:30 pm
Also: See all my travel adventures here.
See more of my New Mexico travels.
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