General Information

General Information

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is the nation’s only congressionally chartered museum in its field and a Smithsonian affiliate. Originally known as the National Atomic Museum, it was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology.  Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear energy in the past, present and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers.

Location
The new National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is located at 601 Eubank Blvd. SE at Southern Blvd., six blocks south of Central Ave. and off of Interstate 40, exit 165. Our zip code in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is 87123. The phone number is (505) 245-2137.
 
Museum Hours
The museum is open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Admission fees
Adults 18-59 - $8
Seniors 60+ - $7
Youth 6-17 - $7
Active Military - $6
Children 5 and under - Free

Brief History
The creation of the Museum in 1969 was the result of a six-year effort to establish a museum to tell the story of the base and the development of nuclear weapons. The Museum was located on Kirtland Air Force Base. In 1973, the museum name was changed to National Atomic Museum to reflect the growing national and international audience and the fact that it was the only public museum that preserved the history of the nuclear industry. The recent name change to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History coincides with the move to a new building and location.

The National Atomic Museum Foundation was established to operate the store, scientific tours, to provide funding for improvements, new exhibits and many of the museum’s educational programs.

The Museum closed its doors at the Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico on September 11, 2001, due to heightened security measures at the Base.  The National Atomic Museum was in its rented Old Town location from May 11, 2002 to February 7, 2009; the Museum re-opened in its current location in southeast Albuquerque in April 2009.

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