Exhibits

Step Inside History

Starting March 2, 2026, the Museum Artifact Center (MAC) restores public access to a significant collection of history that has been unseen for nearly 25 years. This dedicated facility houses over 40 preserved, unclassified nuclear weapons, handling equipment, and deployment systems dating from the Manhattan Project through the Cold War era.

Many of these artifacts have been out of the public eye since the museum’s original location on Kirtland Air Force Base closed on September 11, 2001. Now permanently housed within the MAC, these items—part of the museum’s 120-piece Nuclear Defense Heritage Collection—offer a rare look at the engineering and technology that defined global history for nearly a century.

Why Visit?

• See a Hidden Heritage: View over 40 unclassified artifacts that have been off-limits to the public for over two decades.
• Witness Historical Engineering: Stand face-to-face with the actual machines and deployment systems of the Cold War.
• Explore at Your Own Pace: Discover the stories behind the technology through self-guided exploration or scheduled guided tours.

Exhibit Details

• Opening Date: March 2, 2026 - Open Storage
• Location: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Albuquerque, NM
• Admission: $10 add-on to your paid general museum admission for adults and a $5 add-on for youth ages 6-17. Museum members are FREE.

How to Experience the MAC

The Museum Artifact Center is designed for exploration. Self-guided tours are always available with your MAC admission, allowing you to discover the collection at your own pace. To enhance your visit, guided tours may be offered periodically based on daily attendance and demand—check with the front desk upon arrival for the daily schedule!

Plan Your Visit: The Museum is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, with the Museum Artifact Center (MAC) welcoming visitors from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can add a MAC ticket to your general admission at the front desk upon arrival. If you decide to join the experience while exploring Heritage Park, scan the QR codes located at the MAC entrance or on nearby signage to purchase your ticket on the spot.