As the birthplace of the Atomic Bomb, New Mexico is home to where the weapons used in World War II were designed and developed. Los Alamos area was the site of the secret military program known as the Manhattan Project that was in part based here. Today, Los Alamos National Laboratory is the nation’s foremost nuclear weapons lab. As such, it’s no surprise the state has a museum to tell the story of the dawn of the Nuclear Age. Here’s more about this fascinating museum:
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History was established in 1969.
It was originally located on Kirtland Air Force Base before being closed due to increased security protocols there on Sept. 11, 2001. After being in a temporary location for a number of years, the beautiful new facility opened in 2009 in Albuquerque.
The museum also has photo exhibits of the past that tell of scientists' development of nuclear technology.
The photos explain how testing was performed as part of the secret government Project Y of the Manhattan Project. Scientists watched the first test bomb explode from 10,000 yards away on July 16, 1943.
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The museum celebrates scientific curiosity and achievement.
The newest exhibit addition from the Manhattan Project era describes what the development rooms were like during the 1940s. "Critical Assembly, The Secrets of Los Alamos 1944: An Installation by Jim Sanborn" is a popular display there.
The museum also maintains a close relationship with the Air Force base nearby.
The museum includes an exhibit of the B-29 Superfortress. One of the B-29's final roles in World War II was carrying out the atomic bombing attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The museum tells the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through current peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Adults and children alike enjoy the numerous interactive exhibits which help to explain how the technology works and show its diverse applications in place today.
The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is accredited through the American Alliance of Museums.
Camps and special outings about the power of science are offered throughout the year.
The museum is located at 601 Eubank Blvd. S.E. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is open daily from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. except for a select few holidays. Admission is $12 per adult and $10 for seniors and children ages 6 and up. More details are available here. Have you visited this museum, and if so, what was your reaction after touring it? For related content, here are 10 interesting things you probably didn’t know about the City of Albuquerque.
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