6 Little-Known Museums In New Mexico Where Admission Is Free
By Monica Spencer|Published January 25, 2021
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Some of the best things in life are certainly free–and that includes some pretty interesting areas around our state. If you’re looking for a small adventure that won’t cost you a penny, then you’ll want to check out one of these fantastically free museums located right here in New Mexico:
Dedicated to road culture from yesteryear, the Classical Gas Museum is a unique stop in this tiny town. The museum is home to some vintage items that will take you back to a time when neon signs, visible gas pumps, and fiberglass Big Boy statues were a common sight along the highway.
Address: 1977 State Road 68, Embudo, NM 87531
Phone: 505-852-2995
Once an armory building for the National Guard, this beautiful brick building is now the home of the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. A history museum filled with artifacts, photos, and antiques, the museum details the past and present life of people who called Deming home over the centuries.
While not technically a museum, the remains of this old mining town have been preserved for future generations to learn about life in New Mexico's territorial days. While here, you can take a self-guided walking tour in to learn more about the area.
A socialite, fashion icon, and activist during the first half of the 20th century, Millicent Rogers was also a prolific art collector. The collections and exhibits at the museum include a wide range of Native American arts and jewelry, Latino art, and contemporary pieces highlighting life and culture in the Southwest.
The items in this museum may be tiny but there's no shortage of miniatures here. Dolls, dollhouses, shadow boxes, and other small treasures cover more than 5000 square feet of this unique Roswell museum.
Located inside a roadside travel center, this small museum houses some gorgeous classic cars and memorabilia related to travel from yesteryear. In addition to the cars, you'll also find vintage signs, Coca-Cola dispensers you may remember from your youth, and other cool little finds.
