The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum - Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is a museum dedicated to the worldwide history, science, and art of all types of ballooning and lighter-than-air flight. It is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is situated just outside the grounds used for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest yearly balloon fiesta, and is named for Ben Abruzzo and Maxie Anderson, two Albuquerque natives who established several ballooning firsts, such as crossing oceans and continents.
Opened on October 1, 2005, it is owned by the city of Albuquerque and is a collaborative project of the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation, and the City of Albuquerque's Cultural Services Division. It is a 59,000-square-foot facility with class rooms, conference rooms, and many exhibits on the history of ballooning, including items from famous balloonists such as Ed Yost, Joseph Kittinger, and Ben Abruzzo.
Museum exhibits include artifacts and materials related to the history of ballooning and the science behind ballooning. Modern multimedia systems such as a balloon flight simulator provide both education and entertainment. The recently opened movie theater provides both 2D and 4D films.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly hot air balloon festival that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during early October. The Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event occurring in the first full week of October, and has over 500 hot air balloonseach year far from its humble beginnings of merely 13 balloons in 1972. The event is the largest balloon festival in the world, followed by the Grand Est Mondial Air in France. This is a definite spot to visit if you are in the Albuquerque Area. This museum has the qualities of a Smithsonian Style venue to we recommend going out of your way to visit the venue. Visiting Albuquerque in the first week of October to watch the Balloon Fiesta is also highly recommended on your bucket-list.
Contact Information:
9201 Balloon Museum Dr. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87113
Phone: (505) 768-6020
Website:
www.visitalbuquerque.org/listing/anderson-abruzzo-albuquerque-international-balloon-museum/2674/
