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Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

Museum
In Albuquerque, New Mexico
0.2 mi from Route 66

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology sits on the UNM campus in Albuquerque, NM, a few minutes from Central Avenue, the old Route 66. It began in 1932 as the university's Museum of Anthropology and became Albuquerque's first public museum. In 1972 it took its current name to honor philanthropists Dorothy and Gilbert Maxwell. With parking and restrooms on site, it suits families well.

What is Maxwell Museum of Anthropology?

This is a university museum devoted to anthropology, the study of people and their cultures past and present. Because it belongs to UNM, it sits among classrooms and campus paths rather than on a busy commercial strip, which makes for an unhurried visit.

For Route 66 travellers crossing New Mexico, it offers a chance to step away from the highway story for an hour and learn about people and cultures well beyond the road. It also makes a good indoor stop on a hot afternoon or a windy day, when a walk along Central Avenue is less inviting.

History of Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

The museum opened in 1932 under the plain name Museum of Anthropology, as part of UNM. It was the first museum in Albuquerque open to the public, which gives it a special place in the city's cultural life. Forty years later, in 1972, it was renamed in honor of Dorothy and Gilbert Maxwell, two philanthropists. It has now served the city for more than nine decades.

Visiting Maxwell Museum of Anthropology: tips

Allow about an hour. There is parking and there are restrooms on site, the building is wheelchair accessible, and it is suitable for children. The museum is about 0.2 miles off the old road.

Two other campus stops are close by: the University of New Mexico Arboretum is about 0.2 miles away and the UNM Art Museum about 0.3 miles. The Lobo Theater is about 0.8 miles off. Together they make an easy half day on and around campus.

Practical info

Address: 500 University Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM
Phone: +1 505-277-4405
Website: maxwellmuseum.unm.edu
Hours: Tue–Sat 10–4
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Frontier Restaurant
Albuquerque, NM · 0.5 mi from Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
A big New Mexican restaurant near UNM on Central Avenue, hung with portraits of John Wayne.
Diner & restaurant
El Modelo
Albuquerque, NM · 1.9 mi from Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
A Barelas restaurant in Albuquerque that began in 1929 as the El Modelo Tortilla Factory.
Diner & restaurant
Mac's La Sierra
Albuquerque, NM · 4.6 mi from Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
A New Mexican restaurant on Albuquerque's West Central Avenue, the city's Route 66, dating from 1952.

On the map

Full map

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology with the 6 closest stops and places to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.

Tap a dot to see that stop here.

Stops near Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

All of New Mexico

University of New Mexico Arboretum

Albuquerque, New Mexico · 0.2 mi from Route 66

The whole UNM campus doubles as an accredited arboretum, with some 235 kinds of trees and shrubs.

Nature & parksPhoto credit

0.2 mi from Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

Pig & Calf Lunch

Albuquerque, New Mexico · on Route 66

A mid-1930s Moderne lunch stand in Albuquerque, listed on the National Register in 1994.

Historic buildingPhoto credit

0.3 mi from Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

University of New Mexico Art Museum

Albuquerque, New Mexico · 0.1 mi from Route 66

A free campus museum in Albuquerque with nearly 30,000 works, the largest fine art holding in New Mexico.

MuseumPhoto credit

0.3 mi from Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

Lobo Theater

Albuquerque, New Mexico · on Route 66

A 1938 movie house on Central Avenue named for UNM's Lobos, back in business as an event venue.

Route 66 sitePhoto credit

0.8 mi from Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

Huning Highlands Conoco Service Station

Albuquerque, New Mexico · 0.1 mi from Route 66

A 1937 cottage-style Conoco station of white glazed brick, now home to an Albuquerque preservation group.

Retro roadsidePhoto credit

1.0 mi from Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

Modern Auto Court

Albuquerque, New Mexico · on Route 66

A 1937 tourist court on Central Avenue, now the Nob Hill Motel, and a rare pre-war survivor in New Mexico.

Retro roadsidePhoto credit

1.3 mi from Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

Questions about Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

When was the Maxwell Museum founded?

In 1932, as the university's Museum of Anthropology. It took the Maxwell name in 1972.

Who is the Maxwell Museum named after?

Dorothy and Gilbert Maxwell, philanthropists honored when the museum was renamed in 1972.

Is the Maxwell Museum good for children?

It is listed as suitable for children, and it has parking, restrooms and wheelchair access.

Own or run Maxwell Museum of Anthropology? Send us a photo or a correction.

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