Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology is a university museum at the University of New Mexico displaying artifacts and materials across five exhibition areas. These collections document human cultural experiences and offer insight into various populations and their development.

The museum was founded in 1932 and was Albuquerque's first public museum at that time. It received its current name in 1972 to honor donors Dorothy and Gilbert Maxwell.

The collections focus on Southwest Native American heritage, showing how Pueblo, Diné, and Apache peoples shaped their communities across millennia. Visitors can see how traditional craftsmanship and everyday objects reflect the identity of these cultures.

The museum is located in the Anthropology Building on campus and is relatively easy to find. Visitors should note that hours are limited, so it is best to check ahead or arrive early in the day.

The museum houses the Ancestors exhibition, which provides detailed insight into human development through archaeological discoveries. This display reveals findings from various periods and gives visitors a rare look at distant chapters of human history.

Location: Albuquerque

Inception: 1932

Operator: UNM

Part of: University of New Mexico

Website: http://maxwellmuseum.unm.edu

GPS coordinates: 35.08514,-106.62505

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04