Albuquerque - American Southwest - page 250

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Balloon Museum Kids The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Bal-
loon Museum holds special significance for me, as my parents owned part of the first
hot-air balloon in Albuquerque over 40 years ago. Today, with the Albuquerque Interna-
tional Balloon Fiesta drawing hundreds of brilliantly colored and imaginatively shaped
balloons to the city each October (p. 37), this museum's time has come. It tells the his-
tory of ballooning, from the first flight in France in 1783, with a rooster, sheep, and duck
as passengers, to the use of balloons in military, science, and aerospace research. Most
poignant are displays of Albuquerque balloonists Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo,
who, with Larry Newman, completed the first manned crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in
1978. Originals and replicas of various historic crafts dot the three-story-tall space, and
windows look out at the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande Valley. Kids will enjoy the
flight simulator, which tests their ability to fly and land a balloon on target. Plan on
spending at least an hour here.
9201 Balloon Museum Dr. NE. & 505/768-6020. www.cabq.gov/balloon.com. Admission $4 adults, $2
seniors 65 and older, $1 children 4-12, free for children 3 and under. Tues-Sun 9am-5pm. Closed New
Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and city holidays.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Kids Owned and operated as a nonprofit orga-
nization by the 19 pueblos of New Mexico, this is a fine place to begin an exploration of
Native American culture. About a mile northeast of Old Town, this museum—modeled
after Pueblo Bonito, a spectacular 9th-century ruin in Chaco Culture National Historic
Park—consists of several parts.
You'll want to spend 1 to 2 hours here. Begin above ground, where you'll find chang-
ing shows of contemporary Puebloan arts and crafts. Next, head to the basement, where
a permanent exhibit depicts the evolution of the various pueblos from prehistory to pres-
ent, including displays of the distinctive handicrafts of each community. Note especially
how pottery differs in concept and design from one pueblo to the next. On the first floor
is an enormous (10,000-sq.-ft.) gift shop, featuring fine pottery, rugs, sand paintings,
katsinas (kachinas), drums, and jewelry, among other things. Southwestern clothing and
souvenirs are also available. Prices here are quite reasonable.
Throughout the year, Native American dancers perform in an outdoor arena that is
surrounded by original murals. Dances are at noon in winter, and at 11am and 2pm in
spring. In summer, dances are scheduled at 2pm on Thursday and Friday, and at 11am
and 2pm on Saturday. Often, artisans demonstrate their crafts there as well. During
certain weeks of the year, such as the Balloon Fiesta, dances are performed daily.
The restaurant serves traditional Native American foods. It's a good place for some
Indian fry bread and a bowl of posole.
2401 12th St. NW. & 866/855-7902 or 505/843-7270. www.indianpueblo.org. Admission $6 adults,
$5.50 seniors, $1 students, free for children 4 and under. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 9am-5:30pm; restaurant
Mon-Fri 8am-3pm; Fri-Sat 8am-10pm. Closed New Year's Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and
Christmas.
National Hispanic Cultural Center In the historic Barelas neighborhood on
the Camino Real, this gem of Albuquerque museums offers a rich cultural journey
through hundreds of years of history and across the globe. It explores Hispanic arts and
lifeways with visual arts, drama, music, dance, and other programs. I most enjoy the
11,000-square-foot gallery space, which exhibits exciting contemporary and traditional
works, as well as changing exhibits. A restaurant offers New Mexican and American food
for breakfast and lunch. It's a good spot to sample authentic regional dishes such as tacos,

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