Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
Museum University museum displaying Native American and global artifacts
On the University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology presents exhibits on regional and Native American cultures; visitors come for artifacts, rotating displays and research collections.
The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology is the anthropology museum of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, serving as a university teaching museum and public exhibition space.
Exhibits cover archaeology, ethnology, and material culture with an emphasis on the American Southwest and related regions; the museum presents rotating temporary exhibitions and educational programs for schools and the public.
The museum developed from the university’s teaching and research collections and functions as a repository for regional archaeological and ethnographic material while supporting faculty and student research.
Located on the University of New Mexico campus in central Albuquerque, it sits within the university’s main academic area and is accessible to campus visitors.
- Research access: Holds collections that support university teaching, research, and public programming; researchers should contact the museum for access procedures.
What to See #
- Main exhibition galleries: Houses rotating temporary exhibitions and one or more permanent displays that interpret archaeological and ethnographic material from the American Southwest and beyond.
- Research collections: Maintains research collections and storage used by university faculty, students, and visiting researchers; access is arranged through the museum staff.
How to Get to Maxwell Museum of Anthropology #
On the University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque. From downtown Albuquerque, take Central Avenue east to the UNM campus and follow campus signage to parking; the museum is within walking distance of the Zimmerman Library. Alternatively, the Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) and local bus routes stop near the campus; check current schedules for exact stops.
Tips for Visiting Maxwell Museum of Anthropology #
- Allow an hour to see both permanent archaeological collections and rotating exhibits.
- The museum is on the University of New Mexico campus; combine the visit with a walk through the nearby Zimmerman Library or the UNM campus green.
- Check the website for special lectures and events - the Maxwell often hosts talk series featuring local archaeologists and anthropologists.
Best Time to Visit Maxwell Museum of Anthropology #
The museum is an indoor attraction and is suitable year-round; check schedules for events and temporary exhibitions.
Weather & Climate near Maxwell Museum of Anthropology #
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 34°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 11 mm.
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March
March is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with 46 mm of rain.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.
