Maxwell Museum of AnthropologyAbout Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
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.
Nearby Attractions to Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - 9° | -1° | 12 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -2° - 13° | 2° | 11 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 1° - 17° | 6° | 17 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 22° | 13° | 13 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 9° - 27° | 18° | 16 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 15° - 32° | 24° | 16 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 18° - 34° | 26° | 36 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 17° - 32° | 25° | 46 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 13° - 28° | 21° | 30 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 22° | 14° | 27 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 0° - 15° | 5° | 15 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -5° - 10° | 0° | 12 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
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.