This tramway lifts you from the Sandia foothills through five natural life zones to the top of the Sandia Mountains, more than 10,000 feet (3048 meters) above sea level. Time and terrain seem to move in harmony as passengers scout the rugged canyons and lush forests for bighorn sheep and deer. The tram docks alongside the High Finance Restaurant. With 2.7 miles (4.34 kilometers) of sky-view travel, be sure to visit this spot while in Albuquerque.
For anyone who appreciates the natural beauty of flowers and plant life, this is the perfect destination. The Desert Pavilion features an ultra modern glass conservatory which produces heat filtered, ultra violet rays to allow Xeric species to bloom year round. The Mediterranean Pavilion is home to fragrant plant life and lush walled gardens. The PNM Butterfly Pavilion and butterfly-hummingbird garden are majestic. Exhibits explore the phenomenal process of photosynthesis, providing a fascinating kaleidoscope of color.
Learn and play at a center that challenges people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, learn and critically think. Explore art, science, technology, culture and fun. The museum contains a collection of over 250 interactive science, technology and art exhibits such as an experiment bar and a high-wire bike and robotics lab. Demonstrations, theater performances and a variety of programs and activities are also offered. The museum store provides a wide array of bilingual and educational items.
This one-of-a-kind museum features exhibits chronicling the history of ballooning, with a special focus on Albuquerque's contribution (as "Balloon Capital of the World") to this lighter-than-air art form. Famous history-making balloons are on display, as well as other intriguing exhibits like nineteenth-century Japanese ballooning outfits, German war balloons used for bombing operations, and artifacts from the very beginning of hot-air ballooning in the late eighteenth century. The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum facility overlooks the field from which balloons take off during the world-renowned annual Balloon Fiesta.
Layer by layer, history unravels itself in the charming Old Town Albuquerque. A locus of the city's cultural, architectural and historic tenor, Old Town has been the focal point of community life since 1706. The winding alleys of this neighborhood are dotted with traditional houses awash in lovely Pueblo-Spanish architectural influences. This quaint quarter was laid out in the quintessential colonial way, and is home to a string of notable landmarks which attest to the quarter's historical and cultural importance, for example the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the historic San Felipe de Neri Church and the Plaza, which is perhaps the cultural and communal nucleus of Old Town. Here, wrought iron and adobe bancos (benches) rest under the shade of the plaza, offering a respite from the usually balmy weather year round. Unique items from around the world, as well as those distinctively Southwestern are sold in an array of quirky shops and boutiques. Soaked in old-world charm, Old Town is a part of the city, which can never be forgotten.
The Indian Pueblo Culture Center is owned and operated by the 19 Pueblo Tribes of New Mexico. Visit the museums, galleries and gift shops where more than 305,000 visitors annually experience the culture, art and history of pueblo life. Children are welcome to join hands-on experiences in the Pueblo House Children's Museum. Art and craft workshops, various Indian Rites and many special celebrations and events are planned throughout the year. The Pueblo Harvest Cafe serves great New Mexican and Native American dishes at reasonable prices.
Known for its perfect ballooning weather, Albuquerque offers no better way to see the city than from aloft. This is a thrilling experience you will remember all of your life, and the people at World Balloon work hard to make it enjoyable. The little extras, like picking you up from your motel, champagne lift off and a flight certificate, are only a part of the adventure. This company has been in operation since 1961, and has an impeccable safety record. Other services include the Sunrise Wedding Service, balloon sales and service and collectors memorabilia.
You will never forget the hospitality of the Pueblo People who are very proud of their ancient heritage. The history of the pueblo dates back hundreds of years, and there are many landmarks that still exist from this earlier time. One of these is St. Augustine Mission. Ancient rites and dances, such as feast day, and harvest festivals are still practiced and some are open to be shared with the public. There are many modern things for you to do like visit the Isleta Gaming Palace, a game of golf on the Isleta Eagle championship course, or fishing at Isleta Lakes.
Housed in the first public school building in Albuquerque (1881) this co-op gallery in Old Town is an outlet for some exceptional local talent. Joy Easton creates watercolors of almost touchable terrain. Mary Madsen uses oil and watercolor to take Southwestern scenery a step beyond the usual. It is well worth a visit to Yucca Art Gallery, just to view the colorful stoneware of Pat Stolgren or the oil miniatures of New Mexico's ancient churches by George Hight.
The Museum of Southwestern Biology in Albuquerque, New Mexico is one of the region's most accomplished biology museums, offering in depth analysis, theories and proven facts regarding thousands of species of flora and fauna that are native to the land. The museum is divided into different sectors, with each one of them dedicated to various sub categories within the animal kingdom, offering visitors a truly systematic educational experience.
Opened in 2017, OT Circus is set along Central Avenue North West in Albuquerque. This facility encourages locals artists to showcase their talents. This event space is known to host a number of events like art exhibitions, music concerts and fitness classes. In addition to this, they also host workshops and activities in areas like literature, gardening, art and a lot more.
The Simms Building in downtown Albuquerque, erected in the early 20th century, boasts remarkable architectural design. Designed by Flatow and Moore, it stands as one of the city's first International style buildings. Rising 180 feet with 13 floors, it was once New Mexico's tallest until 1961. Its innovative features include a radiant heating system and glass curtain walls inspired by New York's Lever House. Incorporating recycled sandstone from the Commercial Club, it remains a cultural and architectural icon. Its influence extends locally, inspiring structures like the nearby New Mexico Bank & Trust Building, shaping Albuquerque's skyline and architectural style.