Best Museums in El Paso

The El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center was established in 1994 by Henry Kellen, a Holocaust survivor. It is an ode to the millions of people who died and to those who endured. This museum presents the atrocities committed during the end of World War II as a grim reminder of hatred and prejudice. Visitors can get a glimpse of that time with the multi-media presentations that cover life before the Third Reich, the subsequent rise of the regime, the concentration camps and more. Admission is free though donations are welcome.

The EPMA has been going strong since 1959, providing the city and surrounding area with countless aesthetic delights. About 100,000 visitors come through the doors of the museum annually, to see some of the many temporary exhibits in the well-designed halls and galleries, as well as more than 5,000 permanent artworks. The majority of art focuses on Native American, Mexican and European pieces. The museum offers numerous education programs to enhance one's knowledge and even has it's own art school.

This museum focuses on the more than 400 years of history in this part of what is now known as Western Texas. It is one of the three city-operated museums, the other two include the Museum of Art and the Museum of Archaeology. The permanent exhibits include artifacts and documents that present the past as well as the city's present development. The exhibits are spread over more than 44,000-sq. ft. of space and since the admission is free, it provides a cheap, interesting education on how this part of the Southwest was settled.

Located on the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus, this museum offers the perfect educational experience with a bit of fun. The museum focuses on the history of the area's native population, while the garden has over 600 species of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert.

The only museum of its kind in the country, the U.S. Border Patrol Museum has more fascinating artifacts and exhibits on this branch of the military than you might think is possible. From photographs to documents to guns and vehicles, the museum is a wealth of patriotic memorabilia. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. The museum provides guided tours upon advanced request.

This museum located on the eponymous military base pays homage to the United States 1st Armored Division, more affectionately known as 'Old Ironsides'. The first division in WWII to encounter enemy fire. Today, the museum exhibits artifacts about this unit which include weaponry, historical accounts, patches, etc. Additionally, if you have the time, visit the replica Old Fort Bliss located on the same property. Admission is free, however you must have identification to enter the base.

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology provides an illuminating glimpse into the area's past by providing a number of life-size displays that show the day-to-day lives of the region's ancestors, their artifacts, exhibits, maps and much more. The exterior landscape proudly displays native foliage (mainly succulents), from the Torrey Yucca to the Stinging Cevallia.