I hadn't been here before but heard good things about this museum. A couple of friends and my son and I went on a Saturday. There was construction around the museum, so admission was free. I'm not sure what the price is normally and if it's better to buy in advance. Because of construction, some things like the theater and outside spaces weren't operational either. Still, this museum is fantastic We (3 adults) had so much fun. It was informative, innovative, and interactive. My son wasn't bored either . It was amazing to learn the history of hot air balloons, and each section had so much information and interaction. Our absolute favourite was an interactive table with an aerial view of Albuquerque and (each) player has a hot air ballon which they must bring to its landing spot, taking into account wind speeds, air currents and (compass) directions. (This table is in the youth section, but we were so invested in the race that it didn't register that this was geared towards the youth ) Another interaction was that we could create our own hot air balloon and watch how it works with air currents to move in a box shaped manner. If you can, you should definitely visit. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here. The gift shop has different items with a range of prices, so you can find something that fits any budget.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

Went to a dinner event on the observation deck during BalloonFiesta and it was awesome. It rained later during the night and there was a shelter in place for the fiesta park, that did put a small damper on the event, but overall it was still an awesome event and evening. There was a decent amount of traffic and delay getting to the venue (to be expected during BalloonFiesta), but there was plenty of parking space (with event card displayed). The museum itself is pretty cool and have some interesting display… if you like anything to do with ballooning, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

The Balloon Museum is a treasure of Hot Air Balloon memorabilia. Leave plenty of time to explore...the kids museum is great...as an adult we loved the hands on things to do! We were here for a fund raiser event during Balloon Fiesta. As fund raisers go..this one was a 3 out of 5 stars. Other than the ability to see the balloon field...should things go as planned...not much to say about the remainder of the event. $$$$ and some what disorganized based on my experience with DARE, Winter Ball, Public TV, MADD and other fund raising dinner events of this nature.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Impressive collection of hot air balloon history and high-quality exhibits. Visited after checking out the Balloon Fiesta on a Sunday afternoon, tickets were $6 per adult ($5 for NM residents). Spent roughly 45 min here. Was cool to see the live tracking of the Gordon Bennet balloon race as well as the interactive installations and games at the children's Elevation Station. The museum gift shop had a better and cheaper selection of souvenirs than the official Balloon Fiesta merch. The building is even shaped like a hot air balloon!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

We liked the price and the displays. What needs improvement: no greeter, no arrows pointing which way to go, etc. We finally found a stack of maps, handed one to another perplexed couple. Long write-ups accompany the exhibits, but no short descriptions to draw you in, to tie it together, to educate. If you want to read the lengthy literature, not a lot of space for more than 1 or 2 people at a time. Far back area was separate and we weren't sure the connection. Videos were helpful, but larger screen would allow more folks to view. Disappointed no Wizard of Oz mention in the movie area! Gift shop overpriced, but so were gifts at the fiesta.

Visited this museum while in ABQ on business trip. Sunday is free admission 9am - 1pm. It is more than plenty of time to explore the museum. Come to this museum to find out all about hot air balloon history. Very informative. Never thought about how clouds are formed and their different classifications, found out very basic information which was very interesting. There is Entertaining section for kids with several activities. Super clean bathrooms. Overall great experience and 100% recommended to visit while in ABQ
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Easy to get to and huge parking lot. Admission prices were reasonable, for out of state visitors it's $6 per adult. We enjoy walking around the museum. There was many items on display as well as an interactive section for kids and adults too! I'm 32 and enjoyed this neat wall projection and air flow thing. There is a gift shop and thr ability to rent out space for events as we saw a wedding reception that was setup in a different part of the building.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Check this web site for free days or plan on the $6 donation to see some nice exhibits on super balloons, history, weather and really some interesting stuff even if you just have a casual interest in balloons. They have a nice view over the field. The gift shop has the official pins and medallions for all 50 years of balloon fiesta's. And several great exhibits of previous pins and medallions. If you have an hour to kill in the area highly recommend the stop

Very nice museum for people who are interested in the history of lighter than air flight. They have items from things everyone knows about and things most people have never heard about. They also have a nice 3D movie. Unfortunately, the movie is a promotion for a hot air balloon sightseeing company. They don't have a cafe, and I didn't even find a gift shop. And they don't have enough places for disabled persons like myself to sit down and rest.

cute museum with a variety of things to see. It was neat learning about what they use to go with balloons and all the people that have tried different things. Like women use to parachute out of balloons holding onto a wooden ring attached to the parachute. Holy cow. Also was neat to learn about things from the Albuquerque balloon fiesta. They also do things for teachers if they want to take their class there. The people were really nice

A most awesome display of ballooning in all aspects of its history. For a mere spectator it was the icing on the cake. I've thought of this event for 30+ years and to drive up and see this modern large building dedicated to my thoughts was fantastic. With ample parking and easy access, my self tour began. Left to explore I spent much more time than had expected. Ty for a great 15 days Albuquerque.

I was excited to go in the beginning but absolutely in awe with how much there was. I did not expect it to be my favorite and it was. We had so much fun! It was the perfect split between interactive and educational. I want to go back and read everything again because it was all fascinating.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

What are there's an admission charge or not... This is one of the most interesting places in the Southwest! The history of hot air ballooning that's contained in that museum is awesome! You know, if you can time it right, with the balloon field right outside your door you can see adisplay of the most beautiful colors anywhere on the planet. (and maybe catch a ride someday)

Construction is going on, so that is my reason for the low rating as we didn’t get to enjoy a lot of the exhibits. There are a few interactive ones, but mostly a lot history. Still very interesting. It was at least free during the renovations!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

The whole museum is amazing, very interesting things to look at regarding the history and making of the balloons. Balloon fiesta is one of the most amazing things you can ever see, people come from allover the world to see it. Highly recommend checking out the museum and gift shop. Good place for children. Awesome facts you can find to take back home with you.

Very well done museum. Worth the very affordable admission price. Sweeping views of the balloon fields. Quiet and peaceful now but come the 1st of Oct it become as ansolute zoo with over 800,000 visitors to Balloon Fiesta. Loved learning about the history of the events humble beginnings and nice interactive displays. And most of all. A fun giftshop!!

This is a nice museum about ballooning. And that is what you get. Right next to the balloon fiesta park. Lots of displays. Lots of placards of information. A 4D ballooning experience movie (blow wind on your face and shakes the seats while you watch a giant screen). Fun. Tons of space for a an event too.

We had a great time attending the hot air balloon museum before the 51st balloon fiesta. There was lots of stuff to see and learn about. We went with 3 other families. Great experience!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

We went right after the balloon festival ended, and in the morning, on a weekday, best time I guess, it was just our one family, really enjoyed looking all the exhibits leisurely.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Enjoyed our trip to this museum. Parts of the museum are under construction and it was a nice surprise to see they were not charging admission $$ during construction. What a nice gesture that was. Spent a few hours here. Lots to see and read. Very informative and enjoyable.

A must see museum all about hot air balloons, weather and aviation. There's a lot of cool little interactive exhibits as well. Perfect for a day trip.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Amazing museum with a detailed history of manned (and farm animal) balloon flight. Busy little gift shop. Friendly staff. Fantastic views.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I actually really enjoyed the museum way more than I thought and it is truly a incredibly well done museum. The installations are high quality and there's a good mix of interactivity. I would say my biggest drawback was the lack of docents.

A unique museum to Albuquerque. Starts with the beginning of ballooning. Thats the 1780s! Going up to the modern day and the ballooning expeditions which happen recently. The first ballon to journey across the pacific was a joint operation

Wonderful mix of information to read and interactive components to keep the kids interested!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

It's a great place to learn about the History of Hot Air Ballons. Good place to take the children.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I visited this place with my girlfriend today. By far one of the coolest museums with many exhibits to explore. If you go with family this plenty to do and things to see. I'm from New York and let me tell you this.

Arrived at the museum to find out that it is temporarily closed due to maintenance. Wish they made a better announcement of the closure. It was not noted on their website or google map.
Visited on
Weekend

It was fun with neat little activities for the kids and a great amazing view on the balcony!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This place was so cool and made me want to save my money for a hot air balloon ride. So much I didn't know about the history of this and that they were even used in a war. Very interesting museum.

Wonderful experience on Balloon Fiesta opening weekend! Highly recommend!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I love this place! I learned a lot about balloons. Very interesting exhibits - photos, models, real things. A large section of interactive entertainment that will appeal to children and adults

I'm surprised at how much information was available to us. Way more than I would have guessed about balloons. This is a must for Albuquerque. You could easily spend the day. Fantastic visit.

Very nice museum. Very clean, very friendly staff, who are educated about balloons. The museum has a lot of good exhibits, including some interactive ones. Great to visit for all ages!

This is an amazing museum! We were there for the solar eclipse and operated a Ham Radio station to gathered ionospheric data. Don't miss this or the Natural History museum! More

What a wonderful place!! Lots of intriguing exhibits and fun hands-on experiences! We will definitely be back!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

A great place to learn about hot air balloons and their history. About an hour to explore. It was free on Sunday mornings. Loved the gift shop. More

Although it was a bit cool to be swimming this water looked so inviting and crystal clear. Would be so much fun in the heat of the summer. More

This was the neatest place. I wish we could be here for the Air Balloon show!
Visited on…
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A must see for Balloon lovers, lots of history and fun for the entire family!
Visited on…
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