
The Branigan Cultural Center hosts changing cultural exhibits, as well as educational programs, classes, and other special events. The building is on the National and State Registries of Historic Buildings.
Free Admission
Parking
Parking is at 500 N Water Street on the north end of Main Street Downtown, next to the Museum of Art.
Tour Information
To book a tour, please email Museum Education or call the tour coordinator at (575) 541-2321. For more tour information go here.

Contact Us
Email the Branigan Cultural Center: bcc@las-cruces.org
Physical Address:
501 N Main Street
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Phone: (575) 541-2154
TTY: 711
Hours of Operation
Tuesday – Friday, 10AM – 4:30PM
Saturday, 9AM – 4:30PM
First Friday of the Month, 10AM – 7PM
Current Exhibits
Las Cruces: Crossroads of History
Using original artifacts and historic photographs, “Las Cruces: Crossroads of History” charts the history of the region from its early indigenous inhabitants to its settlement by Mexicans and its shift to being a part of the United States. Las Cruces’ establishment, in 1848, and its growth is followed through multiple topics including Civil War soldiers, ranchers, and outlaws.
The introduction of the railroad in 1878 and its impact is covered, as well as New Mexico statehood in 1912. The exhibit ends with the impact of World War II and the nuclear and rocket technology that followed.
Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley
February 7, 2025 – May 24, 2025
The Branigan Cultural Center is opening a new exhibit, “Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley,” which will showcase a diverse collection of sculptures and nature journaling pages created by 14 local artists.
Even in a rapidly growing city like Las Cruces, wildlife remains an integral part of the environment. “Wildlife of the Mesilla Valley” highlights the species that inhabit the region from the rarely seen kangaroo rat and mountain lion to more familiar creatures such as coyotes and desert cottontails. The exhibit reminds us of the delicate balance between nature and urban growth.
This exhibit, featuring 58 works of art created by 14 artists, includes intricate sculptures and detailed nature journaling pages showing 32 native species. Nature journaling is the practice of recording observations of nature with words, pictures and numbers. Informational panels accompanying the pieces explore the ecological roles of these animals and ways our society can coexist with them.
All-City High Schools Senior Art Show
March 7, 2025 – April 19, 2025
Students from Mayfield, Las Cruces, Organ Mountain, Centennial, and Alma d’Arte High Schools showcase a wide range of artwork created during their senior year. Show includes 2-D and 3-D art, from ceramics to mixed media, paintings, drawings, and more!
Upcoming Events
Calendar of Events
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1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
3 events,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
Guided Sketching from the Museum Collections
Guided Sketching from the Museum Collections
Join artist Cheryl Fallstead in this rare chance to sketch natural items and animals from the museum's collections. Or express your connection to the subject through guided nature journaling. Ages: 13+ Fee: Free Registration required: Yes, and bring your own supplies. For more information, email vpyle@lascruces.gov
Guided Sketching from the Museum Collections
Guided Sketching from the Museum Collections
Join artist Cheryl Fallstead in this rare chance to sketch natural items and animals from the museum's collections. Or express your connection to the subject through guided nature journaling. Ages: 13+ Fee: Free Registration Required: Yes, and bring your own supplies
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
Spring Break at the Museums
Spring Break at the Museums
Self-guided activities at all four museums. March 11 - Museum of Nature and Science March 12 - Branigan Cultural Center March 13 - Railroad Museum March 14 - Museum of Art Free drop - in activities. 10am - noon.
2 events,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
Spring Break at the Museums
Spring Break at the Museums
Self-guided activities at all four museums. March 11 - Museum of Nature and Science March 12 - Branigan Cultural Center March 13 - Railroad Museum March 14 - Museum of Art Free drop - in activities. 10am - noon.
2 events,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
Spring Break at the Museums
Spring Break at the Museums
Self-guided activities at all four museums. March 11 - Museum of Nature and Science March 12 - Branigan Cultural Center March 13 - Railroad Museum March 14 - Museum of Art Free drop - in activities. 10am - noon.
2 events,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
Spring Break at the Museums
Spring Break at the Museums
Self-guided activities at all four museums. March 11 - Museum of Nature and Science March 12 - Branigan Cultural Center March 13 - Railroad Museum March 14 - Museum of Art Free drop - in activities. 10am - noon.
2 events,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
Exhibit Workshop
Exhibit Workshop
Participate in fun activities that will enhance your understanding of the exhibits in the Branigan Cultural Center. Since the exhibits change regularly there will always be a new theme for this program each month. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
2 events,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
Pull Up a Chair Series: Nature Journaling
Pull Up a Chair Series: Nature Journaling
Explore culture, history, and more at the Las Cruces Museum System's guest speaker series where we discover more about what it means to live in New Mexico! Listen to presentations and share meaningful conversations as we bring the community engaging stories and information. Ages: 18+ Fee: Free Registration required: No Location: Branigan Cultural Center and Zoom email education@lascruces.gov for the link.
2 events,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
Moonlight: Adult Night at the Museums
Moonlight: Adult Night at the Museums
Walk around the Main Street Museums with an adult beverage in hand! Join us for a special evening at our Main Street Museums where you can explore the exhibits after dark among other adults while enjoying some wine, beer, and cocktails from Dry Point Distillers, along with other light refreshments while staying within the Main Street Museums spaces. No further entry after 8:15pm. Ages: 21+ Valid Government Issued ID Required...
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
1 event,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
2 events,
Gallery Geeks
Gallery Geeks
Want to learn more about an exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center? Pick up a guide from under the window when you enter and participate in a self-guided gallery activity and discover a deeper connection to each exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
Learn Las Cruces
Learn Las Cruces
Learn Las Cruces is an opportunity to learn more about our city's past, present, and future. We have a brief ten to fifteen-minute discussion that we repeat throughout the hour within the Las Cruces: Crossroads of History exhibit. All ages are welcome. The program is free. No registration is required.
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