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: [email protected]
Physical Address:
501 N Main Street
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Phone: (575) 541-2154
Hours of Operation
Tuesday – Friday, 10AM – 4:30PM
Saturday, 9AM – 4:30PM
Current Exhibits
Las Cruces: Crossroads of History
September 2023 – Summer 2024
This exhibition tells the overarching history of Las Cruces and its prominent place in Borderland history from prehistory through the 1960s. 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.
Pottery and Weaving: A Living Tradition
July 10 – August 24, 2024
Leon Nastacio showcases a diverse array of his pottery and woven pieces, exploring the creation process through the lens of his Zuni traditions while giving a contemporary perspective for these two important traditions in Zuni Culture.
The Zuni Pueblo is largely an artistic community located two hours west of Albuquerque. Nastacio’s pottery reflects its historical and practical significance, serving purposes in farming, religious ceremonies and daily life. Additionally, Zuni weaving encompasses a spectrum of styles, ranging from intricate to simplistic designs. Originating in the early 1900s, Zuni weaving has evolved significantly over the past century, benefitting from the generational changes to this unique and skilled craft.
Pottery and Weaving: A Living Tradition examines Leon Nastacio’s interdisciplinary artwork within his Zuni traditions. Nastacio showcases his own creative works as an artist while sharing and teaching others of these important interwoven traditions while informing visitors of Zuni’s history and culture. Nastacio masterfully presents these two art forms in a stunning collection, showcasing both his expertise and the inherent beauty of these crafts.
It Came from Beyond the Border
July 10 – September 21, 2024
Angel Cabrales’ artwork embraces the artistry of 1950’s science fiction B-movie posters and futuristic art to create powerful pieces that confront and comment on immigration policies in the United States.
Cabrales created his ongoing “Tequila Sci-Fi Series” starting in 2016 in response to the increased hostility toward immigrants and asylum seekers along the U.S./Mexico border. Seeing a parallel between 1950s’ fear of nuclear mutants threatening America, and contemporary fears of America being overwhelmed by immigrants, Cabrales exaggerates these concerns using pop culture imagery.
By using these familiar graphics in a new way, Cabrales engages audiences with familiar references that are then turned on their head once viewers realize their true message.
