This museum is about looking and understanding – looking up to the stars, looking out to the desert, and looking down to see ancient fossils. There are three primary permanent exhibits:
- Desert Life
- Light and Space
- Permian Trackways
All of the permanent exhibit text and labels are presented in both English and Spanish.
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
Physical Address:
411 N Main Street
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 20000
Las Cruces, NM 88004
Phone: (575) 528-3444
Hours of Operation
Tuesday – Friday, 10AM – 4:30PM
Saturday, 9AM – 4:30PM
Upcoming Events
Calendar of Events
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2 events,
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Nurture your little one's love of science! Investigate nature and science through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts. Adult caregiver participation is required. Ages: 2-5. Registration is required.
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Nurture your little one's love of science! Investigate nature and science through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts. Adult caregiver participation is required. Ages: 2-5. No registration required.
4 events,
Nicole Stott: A Space for Art
Nicole Stott: A Space for Art
Come and meet a real-life astronaut at the Museum of Nature and Science Classroom. Create art with this former astronaut that has a chance to be sent up to the International Space Station. Ages: 5-12 with Adult Guardian. No registration required.
STEAMpunk–Nicole Stott: Astronaut
STEAMpunk–Nicole Stott: Astronaut
Discover the stories behind science heroes who break barriers and explore the applications of their research through hands-on experiments and activities. Ages: 6-10. No registration required.
Animal Feedings: Turtles
Animal Feedings: Turtles
What we eat is important to our health, and for the animals in the Nature Center, it's no different. Learn about the enrichment activities we use during mealtimes and more while you watch them display their natural instincts. All ages are welcome. No registration is required.
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1 event,
Neurodivergent STEAM — Chemistry: Non-Newtonian
Neurodivergent STEAM — Chemistry: Non-Newtonian
Join us as we explore exciting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) topics geared toward children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Presented in partnership with NMSU Autism Diagnostic Center, IDD children's curiosity is nourished through adult and child participation in hands-on activities that are meant to increase involvement in the sciences. Ages: 6-10. No registration is required.
1 event,
Teen Takeover: Spin Art
Teen Takeover: Spin Art
Bring your teens to hand out at the Museum of Nature and Science and Museum of Art for our monthly Teen Takeover program. Explore the exhibits, make cool experiments with STEAM activities, eat snacks, and socialize during these extended hours just for teens. Ages: 13-17. No registration required.
2 events,
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Nurture your little one's love of science! Investigate nature and science through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts. Adult caregiver participation is required. Ages: 2-5. Registration is required.
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Nurture your little one's love of science! Investigate nature and science through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts. Adult caregiver participation is required. Ages: 2-5. No registration required.
0 events,
3 events,
Las Cruces Space Festival
Las Cruces Space Festival
Celebrate the legacy of Space in Las Cruces. Explore the many different Space Organizations that are her in New Mexico and take part in many hands-on free activities. All ages are welcome. No registration required.
Saturday Science–Moon Habitat
Saturday Science–Moon Habitat
Drop in and stay for a short or a long while to explore a new science topic each month. These hands-on activities and experiments are fun for the whole family with adult caregiver participation required. Ages: 6-10. No registration required.
Animal Feedings: Snakes
Animal Feedings: Snakes
What we eat is important to our health, and for the animals in the Nature Center, it's no different. Learn about the enrichment activities we use during mealtimes and more while you watch them display their natural instincts. All ages welcome. No registration is required.
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1 event,
Science Café – Astronomy of Las Cruces
Science Café – Astronomy of Las Cruces
Science is for everyone! Join the Museum of Nature and Science for a monthly discussion with local scientists about current topics in contemporary science. Ages 18+. Registration is not required.
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2 events,
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Nurture your little one's love of science! Investigate nature and science through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts. Adult caregiver participation is required. Ages: 2-5. Registration is required.
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Nurture your little one's love of science! Investigate nature and science through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts. Adult caregiver participation is required. Ages: 2-5. No registration required.
1 event,
Moonlight Adults Only Night
Moonlight Adults Only Night
Walk into 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, cocktails, or mocktails. Ages 21+ Valid Government Issued ID Required. Cash bar on premises for the evening. No registration required. Entrance at the Museum of Nature and Science Atrium from Main...
2 events,
Nature Nomads
Nature Nomads
Break out those binoculars and hiking shoes and join us on a birdwatching, nature adventure during Nature Nomads! During this outdoor program, participants will get the chance to look for different bird species on a leisurely nature walk - participants are urged to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring plenty of water, and are welcome to bring their own binoculars. All ages are welcome. No registration is required.
Fossil Tours of the World Part 2
Fossil Tours of the World Part 2
Explore the 3.5-billion-year odyssey of life with a geologist and real fossil specimens. Visit the station in the gallery and discover something new in the fossil record each month. All ages are welcome. No registration required.
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1 event,
Teen Science Café — Rocketry
Teen Science Café — Rocketry
Have dinner with a scientist and team up with STEM experts for monthly discussions, tours, and activities with our guest scientists. Now in a new location, the Frank O'Brien Papen Center, 304 Bell Ave. Ages 13-17.
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2 events,
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Nurture your little one's love of science! Investigate nature and science through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts. Adult caregiver participation is required. Ages: 2-5. Registration is required.
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Pre-K Nature and Science Discovery–Planeteers: Space Travel
Nurture your little one's love of science! Investigate nature and science through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts. Adult caregiver participation is required. Ages: 2-5. No registration required.
0 events,
1 event,
Animal Encounters: Common Snapping Turtle
Animal Encounters: Common Snapping Turtle
Join us as we introduce you to a different resident of the Chihuahuan Desert and get up close and personal with the animals we share our desert with each month. Learn about the tracks they leave, the sounds they make, and ways to help with their conservation. All ages are welcome. No registration required.
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2 events,
Forestry with Phil: NM Broadleaf Trees
Forestry with Phil: NM Broadleaf Trees
Explore the amazing world of our state’s amazing forests featuring hands on activities with Phil Yost. Visit the station in the atrium and discover something new about our forests. Ages: All Ages Fee: Free Registration Required: No Location: Museum of Nature & Science Atrium
Animal Feedings: Turtles
Animal Feedings: Turtles
What we eat is important to our health, and for the animals in the Nature Center it’s no different. Learn about the enrichment activities we use during mealtimes and more while you watch them display their natural instincts. Ages: All Ages Fee: Free Registration Required: No Location: Museum of Nature & Science Nature Center
