Since the first balloon flights in 1783, there have been many feats recorded in the story of Balloon flight. Hot air and gas balloons have been used for adventure, scientific experiments, the arts, warfare, espionage, and the exploration of space.

The exhibits at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum help the visitor see and understand how all this happened. Emphasis is on the development of exhibits that combine historic artifacts with modern multi-media technology to create a sense of excitement as well as an educational environment.

How and Why Balloons Fly

Science

• Aerial photography
• Otto Winzen's invention of new balloon materials
• James Van Allen, radiation belts
• Stratospheric flights and the Stratolab Gondola
• Excelsor/Manhigh experiments
• Joe Kittinger world record parachute jump

Recreational

• Barn-storming
• Mena and women aeronauts
• Special shaped balloons
• Gordon Bennett Competition
• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Balloons in War

• Civil War Observation Balloons, 1860s
• Balloons and Air Mail during the Siege of Paris, 1870
• Barrage Balloons, World War I
• Germany's use of Zeppelins to bomb England, World War I
• Japanese Fugo Balloon Bombs and discovery of Jet Stream, World War II

Curator of Collections:

Dr. Marilee Schmit Nason
Phone: (505) 768-6020 
Email: MNason@cabq.gov

Address:
9201 Balloon Museum Drive, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113-1554

Stories in the Sky!

Every Wednesday - 9:30 -10:15 a.m. & 11-11:45 a.m.

Free Admission

(If you're bringing a large group - please let us know in advance by calling 768-6020)

Designed to engage even the youngest visitors with stories, music and movement, and engaging curiosity that expands the learning experience, “Stories in the Sky” was developed by the Museum’s Curator of Education, Laurie Magovern, who leads the group each week.

Magovern, a storyteller and teacher, is described as "very inviting and enchanting," and "is so energetic, she makes everything fun for the children." Families come back again and again because of "great variety," "creative and fun activities," and "a lovely relaxed atmosphere." Many families bring multiple generations for, as one grandmother notes, "not many 'good' things are free and this is a 'great' one.

American Girl: Saige Storytelling and Book Signing

May 10th 4:30-6:30 p.m.

See the story come alive!

• Meet the author

• Make art like Saige

• Live Horses!

Event is included with Balloon Museum Admission.

There are many volunteer opportunities at the Balloon Museum include greeting the public, serving as a docent, leading student field trips, assisting with class activities and assisting with special events.

Just imagine taking a group of people on a tour of the entire history of ballooning starting On September 19, 1783, in Versailles, when the Montgolfier brothers flew the first passengers in a basket suspended below a hot-air balloon—the first passengers in a balloon: a sheep, a duck and a roaster.

For more information please contact Laurie Magovern at lmagovern@cabq.gov or call 505-768-6021.

Click here to download Volunteer Job Description for Fiesta

Click Here to become a museum docent or volunteer.