Exhibits (2013)

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.

Special Exhibitions

FAI Ballooning Commission International Hall of Fame

Newly relocated to the Balloon Museum, the Hall of Fame features some 40 existing inductees and recognizes people who have made significant contributions to aerostation. It will open to the public on Saturday October 1, 2011. The Balloon Museum will have a private induction ceremony for media and invited guests on September 30 to induct Ron Clark, a member of the crew to make the first balloon crossing of the Pacific Ocean; Larry Newman, a co-inventor of the ultra-light airplane and co-captain on the first manned balloon crossing of the Pacific Ocean; Rocky Aoki, a restaurateur and a record-setting balloonist in crossing the Pacific Ocean in a helium balloon; and Olivier Roux Devillas, the founder of the French Aeronautical Federation and competitive balloonist. Past inductees with a New Mexico connection include Sid Cutter, the Balloon Fiesta co-founder, and Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo, two of the three balloonists of the first trans-Atlantic balloon flight.

The new exhibitions are included with regular admission.

How and Why Balloons Fly

First manned hot air and gas balloon fights, 1783
Types of balloons (Hot Air & Gas)
Balloon construction and equipment: envelopes, fuels, baskets and gondolas, burners, parachute valves
Flights over land and water
How balloons flight and how are they controlled
Instruments: altimeter, variometer, temperature probes, GPs devices and aeronautic radios
Buoyancy: atmosphere and altitude
Weather conditions and topography
Triumphs and Tragedies

Science