Turquoise Museum
400 Second St. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Boasting some of the “rarest and most collectible pieces of turquoise and turquoise jewelry in the world,” the Turquoise Museum offers a deep dive into New Mexico’s state gemstone in the elevated setting of an enormous castle mansion. The private museum is the only one of its kind on the subject, offering a highly personable, interactive, and well-curated experience.
The Turquoise Museum offers guided and self-guided tours for timed entry. Most visitors spend at least two hours exploring the museum through videos, informational texts, and hands-on displays. You can discover how to tell real turquoise from fake, learn about turquoise mines and mining, and see exquisite specimens of turquoise and turquoise jewelry. Among many highlights, look for the George Washington Stone in the entry, considered to be the world’s most impressive turquoise specimen and weighing 6,888 carats (about 3 pounds).
This interactive museum also offers the ability to touch specimens, and its on-site silversmithing shop frequently demonstrates cutting. The gift shop offers a selection of turquoise jewelry and other souvenirs.
Pre-purchased, online tickets are required for timed entry into the museum. If you miss your timed-entry slot, you will be put into the next available tour, when available.
A discount for self-guided tickets is offered for children, AAA members, seniors, and former and current members of the military.
Professional photographers must obtain a permit (free of charge) before using any hand-held camera that is not a mobile phone.
The Turquoise Museum is located in downtown Albuquerque off Lead Avenue and 2nd Street. A car is the most convenient way to access the museum, and a parking lot is located just off the gift shop entrance. You also can find a way there by bus from most areas of the city.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from morning to late afternoon, with the last entry typically at 2pm. Plan ahead if you want a guided tour, which is only offered once a day when the museum opens to allow for an intimate experience before self-guided tour participants enter.
In 2019, the Turquoise Museum moved from its Old Town location into a particularly unique museum setting, the former residence of Gertrude Zachary, a German-born designer of Native American jewelry. Her home—featuring four turrets, grand staircases, and many chandeliers—was built as a showcase for her collection of religious art, antiques, and stained glass windows.
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