The Bridge Center For Contemporary Arts
127 Pioneer Plaza
El Paso, TX
915-532-6707
This non-profit gallery focuses on contemporary and experimental art by both emerging and nationally recognized artists. Located across from the Hilton Camino Real Hotel in downtown El Paso at 127 Pioneer Plaza. Open Tuesday thru Saturday from 11am to 5:30pm.
Border Patrol Museum
4315 Transmountain Rd.
El Paso, TX
915-759-6060
Learn the history of the U.S. Border Patrol from the old west to the present. Static displays of aircraft and vehicles used by the patrol, surveillance equipment, confiscated items and more. This 10,000 square foot museum is a good stop along with the Wilderness Park Museum nest door. Located just west of the intersection of Patriot Freeway and Transmountain Road. Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
Hilton Camino Real
101 S. El Paso St.
El Paso, TX
915-534-3000
Originally built in 1912 and listed on the National Historical Register. The 80-year old Tiffany glass dome, once part of the hotel's lobby, is now the showcase of the elegant Dome Bar. The hotel has hosted such guests as Pancho Villa, President Taft, and "Blackjack Pershing".
Centennial Museum
University of Texas El Paso
915-747-5565
The museum, on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso, is a natural and cultural history museum focusing on the Southwest and Mexico. It fulfills its mission by exhibits, education programs, and research.
Chamizal National Memorial
800 S. San Marcial
El Paso, TX
915-534-6668
The memorial is built on land that became part of the U.S. when the Chamizal border dispute with Mexico was settled in 1963. Walk the grounds or visit the museum. Performances are held almost weekly in the theater and outside in the amphitheatre in good weather. Open daily 8-5:30.
Concordia Cemetery
3800 Yandell Dr.
El Paso, TX
This graveyard was started in 1856 and by the 1880s had become the main burial site for El Paso. A section Concordia was El Paso's "Boot Hill" and is where the infamous gunfighter John Wesley Hardin is buried. Just northwest of the intersection of I-10 and Hwy 54. Exit Copia St. from I-10 E or W.
El Paso Museum of Art
One Arts Festival Plaza
El Paso, Texas 79901
phone: 915-532-1707
fax: 915-532-1010
The El Paso Museum of Art is the fine arts museum of the City of El Paso and is a major cultural and educational resource for the surrounding region. Located on the boundary of Texas, Mexico and New Mexico, the Museum is situated within the world's largest international border community with a metropolitan population of approximately three million people. The Museum houses a permanent collection of more than 5,000 works of art, including the Samuel H. Kress Collection of European art from the 13th - 18th centuries, American art from the 19th - 20th centuries, Mexican colonial art and retablos from the 18th - 19th centuries, works on paper and contemporary art from the Southwestern United States and Mexico. In addition to displaying works from its holdings, the Museum presents a diverse schedule of temporary exhibitions, films, lectures, concerts and other educational programs for the public. Admission: Free. Hours: Closed Mondays and holidays. Tue.-Sat., 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Sunday, Noon to 5:00 pm
El Paso Museum of History
12901 Gateway West
El Paso, TX 79927
915-858-1928
This museum displays the colorful history of Indians, conquistadors, vaqueros, cowboys and Cavalrymen who played a role in settling the Southwest. Located on the east side of El Paso, I- 10 @ Ave. of Americas exit. Open Tue -Sun 9am to 4:30.
Fort Bliss Replica Museum
Building 5051 (corner of Pershing and Pleasonton roads)
Ft. Bliss
915-568-4518
The Old West days of the "Soldiers of the Pass" are relived through replicas of original adobe fort buildings and military artifacts. The museum is a reproduction of the Magoffinsville Post from 1854 to 1868. Admission is free. Hours: 9am to 4:30pm, everday.
Insights - El Paso Science Museum
505 N Santa Fe St.
El Paso, TX 79901
915-542-2990
Over 80 hands-on science and technology exhibits located in a new building in the City Hall parking lot downtown. Tue-Sat 9am to 5pm.
Los Portales Tourist Information Center and Museum
This museum, with its excellent exhibits, veteran's room and more, is located on the Mission Trail in the historic old San Elizario. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. every Tuesday through Sunday. To prearrange tours during times other than regular hours of operation, call 915-851-1682.
Magoffin Homestead
1120 Magoffin Ave.
El Paso, TX 79901
915-533-5147
An adobe-style hacienda built in 1875 by settler Joseph Magoffin. The home is built of adobe (sun-dried brick) with walls four feet thick. Some of the furnishings date back to the time of the original owner. Open Wed-Sun 9 to 4.
McKelligon Canyon
McKelligon Canyon Rd.
915-564-9138
Beautiful canyon park located on the north side of El Paso and in the middle of the Franklin Mountains. Great hiking and picnicking. The amphitheater is home each summer to performances of Viva El Paso! and other events. Take McKelligon Canyon Road off Alabama St.
The Mission Trail
Mission Trail Association
1 Civic Center Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901
915-534-0630
Located just 15 minutes east of downtown El Paso, the Mission Trail is rich in history dating back 400 years. You can visit three active missions, plus numerous other historic sites. Unique local shopping and dining are also nearby. Take I-10 east to the Zaragosa exit, turn south and follow the blue historical signs.
Natural History Museum
North Park Mall
9348 Dyer, Suite J
El Paso, TX 79924
The Natural History Museum of El Paso fills 30,000 sq. ft. with more than 300 exhibits spanning the wonders of the universe, from the progression of life on earth to the dawn of civilization to today's marvels. Paleomania features the great international fossil collection, Tutankhamun displays treasures from one of the most famous and richest tombs ever discovered, and Starscape illustrates the cosmos with spectacular photography.
NCO Museum
Biggs Army Airfield
915-568-8646
Here's one place where the Non-Commissioned Officer gets due credit. Equipment and uniforms used by sergeants and other NCOs through the years are displayed. Admission is free. Hours: 9am to 4pm, weekdays, and noon to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
4100 Dripping Springs Rd.
Las Cruces, NM
505-522-4100
The new museum, the largest agricultural museum in the country, is at 4100 Dripping Springs Road (take University Avenue east of Las Cruces). The museum has several exhibits on farming and ranching, plus Southwestern art exhibits, including works by Amado Pena on display through November. The museum offers an insect zoo and wildflower and native plant garden. Domestic animals on site include burros, churro sheep, Longhorn cattle and dairy cows. Milking demonstrations are at 11am and 3pm. Hours are 9am to 5pm, Wednesday - Sunday. Admission is $2 (age 16 and under free).
Plaza Monumental Bullring
Paseo Triunfo de la Republica #4630
Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua, MX
Live, traditional bullfights are held in the spring and summer at this bullring in Juarez. Three matadors fight two bulls each in this longstanding Spanish and Mexican sport. Matches last about two hours. On hot days spend the extra money for tickets on the shady side of the arena. Check the calendar of events in this issue for dates. Plaza Monumental is located at Paseo Triunfo de la Republica #4630, one block from the Rio Grande Mall. Tickets can be purchased at Papa's - 585-8965.
Scenic Drive
Starts on Rim Road
The best view of the city accessible by car. You can see all of El Paso and Juarez, plus some of New Mexico. From downtown, take Stanton St. north, then go right on Rim Rd.
Tigua Cultural Center
305 Yaya Road
El Paso, TX
915-859-5287
Located at 305 Yaya Rd. at Socorro Rd. just east of the Ysleta Mission. It's open from 8:30am to 5pm, Tuesday - Sunday. The center features:
· A Tigua tribe museum, including its relationship to the Tiwas of Northern New Mexico, and their arts and crafts.
· Cacique Cafe, with traditional mexican food and Tigua recipes. Fresh menudo is served on weekends.
· Several family-operated gift shops, with artists working at the shops.
· The Tigua Indian Social Dancers perform at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm Saturday and Sunday.
· Traditional Indian bread making on Saturday mornings.
Transmountain Road and Franklin Mountains State Park
Canutillo exit off I-10
Loop 375 East for 4 miles
800-795-1112 (Information)
915-566-6441
This is the road that cuts through the mountains and connects northeast El Paso with Canutillo to the northwest of town. There are several places to stop and enjoy different views of the desert and towns below. Franklin Mountains Park lies at the bottom of the west side of the mountain. It's a great place for hiking and picnicking and to get an up-close view of the desert and mountains. The Park is open 8am to dusk and a small fee is charged.
The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP)
University of Texas El Paso
El Paso, TX 79968
915-747-5000
The school opened in 1914 as the Texas School of Mining and Metalurgy. The buildings were built to resemble those seen in the city of Lhasa in the Himalayas. The Sun Bowl Stadium on campus is home to the annual Sun Bowl.
U.S. Army Air Defense Museum
Building 5000 (Pleasonton road)
Ft. Bliss
915-568-5412
Showing through 1999: "Kewpie Dolls to Y2K: The 9 Years." This is an exhibit of civilian and military life throughout the century, focusing on the ninth year of each decade: 1909, 1919, 1929, etc. The museum also includes an outdoor weapons park, with weaponry ranging from early anti-aircraft guns to the Hawk missile. Admission is free. Hours: 9am to 4:30pm daily.
War Eagles Museum
Santa Teresa Airport
Santa Teresa, NM
505-589-2000
Located at the Santa Teresa, New Mexico Airport, this unique museum is only 20 minutes from downtown El Paso. The warbirds of World War II and Korea, and other historic military aircraft, are displayed in a 54,000-square-foot building and the surrounding area. The collection includes the P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning, A26 Invader, and the German Fieseler-Storch. Among later era aircraft are the F-86 Sabre and MIG-15s. To get there: Take the north Mesa exit off Interstate 10, head west past the Rio Grande and turn right on McNutt road. Go two miles, turn left on Airport road, and go four miles to the airport and museum. Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am to 4pm. Admission: $5; $4 senior citizens & military; free for children under 12.
Wilderness Park Museum
4301 Trans-Mountain Rd.
El Paso, TX 79924
915-755-4332
Located on Transmountain Road near Highway 54 in Northeast El Paso, this museum tells of man's adaptation to the desert environment. There is a mile long nature trail and great views of the mountains and valleys. Open Tue- Sun 9-5.