New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

This 44,000 s.f. addition to the existing New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science created two new distinct, and contemporary design components which redefine and strengthen the institution’s visual image, while melding with the older structure. The 280-seat large format iWERKS theatre anchors the northeast façade along with a new curved glass entry pavilion and ticketing area. The new 150-seat planetarium is adjacent to new exhibition spaces, a simulator, astronomy center, and observatory. The project included the creation of a bright, new “Natureworks” gift shop concept, along with curatorial, vertical transportation, and storage spaces.

PROJECT: NM Museum of Natural History & Science
LOCATION: Albuquerque, NM
CLIENT: State of New Mexico
DATE OF COMPLETION: February 2000
SIZE: 44,000 s.f.
FEATURES: Planetarium, simulator, observatory, iWERKS large format theatre, entry pavilion and ticketing, gift shop, and exhibition spaces.

“Studio SW Architects, Inc. assisted in our fundraising efforts on the local level and in the legislature by providing professionally produced graphic materials and staff who made professional and effective presentations on our behalf. We appreciate the opportunity to work with a firm that assumes a team approach to the demanding process of design and construction.”
– Mary Anne Isaac, Executive Director, New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation