Los Alamos Museums
Every visitor experiences Los Alamos differently. Some come for science, some for history, and others for the outdoors. There is no single starting point, only different paths into the same story.
As you explore, each museum reveals a layer of how this unique community came to be.
Bradbury Science Museum
Science that shaped the modern world
Located in the heart of downtown Los Alamos, the Bradbury Science Museum is one of the most visited attractions in Northern New Mexico and a cornerstone of any visit to Los Alamos. The museum brings the story of scientific discovery and innovation to life through immersive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and hands-on learning experiences. Visitors can explore the history and legacy of the Manhattan Project, where leading physicists, engineers, and researchers worked together on one of the most significant scientific efforts in modern history. The museum also highlights how that work laid the foundation for today’s national laboratories and ongoing scientific research.
Beyond history, the Bradbury Science Museum connects past breakthroughs to present-day innovation, showing how science continues to evolve in fields such as energy, space exploration, computing, and national security.
Highlights:
- Hands-on science exhibits and interactive demonstrations
- Real stories of innovation, experimentation, and problem-solving
- Family-friendly exhibits designed for all ages
- Clear connections between historic breakthroughs and modern science and technology
Learn More
Los Alamos History Museum
The story of a community shaped by change
Located in the historic Cottage House and on the grounds of the nearby Hans Bethe House, the Los Alamos History Museum offers an intimate look at the people and places that shaped the region. These historic sites provide an authentic setting to explore the layered history of Los Alamos, from ancestral Puebloan communities to early homesteading and ranching, and through the rapid transformation of the Manhattan Project era.
As part of one of the most meaningful cultural attractions in Northern New Mexico, the museum connects visitors to the everyday lives of the scientists, families, and community members who lived through a time of extraordinary change.
Highlights:
- Exhibits on early settlers, homesteading life, and Northern New Mexico history
- In-depth storytelling from the Manhattan Project and “Secret City” era
- Historic photographs, artifacts, and archival materials
- Rotating exhibits showcasing local artists and cultural heritage
Learn More
Los Alamos Nature Center
Where nature becomes the classroom
The Los Alamos Nature Center, operated by the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC), is a gateway to the outdoor beauty of northern New Mexico and one of the most family-friendly attractions in Los Alamos. This nature museum and education center connects visitors with the unique ecosystems, wildlife, and volcanic landscapes of the region.
With immersive indoor exhibits and immediate access to nearby trails, it offers a full experience for anyone looking for things to do outdoors in Los Alamos.
Highlights:
- Interactive exhibits on local wildlife, geology, and ecology
- Educational programs, workshops, and planetarium shows
- Family-friendly activities focused on outdoor learning and discovery
- Direct access to hiking trails and nature exploration
Learn More
Discover the Full Story of Los Alamos
The museums of Los Alamos each offer a distinct experience, but together they tell a complete and connected story of science, history, and nature in Northern New Mexico. From groundbreaking research at the Bradbury Science Museum, to the lived history preserved at the Los Alamos History Museum, to the natural landscapes explored at the Los Alamos Nature Center, each destination adds a different layer to understanding this unique region.
Visitors who explore all three gain a deeper appreciation for how Los Alamos became a place where scientific innovation, community history, and the natural environment are closely intertwined. Whether you are planning a family trip, a weekend getaway, or exploring Northern New Mexico attractions, museums in Los Alamos offer a meaningful and memorable experience.