Tips: buy tickets ahead of time online (time slots do sell out often), arrive 10 minutes early (there is a direct connected parking lot for the museum with spots reserved for their guests), and be prepared to learn so much! The front door may be locked if you don't arrive in time, my tips are yours to success :)) This museum is family owned, and the layout in a beautiful historical castle is just amazing. Antiques adorn every room. The displays are well lit and have information for you to read and over 50 QR codes to scan for more interactive experience. Every room is curated by specific topics and designed to showcase an amazing collection and teach the patrons so much. Whether you're interested in the mining aspect, different countries that used turquoise over the generations, spotting imitations, what mines produce different variations, or learning about the family who started the museum, there is something for all. There are sample stones and areas set up to test your own knowledge at different turquoise and spotting fakes. And a mine you can go inside. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to going back next time in town. Dont forget to stop and browse the collection for sale in the gift shop. I picked up a few pieces from the sleeping beauty mine, my fav! read more

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This is a comprehensive, family owned museum all about turquoise! The collection is vast with a multi faceted view of turquoise across time and the world! I really appreciated the opportunity to visit this museum and learn more about turquoise and more. read more

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Great place to visit. Owned by a fourth generation family and well worth a visit as a local or tourist. Such a nice family. Buy your ticket direct from their website for the best price. I learned so much about the mineral and how it's used mined etc. beautiful collection and wonderful space. Parking on site is limited but there's also street if it fills up. Give yourself time to park. And buy your ticket ahead of time! read more

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Amazing experience at the Turquoise Museum! I always loved turquoise growing up because of Tibetan Buddhism's influence on my upbringing, and I was happy to learn more about the turquoise mine, trade, their presence in different cultures, and even more, about how non-natural turquoise is made, all from the museum. The museum's collection is extensive, and one could easily spend hours immersed in the beauty and stories behind these treasures. In the end, I also select a piece of jewelry for myself from their gift shop. The Turquoise Museum is a must-see for both turquoise enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural and historical significance of this precious stone. read more

Great history and varieties of Turquoise. Hard to believe it that only 5% of the Turquoise in circulation are natural stone!

We were here with Fantasy RV tours. The museum was so interesting and all the staff were so knowledgeable and nice. Lots to see and lots to learn. read more

Absolutely fascinating! Truly every thing to to about all the different kinds of turquoise. There were a lot of fantastical pieces of art and sculpture to see and a lot of knowledge to gain. I can now tell real turquoise from fake. A great skill to acquire. This place is really a must see. Probably the most interesting museum I've been to. read more

A great educational experience and really gets you thinking about what types of turquoise are out there. The "Turquoise Castle" is really amazing and plenty of great photo opportunities. Stop by for a New Mexico gem read more

First, you see the spectacular castle in all of its glory, built by Gertrude Zachary as her main residence. Second, as you approach the front door, a young dapper gentleman dressed in top hat and tails greets you. He happens to be the executive director of the museum! You walk in and have escaped into another world of beautiful architecture, I want to say, of early 1900s French Colonial style, loads of turquoise, and many chandeliers. Right up front, they showcase the Hope Diamond of turquoise -- George Washington Stone -- which is quite spectacular in size and beauty. There's a beautiful goblet jeweled in turquoise. They have a face bust made of turquoise. They have a small room filled with fake turquoise and show you the differences to look for. It's an impressive collection exhibited in a beautiful space. It's one place that should be on your shortlist of things to see in Albuquerque. read more

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Truly trippy. This place is one of a kind and so incredibly beautiful. It's extremely educational and perfect for the museum goer who wants something fresh. I love the turquoise museum and will be returning. read more

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We really enjoyed the museum. We did the self guided tour and you can really spend 45 mins (as we did) or a day. The museum starts in an old blacksmith building then you head over to the "castle" - a beautiful home of it's own right. There is a recreated mine and more examples of stone and Jewely than you can imagine. Staff (really the owners) are lovely and ensure questions are answered. It was a nice visit. read more

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I'm sorry, I tend to keep a sunny attitude but today was just bull!! I can't review the museum itself, but I can express our frustration with its logistics. We've been wanting to go to the Turquoise museum for some time now. Not only is turquoise my natural birthstone, I'm familiar with various source locations in AZ. My brother and an uncle are silversmiths too. So today was finally a chance to visit the museum. I checked online for the hours for today (Saturday), making sure it was open. We drove all the way down from RR. Got there and the door was locked. I checked the info on maps, 5:00 listed for closing today. I thought this is odd, maybe we're at the wrong door. We see a sign for "Showtime entrance times" and that tickets had to be purchased before. WTF!! Never saw anything about this. No, I didn't go to their website, why would I? It's a freaking museum not a sideshow or immersion event. It's quite common to just go to a MUSEUM and just buy admission to the building. Easy Peasy!! Its privately owned which makes sense that it's so ridiculous. Just hope they do something so others don't have the same disappointment that we experienced. read more

Turquoise Museum - Museums Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Tried to go check this place out, google said it was open. This guy (who I assume is the owner) barricaded our truck in his lot without telling us anything at all. I rolled down my window to see what the heck was going on and asked if everything was okay. He then threatened us that we "better get the hell off his property. I asked him politely why he didn't just ask us to leave instead of barricading us in, because apparently the store was being remodeled. He proceeded to tell us to get the hell of his property and acted as if we were directly attacking his business and that we saw the signs that it was private property and that we shouldn't be there. But the signs said that it was private property for the turquoise museum! which is where we were trying to go. I was able to convince him to remove the barricade so he could let us "leave his damn property." The whole thing was very weird. Would not recommend unless you're into hostage situations. 1/10 read more

I loved this museum! The history and the information that's provided is exceptional. It's family owned and operated and they are very informative beyond information displayed at each exhibit. Highly recommend attending! read more

I arrived at 2:02 pm for a 2 pm tour. I had purchased my ticket online in advance. The executive director indicated the doors were locked at 2:01 pm, and I would not be allowed in the museum. I could transfer the ticket to the next day, but I was flying home. NO consideration was given to me to allow me to meet my group. My ticket is now void, and no refund will be issued. Watch the fine print on this museum's ticketing site, and don't ignore the email they send you. Bottom line, DON'T BE LATE - not even one minute!! read more

More like a Turquoise Temple, than a Museum. Turquoise is a gem that most in America associate exclusively with the Native American culture. Here you learn that is in fact a gemstone that is admired and used throughout the world. Additionally, its use and value as a gemstone dates back to the beginnings of using gems in jewelry to adorn ourselves. A visit to the Turquoise Museum is a an immersive education in this beautiful material. Lots of 'tutorial' and informative descriptions and tales are sprinkled throughout this quirky and illuminating place. The experience will dissolve what you think you know about Turquoise! Highly recommend a visit! read more

Love love love love this place!! Yelp doesn't typically get things wrong. But for whatever reason this Museum is misrepresented. Visit this location. I promise it is worth the entrance fee and is far better than any reviews you may have read. First of all, it is located in a fabulous house in downtown Albuquerque. The house is beautiful on its own, but the fact that it is filled with beautiful and informational turquoise displays makes it that much better. The house includes beautiful chandeliers, staircases, and stained glass. The turquoise displays teach the viewer about the world, culture, and of course turquoise. There are also interactive exhibits throughout the museum that allow a visitor to touch the turquoise. I found this really interesting and enjoyable - I didn't know there would be so many ways to actually engage with the turquoise. As you walk around you become entranced by the beautiful jewelry and cultural pieces. You almost can't help but wish to own a piece. There is a super fun gift shop with unique turquoise pieces and very helpful staff. I don't know if I would feel driven to revisit the museum unless I was bringing guests. But I could imagine visiting the gift shop again. Further, I am already planning to give my significant other a list of items I liked in the gift shop. Ha! read more

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Every summer as a child we would visit Arkansas and we would stop at the Mule trading post. My sisters and I had save money throughout the year so we could purchase a turquoise ring. So I drug my husband to this place and he loved it. Very knowledgeable staff and they had lots to display. read more

Turquoise Museum - The George Washington stone - Museums Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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My daughter and I have been road tripping together and we look for interesting places to experience and explore. The Turquoise Museum is one of those stops. Joshua and his 5 generations family story is amazing. The exbit is over 3 tons of Turquoise from all over the world. Truly if you take your time thru the museum you will learn so much. At the end of your like me I needed a certified piece to take home. Enjoy the gift shop, you won't be disappointed read more

We were looking for something to do this weekend other than just hanging out. We had never been to the museum before so decided to schedule a visit. We booked the 0930 Saturday tour on Friday evening. Our tour had 3 people participating. Jacob led our tour and was absolutely delightful- engaging, funny and knowledable. We will definitely be back and will bring out of town company to the museum. Highly recommend for both people who live in the area as well as those visiting. Educational, interesting and Engaging. read more

Beautiful building. A lot to look at. You start off my watching a video then you are left to explore. 4/5 stars due to the price. $20/person is a little too steep for me. read more

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Wonderful museum, engaging and educational. Quite a collection and the castle is beautiful!!

Absolutely loved the museum! Joe Dan was incredibly kind and gracious, and made this experience truly memorable for me and my partner Daniel. One of a kind, that stirred both my heart and my spirit. I will never forget my time there. Mario in the gift shop was amazing and super helpful. I was guided to this "hidden gem" and recommend Turqouise Museum as a must experience. read more

Turquoise Museum - Turqouise chandelier in entrance. - Museums Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Great museum. Gives in depth information into how turquoise is found, where and how to tell real from fake. Some very beautiful jewelry is on display from all over the world. Be prepared to spend a couple hours there read more

A great place to visit with well designed galleries and a lot of turquoise to see! A friendly family-owned business. The museum is in a beautiful historic building. There is also a gift shop with a lot of beautiful turquoise jewelry too. read more

Turquoise Museum - Museums Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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We were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the exhibits and the customer care. The owner of the business was on-site with great information about the turquoise industry, the science and the uses of turquoise over the year and around the globe. I recommend. read more

With 'Museum" in the name, I was expecting more of a, you know, museum. The Turquoise Museum seems to be more showroom than museum. The folks that run the place are clearly turquoise experts as the book they've written is here and on sale along with quite a lot of turquoise and silver jewelry. The stuff on sale is a bit more expensive than you'll find in the Old Town gift shops but the difference is that these folks have a reputation to maintain. Expect the quality to be there and there will not be fakes. I opted not to tour the turquoise museum. We looked about and considered making a purchase but instead, we left. read more

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Cool building. Interesting displays. If you have any interest in geology, jewelry, or New Mexico history, this is a great place to spend a couple of hours, and a few hundred bucks! They also have an excellent "gift" shop with lots of great turquoise jewelry. Once you've been through the museum and attended a workshop, you'll have the knowledge you need to make a smart purchase. read more

If you are at all interested in Turquoise (the stone), you've got to visit this museum! Here you will see more turquoise, classified primarily by mine, than you've ever seen in one place before. The home that houses this vast collection is very interesting as well although I must admit my eyes rarely moved away from the many cases of beautiful turquoise and fabulous pieces of jewelry fashioned from it! And you will have one of the worlds most prominent turquoise authorities, Joe Dan Lowry, right there to answer all your questions! What more could you ask for??? I strongly recommend this museum! read more

Very interesting as overview of turquoise Lots of displays of turquoise from around the world and no it is not all the same Good value

Super neat and interesting place to visit. The gift shop is a great place to window shop around in to after your self guided tour. I wish that the price for a professional style camera permit wasn't sooo pricey but otherwise it's a neat little visit. Also has some great shooting spots around the area if you are willing to pay the permit price. read more

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We toured the museum last week with our group of 58 people. Everyone raved about the collection and we're fascinated by the building. The collection has no rival in the world. The information about turquoise as a precious stone is vast so you can learn as much as you want or as little. Jacob is the most gracious host and the whole Lowry family welcomes you with open arms. Highly recommend the museum be one of your first stops on any tour of the southwest if you plan to buy turquoise jewelry while here. Oh did I say they have a great gift shop where you can rest assured that you know what you are buying. read more

When I came to this museum in its last location (they moved in 2018, apparently), it was super interesting, quirky, and certainly worth a visit. Now, however, they require you to buy advanced tickets and only pay the last visitors come at 2 pm (even though it says it is open). I saw others expressing frustration, and would make two additional comments: if the owners have not gotten Apple to change their maps listing for 10 years, they have not tried very hard, it's an easy process in my experience. Lastly, they need to change the name: it's not a museum, it's a show or an experience if someone needs to buy tickets in advance and there are only certain show times. Change the name, improve your listing, and stop making it so difficult for people to enjoy! Big big big disappointment! read more

Nice place to see in Albuquerque. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and semi funny. I learned a lot about turquoise that I didn't even know before. They only have 2 tours a day 11am & 1pm. This place is located in a strip mall so don't worry you are in the right place. Also depending the doors open 15 mins before the tour so you may see a blue curtain pulled if you get there early. Overall the tour was good... the only downside is that you can not take pictures during. read more

I knew nothing about turquoise going in and feel like I know even less now, but that's just because I have a new understanding of how complex this gemstone actually is. This museum is unusual, but fascinating. It's family run and you'll meet members of the family and learn their 5-generation turquoise history while you're there. An enjoyable way to spend an hour or two (or lots more if you want to dig really deep into the subject). read more

Okay so my experience had expectations and I was underwhelmed. Honestly the house was more impressive than the museum and the cost of it. $20.00...why? When doing the 6 minute informational video there was a clear direction of don't touch this don't touch that don't do this or that. In a room filled with chairs and pamphlets I settled in. During a break, walking around the room looking at items I saw convent/monastery seats hand carved and without a sign or posting don't touch. Plus it hand pamphlets all over them. I picked up the pamphlet and lifted the foldable seat. After all again it was not restricted in any away and in a sitting room. All of a sudden one of the owners walked in and gave me a scolding that was uncalled for. Especially considering it wasn't restricted plus it was in a sitting room. Anyhoo I followed directions again and did the tour. But was then later approached by the same man in the museum with a comment of are you touching anything again? Was that necessary? Do you know me like that? No and no. And I'm not sensitive to rules but I don't know you like that and you don't know me like that. Moving on. Overall and okay experience. read more

An amazing experience! The Turquoise Museum is so well curated, it is a dazzling feast for the eyes. Gem grade turquoise for the discerning eye and beautifully displayed, throughout this stunning museum. Turquoise is a subject very dear to my heart and I purchased a yearly membership because I could not take it all in, during one visit. The Lowry Family has created a world class exhibit worthy of the finest museums. Jacob Lowry, the museum's executive director, is so knowledgeable and happy to answer any of your questions! This will be a delightful afternoon, for your out of town guests. I know I plan on entertaining many friends here, on their next visit! 5 Stars read more

The only turquoise museum in the US. If' an amazing experience to see stones from all over the world. The owners are very friendly and knowledgeable. Great place to take visitors. read more

Total learning experience. I had visited last yr when they were next to walgreen drug store. This new place is so engaging. The staff is extremely knowledgeable. The 30 min class was extremely helpful They give you a basic education on Turquoise. Learned much more then 1st time. Would have liked a little more info on castle. Like when it was built. How long did it take. Who designed it? I will return with friends again. Best is you can stay as long as u like. I give it 5 Stars. read more

This is a fun place if you enjoy Turquoise and from the many areas of the globe. I collect rocks. Some value huh? Turquoise is a favorite and some of the offerings are simply amazing. I also enjoyed the historic building. I believe I was told 132 chandeliers in the place. I believe it, they are everywhere and they are beautiful. My host loved having a Doris Day moment walking down the grand staircase. I took pics. Questions? Ask away as Michael is a most wonderful guide. Thank you Michael for the personal tour. I didn't mind the fee as I was interested in the minerals. A small cafe would be outstanding in the rear of the building near the pool and savor a grand lifestyle if even for only a moment. Coffee and a sweet. If you like blue rocks and I do, then you will enjoy this offering. Recommend. Thank you. read more