Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

About Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

Sprawling garden with 600+ native plants. Jumbo garden with walking paths offering various areas featuring over 600 native plants. The museum houses over 70,000 objects in its permanent collection, including dinosaur bones and 20th century luxury items. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 256 visitors.

💬 What Visitors Say

• 💬Get a free 3-hour pass at the gate simply by telling staff you want to visit the museum—no student ID or membership required. This is a great way to experience the venue at no cost.
• 🕐Plan your visit for when flowers are in bloom (spring/early summer) to fully enjoy the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Visitors note the gardens are particularly beautiful during peak blooming season.
• 💡Don't miss the interactive dinosaur bone exhibit where you can actually touch real dinosaur bones—this is a highlight for visitors of all ages, especially children interested in paleontology.
• 💬Check the museum's closure schedule before visiting: closed Sundays, holidays, and during UTEP football home games. The Lhakhang has limited hours (Wednesdays 11am-1pm and first Saturday monthly).
• 💡This museum is excellent for families with neurodivergent children and those with specific interests like dinosaurs and Native American history. Visitors report it's a wonderful, welcoming environment for repeated family visits.