A Fascinating Look Into The World Of Venomous Reptiles

A Fascinating Look Into The World Of Venomous Reptiles

Nestled in the heart of Albuquerque’s Old Town is a museum unlike any other, dedicated to the world’s most notorious and feared reptile: the rattlesnake. The American International Rattlesnake Museum is home to the world’s most extensive collection of live rattlesnakes, boasting an impressive 34 different species on display. But this museum is more than just a showcase of live venomous creatures. Visitors will also find an array of snake-themed art and artifacts, including a watercolor by John J. Audubon and an opium jar carved in the shape of a skull with a viper woven through the eye sockets.

The museum even offers Gabon Viper fangs for purchase in the gift shop for those brave enough to take a piece of the rattlesnake world home with them. Step inside this fascinating and educational museum to explore the world of venomous reptiles and debunk common misconceptions about these feared creatures.


Where Is The American International Rattlesnake Museum?

Albuquerque skyline, New Mexico
Photo by Gabriel Griego on Unsplash

Albuquerque skyline, New Mexico

  • The American International Rattlesnake Museum is in Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  • Restaurants, galleries, hotels, and shops are near the rattlesnake museum.

For those who want to go to the American International Rattlesnake Museum, this iconic destination is located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico. This museum is among other galleries, restaurants, hotels, and historic architecture. Specifically, the American International Rattlesnake Museum is on San Felipe Street, which is a popular strip in the city. Most of the Old Town Albuquerque district is perfect for walking and sightseeing, which allows visitors to make a whole day out of it. There is plenty to see and experience in and around the museum.

Furthermore, the American International Rattlesnake Museum is within walking distance of century-old homes, New Mexican eateries serving enchiladas and sopaipilla pastries, and tiny artisan shops selling jewelry, rugs, and pottery. New Mexico is famous for its art, beauty, and culture: so this is much more than a day at the museum. The Old Town district also holds other museums, including the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the Albuquerque Museum, which displays Southwestern art. After seeing the snakes, it could be fun to go UFO hunting in Roswell, New Mexico.

The American International Rattlesnake Museum is in a popular historic district of the city, allowing guests to walk down narrow streets, eat authentic Mexican cuisine, and enjoy art and shopping.

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What Is At The American International Rattlesnake Museum?

A rattlesnake in Arizona, USA
Photo by Meg Jerrard on Unsplash

A rattlesnake in Arizona, USA

  • There are 34 species of rattlesnakes at the American International Rattlesnake Museum.
  • The museum hosts an extensive collection of snake-related literature.
  • The American International Rattlesnake Museum holds one of the few venomous lizard species.

For guests of the American International Rattlesnake Museum, there are plenty of cool things to see here. First, this museum boasts the most extensive collection of rattlesnakes in the world, which is certainly something to brag about. Specifically, this Albuquerque-based museum showcases 34 types of rattlesnakes, ranging in size, and native location, all inside recreated habitats.

On top of that, this museum claims to have more rattlesnakes than the Bronx Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, the National Zoo in Washington, the Denver Zoo, the San Francisco Zoo, and the San Diego Zoo combined. That’s plenty of snakes for the whole family to enjoy and learn about while visiting this popular attraction. Another cool thing to see at this museum is one of the few known venomous lizard species in the world: the Gila monster. For art lovers, the American International Rattlesnake Museum features snake-themed paintings, artifacts, and memorabilia. There is a gift shop in the museum too, which is perfect for buying a gift for friends or family at home.

In addition to the museum, there are also plenty of other things to do in Albuquerque during a vacation that are worth adding to the itinerary.

How Much Do Tickets Cost For The American International Rattlesnake Museum?

Ticket prices for the American International Rattlesnake Museum are on the lower side. As of this year, here are the costs for admission to the attraction:

  • Adults – $6.00
  • Children – $4.00
  • Seniors – $5.00
  • Students – $5.00

On top of these prices, there are discounts for military members and teachers, bringing the ticket price down to $5.00. All one needs is their ID to get this discounted admission.

If someone is a teacher or serves/served in the military, they must show a valid ID to receive the discounted admission price to the American International Rattlesnake Museum.

What Is The Best Time To Visit The American International Rattlesnake Museum?

Old Town, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Via: Unsplash

A street in Old Town Albuquerque

Visiting the American International Rattlesnake Museum will be fun any time of year. However, in the Albuquerque area, visitors prefer to travel to the city in the fall, as the weather will be at its best. Specifically, September to November will be the best time to visit this area.

Old Town in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is filled with beautiful trees, all of which will change color and lose their leaves during fall. Weather-wise, Albuquerque in the fall boasts mild temperatures, making the city perfect for walking around pre- and post-rattlesnake watching. The many beautiful and free hiking trails in Albuquerque may also be worth considering for those in the area during the fall when the weather is mild.

For museum hours, guests can expect to be able to see it Wednesday through Saturday, from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with Monday and Tuesday being unavailable. Moreover, hours may change depending on weather, holidays, other renovations, etc. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check the museum’s social media or website before a visit.

To add to the fun, Albuquerque is home to a hot air balloon festival featuring almost 600 hot air balloons each year, which is a great way to get outdoors.

Albuquerque is at its best in the fall, with mild weather and beautiful scenery. This is when most visitors recommend coming here, so that’s something to remember.