carlsbad museum and art center

Teaswood

We toured the caves with our 4 kids and really enjoyed it. Our kids said "this is actually kinda cool". Imagine that! We enjoyed listening to the bat presentation also. Gift shop has everything your kids could possibly want.

693katiew

Cool things to see. Small, but well put together. Staff super friendly. Plus it's free! They have a real stage coach. Was very interesting too see!

crucesdave

Very nice exhibit and a scale replica of 1905 Carlsbad is being built (as of Fall 2014). Some very authentic western art and a nice overview of the history of the area.

TXRVer09

There is always an excellent traveling exhibit worth the stop. Right now it is all about bats.In the big center exhibit room several volunteers are painstakingly creating a model of Old Carlsbad. If one of the volunteers are present, be sure to ask them about the display and you will get a 15 minute verbal history lesson that is very informative and well worth your time.Best part? The museum is free.

CACoastTraveler

This is an amazing national park. Friendly people, good rates, totally fantastic location.Note - the claim at their website is that you must make reservations ahead and that there is a 48 hour minimum lead time. Do not believe this - if you are there and don't have 48 hours lead, go ahead. There was space for all tours the day we visited. The toll free number must be run by people that dislike visitors - not by ones that want to increase visits to Carlsbad. By the way, if you can arrange to visit the 'Bat Flyout' about 7:30pm in August, please do - it is - amazing.

lisasjm

There is a great interactive bat exhibit right now. Good to see a touchable exhibit! The train room is available to view while being finished.

23natashag

I came to the Caverns when I was 14 and I was excited to return. It is just as beautiful and interesting as I remember. I was a little sad to see the black cables exposed. The rest area at the foot of the Grand Room is a little dreary compared to 23 years ago (yes, I realize we are 750 feet below the ground). The elevator attendant explained to us that the cables were not going to be covered any longer and the plumber is now changing light bulbs when possible. That's disheartening and I hope it is not a matter of funding. Otherwise, the caves are still beautiful and interesting. My kids enjoyed it and I look forward to taking them when they are teenagers!

Kitti1

We just happened upon the museum & am so very glad we did! It was an absolutely wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. The fellow in the big room was a volunteer that was building a retrospective of the history of Carlsbad. SUPER interesting! He was so willing to talk about the history that we lost track of time. We will go back & see the progess that is being made on the diorama (it is huge!) - hope he is still there! There is no admission, or there wasn't when we were there, so please drop a few dollars into the box by the front door!

kpcamping

The art work and displays were breathtaking. The Goddard area was a wonderful walk through the history of missile development

RICHARDF968

A surprisingly nice and informative museum in the heart of town. Loved the stage coach and the model train exhibit. Worth the time to see.

Kimberdny11

I have been to several caverns throughout the United States but nothing like this place. Truly inspiring and totally cool. The tour is self-guided and a flash light is not really required. Normally I would suggest a jacket due to the temperature drop but not in these caverns. Even though it's 56 degrees with the humanity it's a nice 70. Overall the pathway is nicely laid out and paved. There are a few spots which are not wheelchair accessible but what you can see in a wheelchair is truly a rewarding experience. Trust me you will not feel like you missed something special by not being able to go, the pathway is just a little steep. The tour takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Tip: if a school class is waiting to go in take the elevator down versus walking through the main entrance. It does save a little time but most of all you will feel like you have entered into an alien environment without all the noise of the kids. Lastly, please bring a bottle of water.

pfefmeister

Stopped by for a quick hour while walking around downtown Carlsbad. Interesting collection of local artifacts and displays of historical objects. The recycled exhibit was original and artwork collections were very well displayed. Check it out while in town - well worth it.

barbaracT1620ZV

This municipal museum has a professional curator and conducts regular programs of particular local interest. There are many items collected from early settlers, and a significant display of prominent New Mexico artists. The is a beautiful Glenna Goodacre bronze statue in the front of the building. Check for special programs when you go - they are always interesting.

liblady1124

Amazing collection of not only local history, but world-class art not found anywhere else in the state! Do not miss the Native American pottery collection! New fascinating exhibits being added regularly. A must see while visiting Carlsbad! Prepare to be amazed!

292BR292

A true natural wonder of the world. everyone needs to see this amazing place... get there early and stay late. Take a few days to see all of the main area, it's sooooo worth it.