El Paso Museum of History: explore the rich history in the Pass of the North.
Established in 1974, the El Paso Museum of History operates with a primary mission to educate the community and to promote the understanding of the multicultural history of the bordering region known as the Pass of the North. This mission is achieved by offering a variety of exhibits, educational programs and events.
In 2000, the citizens of El Paso passed a bond to allocate $6.5 million in funding for the construction of a new 44,000 square foot Museum building. The museum relocated to the new state-of-the art home in 2007. The El Paso Museum of History is one of three city-operated museums; there is also a Museum of Art and of Archaeology. While admission to the museum is always free; however some special exhibits have entry fees.
Currently on exhibit at the museum is the Da Vinci Experience. This exhibit consists of more than 60 machines that were designed by Leonardo Da Vinci and replicas of his famous paintings including the Mona Lisa. The exhibit is interactive, visitors will have the opportunity to operate the machines and there are a number of educational programs and lectures occurring during this exhibition period. The Da Vinci exhibit has an entrance fee of $7-$14. See the attached Da Vinci Guide for more information on this exhibit.
Another exhibit is the Money of the Mexican Revolution collection. Explore the various coins and paper currencies that rebel leaders like Pancho Villa made during the Mexican Revolution. Then, visit the exhibit dedicated to honoring Don Haskins and the Team from Glory Road, the NCAA 1966 Men’s basketball champions. Don Haskins was the face of college basketball in El Paso for almost four decades. Learn about his life and his historic championship wins and groundbreaking ethnic and cultural triumphs in basketball.
The museum offers regular lectures and educational classes that are free to the public. Visit the museum website for current information and to register for any of these events. You can also book private tours for your future trip. Before you leave the museum, be sure to stop by the museum store and check out their expansive offerings of jewelry, books, cloths, toys, coins, kites, cups and tons of Da Vinci themed merchandise.
Posted by Jennifer Pruett
