During a recent business trip to ABQ, I decided to venture over to the Turquoise Museum, despite some of the negative reviews. In my experience, you always have those difficult to please individuals. I, (nor the people with whom I associate with), would characterize myself as such. However, I do believe $20 is quite a steep admittance fee. The gift shop (or the first leg of the experience) leaves much to be desired. It felt much like a junior high field trip in that we followed the guide in a single file line. Obviously, it was a look but don't touch event and it appeared that each of us understood the assignment. However, I struggled to thoroughly enjoy myself because the guide was adamantly observing each of us as we proceeded through the tour. I would agree with others who made note of the owner, (who I have to assume was the guide), in that he was very arrogant. I can't quite put my finger on it, but he made several snide comments throughout the duration of the time that I was there. He was borderline rude and almost acted like we were a bother to him, that our being there was menial and he had much better things to attend. Very little conversation took place and it was uncomfortable at best. I caught myself looking at my watch and as I walked out, thought "Indeed, it was a beautiful castle but I just dropped $20 in what could have bought a nice glass or two of wine." I will not return, nor will I recommend to my team when they are in town for business. Several museums, boutiques, vendors, outdoor exhibits, etc delivered much more appeal and with kindhearted individuals who make you feel like your presence isn't a burden, but rather welcomed. Albuquerque is a beautiful city and should be explored! Just be cognizant of how and where you spend your time - and pay attention to reviews. I wish I had.

Incredible experience! There are lots of reviews about the museum collection (which is incredible) and educational information (all true) so I will discuss their focus on customer instead. We had booked for 2 PM but weren't going to make it on time. The booking clearly stated that I might forfeit the tickets for not showing up on time. I called to see if we could arrive at 3. I got a VM prompt to which I didn't leave a message, thinking we have lost the fees. To my surprise, I got a call back in few minutes from Jacob. Jacob said we can still visit but will only have an hour since they close at 4 which might not be enough. So we arrived 1 hour late and had the best experience ever! Joe Dan (the owner) himself took the time to explain several important nuances to help us get as much information as possible in the short time. He is obviously incredibly knowledgeable being in this industry all his life. But having travelled all over the world, he also had lots of stories. We ended up having an incredibly wonderful conversation with Joe and his son, Jacob, not just about Turquoise but everything else! They actually stayed past the closing time and Jacob even recommended a local ice cream shop, "I scream ice cream" which also turned out to be amazing! Funny how being late worked out in the end. These guys are the best!

Pretentious, and short sited. This is a great opportunity in one of the most remarkable homes in Albuquerque, built by and amazing business woman Gertrude Zachary. But sadly, there is not a single mention of Gertrude, nor of the amazing home she built or the incredible antiques through the house. While the info on turquoise is vast and interesting. It’s tainted right from the get go by an introductory video that end in “if you think you can become an expert on natural turquoise in an hour, I would love to hear more about what other things you are an expert in”. On top of all this, when I inquired about who Gertrude was as this is based in the home she built, and there isn’t a single mention of her. I was told “*sigh* she married into the family, then divorced out of it 2 years later. But she kept the name to help her business”. Overall, overpriced, underwhelming, and missed the mark.
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$21–30

A friend and I visited this weekend and we were blown away. The museum is in a beautiful mansion on beautiful grounds. This is a family museum and the father and son who run the museum are enthusiastic about turquoise and education. There were few visitors while we were there, and most of the three hours were were there either the father or son was with us telling us incredible stories about the museum, family, turquoise, everything. I am definitely going to go back next time I am visiting Albuquerque. Because of COVID they are having you buy tickets online. We were able to walk in off the street and come in right away, but if you don't buy tickets online ahead of time, you may end up having to wait until the next entry time.

This Museum is amazing. It will teach you everything you need to know about turquoise. The castle is world class beautiful. The staircase and chandeliers are breathtaking. The displays of each and every turquoise imaginable will open your eyes to how beautiful a gem turquoise truly is. Staff are so pleasant and helpful. Gift shop sells nothing but the best REAL turquoise with certification. Went to the cafe for a romance cookie bar. Simply the best!! A great experience worthy of a couple of visits to take it all in. Cafe has a great menu and special brand of their own coffee. I would totally recommend taking out of town guest here to show them what Albuquerque has to offer. Awesome place!!

Wow! This is an incredible place to spend your time when visiting New Mexico; this place alone gives meaning to the term “enchantment”. The entire staff was friendly and knowledgeable; questions and conversation are welcomed. The castle makes it a unique experience; as you are gazing at the beauty of the building, you can’t miss the equally stunning turquoise! The world section is a favorite, as it explains the pieces and history of it. Tasteful and many photo opportunities are here. Sandy was the curator I spent the most time talking to; it was like visiting a friend! Kind, knowledgeable and I shared a wonderful long conversation about many topics! I highly recommend this place to anyone

Very cool! The chandelier is striking but I had a hard time getting a pic trying to look up with my vertigo! The building itself is gorgeous and complements the displays perfectly. Definitely something for everyone and definitely a lot! We were done after an hour and a half or so, but you could spend all day in there easily. We picked up some beautiful jewelry in the gift shop and a Nick the miner plush because it was too cute. :) Check it out if you're in Albuquerque, it's a real gem!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

This place is a wealth of knowledge! The use of Turquoise through the centuries. The countries around the world that mine and historically use Turquoise. Plus the different aspects of Natural and not natural Turquoise! Just wow!!! If you love learning about gemstones and jewelry this place is the perfect place! Also the family was on site to answer questions and talk to us! I loved hearing about the grading system they are proposing!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

If you are in Albuquerque this museum is a must see. It was such a wonderful surprise and was so very unique from what one expects.expects. history of the Southwest and of turquoise all over the world and since prehistoric times. You should have a guided tour with Joe Dan or his son Jacob which will add a wholly special and different dimension to your visit including Indian and early miners' lore. For some it can be a spiritual experience. Plan on taking more time than you're expecting to. You need to buy your tickets online in advance. ...

The turquoise collection is great! You learn quite a lot, and we recommend coming early so you can stay til close. The reason we gave it 3 stars and not 5 is the attitude of the owner of the museum. In our hearing, he offered a 12 year old girl the chance to hold, unsupported, a 50 pound chunk of turquoise, and when her family expressed concern said that they were stifling the girl’s learning. Again, good exhibits, but really unacceptable attitude by the owner.

If you are in Albuquerque with some time to explore, this is where you want to spend it. The family that runs the museum will make you feel at home, showing you not only where turquoise comes from but how to cut it, polish it, and hand-make the jewelry. See Jacob and his family. If I am asked if i would return, I am already looking at next year's travel plans. This is definitely a stop on our travels.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Beautiful turquoise displays and cool Beauty and the Beast looking castle, but unfriendly owner ruined the experience. Joe Dan was very pretentious and constantly watching you like a child to make sure you weren’t touching or breathing on anything. My sister and I laughed the entire duration of the self-guided tour by making fun of him.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

I didn't mind that it was self-guided. I had my phone & earplugs & scanned a lot of the QR codes for more info. I didn't read everything & it still took me 3 hrs to get through. A castle built in 2006 & full of turquoise from all over the world. I thought it was amazing & the staff were friendly. From AB,
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Worth it! The whole reason I went to the turquoise museum was to see the inside of that mansion! I didn’t really know anything about turquoise. I was surprised when the tour was top notch. The guide was a miner, super knowledgeable. It was a treat. I thought I would be board, I was not! Guide was excellent and fun. The history was awesome. How was cool too. A must do. Wait till you get upstairs, wow!

A must see museum in Albuquerque if you like a bit of history, hands-on learning and fun facts. The store also has a nice selection of jewelry. Get there on time to watch an overview video. The self guided tour does not take long, and there are so many different types of turquoise to see. You must buy your tickets in advance online.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

My wife and I spent part of our 25th Anniversary by taking a tour here and we had a great time. We learned a lot about turquoise. Jacob took time to talk with us and was very friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you Jacob for the great conversation and taking time to make us feel so welcome.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Price ticket is worth it, there are plenty of rooms, information and small activities to differentiate types of turquoise. There are lots of souvenirs in their shop, I bought some stones and they come with it's certificate of authenticity from the museum.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

At first I thought the price of admission was a little costly, but once you get inside you'll know why. This was once someone's home, the same family Legacy that owns Gertrude Zachary's. The displays inside our magnificent and there's tons of turquoise and other Stones as well. The owner and his wife were absolutely lovely. They both engaged in lots of conversation with us

The founder's son was on hand to explain every detail of the fabulous collection of turquoise from around the world. The gems there are thoughtfully set out in various settings and we spent two and a half hours fascinated by the location (originally home to a wealthy woman) and the vast variety of masks, jewelry and polished stones. Truly one of a kind and a must see.

This is an amazing place! If you like turquoise, this is a must visit! So much information about turquoise and an incredible amount of turquoise rough, cabs and jewelry! Very friendly and the most knowledgeable people you could possibly meet.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

The setting is a wonderful castle like building and the turquoise was magnificent! But, it was too much hassle and not worth $21/person. OK, if you are a rock hound and throughly into turquoise then you will probably love it. That's not me.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

A visit to the Turquoise Museum located in a castle-like building in Albuquerque is an enlightening experience. I learned about the global, international trade of turquoise through the centuries. And the various types of turquoise, mining techniques, etc. The museum collection is a fifth-generation family legacy. #TurquoiseMuseum

I have a new respect for turquoise. I’ve never been a big fan, but I love minerals, so learning about this stone and the problems in the industry was really helpful to understand how special true natural turquoise is. Takes about 2 hours if you read most of the information.
Visited on
Weekend
Price for adult entry
$16–20

I have always loved Turquoise. But I did not know many of the things we learned at the museum. It was informative. And some of the pieces were Absolutely Beautiful. I also got a few little pieces of The Chandler you see as you walk into the entrance of this wonderful place..... a lovely pair of Earrings made from the Extra pieces.

Ti keys need to be purchased online. We got discount because of triple A, and senior citizens. Amazing and interesting pieces of history. Turquoise from around the world was displayed so beautifully.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Do not waste your time at this tourist trap. The owner is quite pompous and not at all inviting. Definitely not worth the $20 entrance fee, especially when made to feel as though your every move is being scrutinized. Visit Old Town instead. The gift shops there are full of local artists and beautiful jewelry!

Excellent!! Wow! Educational! World class museum. A real treasure for New Mexico. Find out about the chandelier that is hanging in the entry way. Take your time and listen, read about the history of turquoise, origins, etc. The Lowery family are a wealth of knowledge. We will be back to see what we missed.

Excellent. Go early, there is a lot to see, even more to learn. The exhibits are well, they are exquisite!! They are well laid out and compressive. Cover is expensive but if you love or want/need to learn about turquoise it is well worth it. I will go back again, but I will go earlier and stay longer!!

Loved the self guided tour. I figured it would take 15 to 30 minutes, but we stayed over an hour. Way more interesting than I thought it would be. Highly recommend.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

It really was an informative and fun museum to visit. I recommend allowing two to three hours to visit the museum. There are over 100 beautiful chandeliers and thousands of magnificent jewelry pieces. Also, you can learn how to spot fake turquoise and the different kinds/mines.

Terrific experience. Everything you could want to know about turquoise and then some. Very knowledgeable guide, and the setting in a wonderful old mansion was spectacular. Great place for tourists to go, but also a nice way to spend an afternoon for someone who lives here.

Great learning experience. They have many turquoise variations and jewelry from all over the world. Free to explore and take your time with a self guided tour. The guides are always on hand to ask questions, if you wish though. 95% of turquoise sold is imitation. More

Interesting museum fully dedicated to turquoise. A lot to read with small text and no translations, it can be a bit overwhelming.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Very informative and personable museum. Allow a lot of time to do it justice. Great family owned and operated business. Well done team
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

If you LOVE turquoise, then this place is a must see for you. It's a self-guided tour with very little interaction with the staff. Certainly an education. The mansion that hosts the turquoise is pretty cool too. However, I wouldn't make a return visit.

I’m not usually one to comment on things, but my visit to the Turquoise Museum inspired one of those rare circumstances. By all means they have a very impressive collection of turquoise and well worth the visit.  The bizarre stucco “castle”

We thought it was very informative. Family owned and the son gave us a great tour with a lot of character. We had no idea there was so much to know about turquoise. Definitely a place to visit BEFORE you buy something in the historical old

Amazing collection of turquoise and art. The staff are knowledgeable and very happy to receive questions.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

If you're a Turquoise lover, this is heaven! I loved it. Could spend hours in here. Bought myself another turquoise ring and a pendant for my mom. They have a very nice selection of turquoise jewelry in their gift shop.

The quantity and quality of all the turquoise is astounding! Self guided tour takes about 2 hours or so. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The gift shop had some marvelous pieces. Definitely worth a stop!

Worth seeing!! The mansion is a great setting for this museum. Joe Dan and his son did a great job on telling us the history of the museum and the stories about the beautiful turquoise pieces. We would visit again.

There's way more to know about turquoise than I ever realized. Make sure to watch the videos and talk to the curators!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

It was very educational and had some beautiful jewelry, the castle is beautiful. I wish they would have left it a little more decorated with antiques, but it is a nice museum. I will go again.

A great place to buy Turquoise. They offer certificates of authenticity
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Interesting! Enjoyed the balance between science and entrepreneurship! I would like to learn more about turquoise within the history and context of the native American culture.

Great information and exhibits. Staff was outstanding
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

So worth getting the Curators Tour. Joe Dan and his family provide a special intimate window into their family and expertise with turquoise. Must see if in Albuquerque!

Excellent museum. Very educational as well as great displays. Joe Dan and family gave demonstrations of the processes used. I highly recommend a visit if possible.

A bit overpriced for a two story self guided tour to look at turquoise, but if you're into that kinda thing this is the place for you. It cost $21 per person.

A terrific mix of culture and history, very elegant and fascinating. Who knew that a hidden castle in downtown Albuquerque would contain such treasure?

To creepy for my taste. Would be a great haunted mansion.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

I did the tour to see inside the mansion. But it was awesome seeing and learning about all the different types of turquoise they have in there.

If you like turquoise, this place is for you! There is a lot to see at the museum. The staff is very friendly and helpful! More

Beautiful building and amazing jewelry. Staff is very informative and pleasant. One of our favorite stops on our trip. More

My wife wanted to go here. It was interesting. I enjoyed the mansion more. Lovely architechure and views. Educational.

We were waiting in the car park for the doors to open at 10am. They didn't. We called and were denied entry.

Hmmm, sorry over $20 for an entrance to this place. I don’t think so.
Visited on…
More

Interesting. We got in for free so hard to say if price is worth it.
Visited on…
More

Such a beautiful place. So much history here! I highly recommend it!

It is very informative about turquoise. I learned a lot.