Turquoise Museum — Attraction in Albuquerque

I’m a huge crystal, rock, and mineral nerd since I was a kid, and I found the museum delightful. The mansion it’s housed in alone is a sight worth seeing, and it’s enchanting. The turquoise collection went above and beyond my expectations. It had everything—from art to fashion, from ancient to contemporary, from artifacts to raw and polished specimens. There was even a collection of imitation turquoise. You learn how it’s gathered and mined and treated. There was so much in the museum that was impressive, breathtaking, really artful, or just worth seeing, like the George Washington Stone. They had specimens with history from many mines, so I even left with an idea of what my favorite locales and quality of turquoise are. There’s history and art with turquoise all around the world. There’s so much cool art in this museum. It was well worth admission price. I learned a lot.

I also like how it was organized. You watch a short orientation video in the beginning that shows you where to go, then you’re on your own to wander. They have QR codes, but I prefer reading plaques, which they had plenty of. I thoroughly enjoyed all the different rooms and exhibits.

Then there’s the gift shop, which also exceeded expectations. They have expensive, impressive high quality specimens and jewelry. They also have affordable pieces, antique jewelry, and even imitation pieces. The man working in the gift shop, Mario, was really knowledgeable and friendly. The stuff they had was so good, so I was very indecisive! But I ended up with two beautiful raw specimens and an antique ring.

The owners and staff were all very welcoming and I think they’ve made this private museum a really lovely, informative, interactive museum. If you love art, history, minerals, jewelry, fashion, or architecture, this museum has something to impress you. A really fun experience. I’d definitely come again, both to spoil myself in the gift shop and soak up more of the museum and learn more. There was plenty to...

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....

Critique: Have to show up 10 minutes beforehand, opened 8 mins beforehand. Immediately in the gift shop. Corralled outside so you are kind of punished for being timely. The lady came out 4 minutes past. For a company that will void your ticket if you are late, it seems these rules do not apply to themselves. Forced to watch an unnecessary museum explanation video that leaves one tired after seeing it. Terrible use of space. They've filled up someone's testament to wealth with even more tat to the point of it being tawdry. You don't get to see the entire castle. It is human to want to see the highest view and they don't make that available. There are some good example pieces but there's nothing that one can't see at Gertrude Zachary or the Palms. The price is UNTENABLE. Explanation: There's so much opportunity to make this space more lovely and it is being squandered. The roses in the gardens are cut down to the wick, taking no account of cane growth. Theres giant planters, empty. Make the castle grand, it's a castle. I don't need it to be filled with antiques. I just need it to be filled with turqoise. Re-do the signs so it doesn't seem like you used Microsoft PowerPoint in 2010. Light the "mine tunnel" with under lighting. Make it so I can't see the light chords go into the display case for the Washington Stone. Don't leave soda cans everywhere. Use the dead space, make it more human where you can see something new each time by wandering. Put up false backing over the stove and dishwasher in the...