Extras
Those looking to take their event to the next level need only say the word, and the event and meeting staff will get to work creating meeting magic. The museum is prepared to offer live entertainment and rents out colorful decorations and limited audiovisual equipment, although technical support is not provided. Each rental agreement comes with security; setup and takedown; cleanup; tables, chairs, podiums and bars; and a manager on duty at all times. Groups also have unrestricted access to tour the museum’s exhibits and artifacts before, during and after events.
The Museum
Since opening in 2005, the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum has entertained more than 800,000 visitors from around the world. The museum houses special exhibitions and regular exhibits that take visitors on a journey to understanding the history, heritage and technicality of balloon flight. Guests can explore the museum on their own or take a guided tour to learn how and why balloons fly while getting a full picture of the women, men, soldiers — balloons have historically been used in a handful of wars throughout the years — and more who have made hot-air ballooning what it is today.
After Events
During events, guests will be impressed with the museum’s high standards for hosting events, but it’s before and after the events that elevate any meeting in this space. It’s not uncommon for guests to sneak out during sunrise to soak in the views of the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley from the Sky Lounge; and even during the day, most groups opt to picnic in the lounge to get lost in the clouds. While younger visitors take part in Stories in the Sky, a weekly story time with music and movement, older guests can head up into the air with tethered balloon rides arranged through the meetings and events staff.
Opening Soon
Although it’s still in the works, the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum plans to open an interactive meteorological experience called the Weather Lab in mid to late 2016. The Weather Lab will be a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of weather in an interactive learning environment. The space will feature a green-screen weather forecast center for guests to go on camera on-site and will offer a Kinetic Weather Garden with a fully equipped Vantage Pro II weather station provided by David Weather Instruments that will transmit local weather conditions to the Weather Lab and beyond.
Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Type of Venue: Off-site, museum
Capacity: 8,000
Nearby Accommodations:
Staybridge Suites Albuquerque North
Contact Info:
505-768-6036
www.balloonmuseum.com
