Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
Discover El Paso's history and the beauty of native desert flora at this UTEP gem. Features dinosaur bones and over 600 plant species.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best blooms and pleasant temperatures
Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
Best Time
Best blooms and pleasant temperatures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover El Paso's history and the beauty of native desert flora at this UTEP gem. Features dinosaur bones and over 600 plant species.
"A gem with beautiful gardens and fascinating history, offering a great cultural experience."
🌸 Embrace the Gardens
Meander through the well-tended gardens; plants are clearly marked with names. Beautiful blooms are a highlight!
🦕 Touch a Dino Bone!
Don't miss the chance to interact with a dinosaur bone exhibit – a unique and memorable experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
Outdoor gardens surrounding the museum
Wander through over 600 native plants, a vibrant testament to desert biodiversity and beauty.

Dinosaur Bone Exhibit
Museum interior
Get up close with ancient giants; you can even touch one of the impressive dinosaur bones!

El Paso History Exhibits
Museum interior
Discover the fascinating heritage of El Paso through engaging displays on local history and culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Desert Blooms
Explore Beyond the Cactus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Embrace the Gardens
Meander through the well-tended gardens; plants are clearly marked with names. Beautiful blooms are a highlight!
🦕 Touch a Dino Bone!
Don't miss the chance to interact with a dinosaur bone exhibit – a unique and memorable experience.
🏛️ Explore Local Heritage
The museum offers fascinating exhibits on El Paso's history and culture, including migrant experiences.
🚗 Weekday vs. Weekend
Weekends offer easier campus access. Weekdays might be less crowded but check access details.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Embrace the Gardens
Meander through the well-tended gardens; plants are clearly marked with names. Beautiful blooms are a highlight!
🦕 Touch a Dino Bone!
Don't miss the chance to interact with a dinosaur bone exhibit – a unique and memorable experience.
🏛️ Explore Local Heritage
The museum offers fascinating exhibits on El Paso's history and culture, including migrant experiences.
🚗 Weekday vs. Weekend
Weekends offer easier campus access. Weekdays might be less crowded but check access details.
🎧 Desert Diaries Podcast
Tune into the museum's podcast for insights into desert critters and plant life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens to be a delightful and educational experience. Many praise the well-maintained gardens showcasing diverse native plants and the engaging museum exhibits, particularly the dinosaur bones. It's often highlighted as a valuable, free cultural resource for the community.
"Really neat place. We liked it. It was my first time seeing Dinosaur bones and now I can't wait to see more. You are able to touch one of the Dino bones, which was very cool. I loved walking the gardens and seeing the beautiful blooms. I'm sure this place would be super amazing when all the flowers are in bloom."
Traveling wvcouple
"The Chihuahuan gardens around the museum are a great example of native plants that are not mostly cactus. The building architecture is very interesting. Weekends is easy entrance to the campus. I'm not Suite what access is like on weekdays."
Gary Samaniego
"It's a small garden but it's a nice experience. The museum is also a good experience to get a bit of culture and learn some heritage. We didn't get to visit the Lhakhang although it was supposed to be open. Came on Saturday so parking was relatively easy. I would not visit during school hours."
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus. Driving is the most common way to get there. Parking is often easier on weekends, and you may need to get a pass from the office for designated parking spots.
Yes, El Paso's public bus system serves the UTEP campus. Check the Sun Metro website for routes and schedules that can take you near the museum.
Designated parking is available, especially on weekends. You might need to obtain a pass from the museum office for specific spots.
The museum is generally accessible, and the gardens have walking paths. It's always a good idea to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs.
Absolutely! Many visitors combine a trip to the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens with other El Paso attractions like the Mission Trail or downtown museums.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is often free or by donation, making it a great cultural option in El Paso. Check their official website or social media for the most current information on admission policies.
Hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays. It's recommended to check the Centennial Museum's official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Typically, advance booking is not required for general admission, especially if it's free or donation-based. However, for special events or workshops, pre-registration might be necessary.
Yes, the museum frequently hosts events like chocolate-making workshops, family days focused on civil engineering, and pollinator week celebrations. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, supporting organizations like the museum often have donation or membership options to help fund their operations and educational programs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features exhibits on El Paso's history, culture, and heritage, including fascinating displays on migrants and civil engineering. You can also see dinosaur bones, some of which you can touch!
These gardens showcase over 600 native plants from the Chihuahuan Desert region, offering a beautiful and educational display of desert flora beyond just cacti.
Many visitors enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens first, followed by exploring the museum's indoor exhibits. However, the order is entirely up to your preference!
While specific guided tours aren't always advertised, the plant labels in the garden and the informative exhibits inside the museum provide a rich learning experience.
Exhibitions often focus on El Paso's history, borderlands culture, and relevant social topics like migration. There's usually a rotating exhibition on the first floor.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities mentioned within the museum itself. Visitors usually plan to eat before or after their visit at nearby UTEP eateries or restaurants in El Paso.
The UTEP campus has various dining options, and the surrounding El Paso area offers a wide range of restaurants, from casual to upscale.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks in designated outdoor areas rather than inside museum exhibits. Check with the museum for their specific policy.
Exploring the local El Paso food scene is a must! Look for authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a staple in the region.
Special events like workshops or family days might sometimes include light refreshments or snacks, but this is not guaranteed.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the museum, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always look for signage.
The gardens offer numerous picturesque spots with diverse native plants, especially when flowers are in bloom. Look for unique plant formations and scenic pathways.
Drone usage is typically prohibited on university campuses and within museum grounds for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume drones are not allowed.
Yes, photography of the dinosaur bone exhibits is usually allowed, offering a great opportunity for unique shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more flattering light for photography in the gardens, minimizing harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for family-friendly events hosted by the museum, such as the 'Building the Borderlands Family Day,' which offers fun and educational activities. The museum's commitment to offering free cultural options makes it an accessible and budget-friendly choice for families looking for enriching experiences in El Paso.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Gardeners
Beyond the gardens, the museum's 'Desert Diaries' podcast offers deeper dives into the region's biodiversity, covering everything from birds and bugs to bats and diverse plant life. The museum also participates in events like National Pollinator Week, highlighting the importance of supporting local ecosystems through native planting.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens: A Native Plant Oasis
What makes these gardens particularly special is their commitment to showcasing plants that are adapted to the local environment. This approach not only conserves water but also supports local wildlife, providing habitats and food sources for birds, insects, and other desert creatures. The gardens are thoughtfully laid out with walking paths that allow visitors to get up close with the plants, many of which are clearly labeled with their scientific and common names. This makes it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone curious about the unique plant life of West Texas.
While the gardens are beautiful year-round, they are especially vibrant during the spring and fall when many of the desert plants burst into bloom. Experiencing the gardens during these seasons offers a spectacular display of colors and textures, proving that the desert is far from barren. The UTEP Centennial Museum often hosts events related to pollinators and native planting, further emphasizing the ecological significance of this remarkable outdoor space.
Unearthing History at the Centennial Museum
One of the most engaging exhibits for many visitors is the dinosaur bone collection. Here, guests can marvel at the skeletal remains of ancient creatures, with the unique opportunity to touch one of the dinosaur bones, offering a tangible connection to prehistoric life. Beyond paleontology, the museum delves into the complex narrative of El Paso's past, including exhibits that explore migrant experiences and the border history related to migration, providing insightful perspectives on the region's evolving identity.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Centennial Museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions on its first floor, ensuring there's always something new to discover. These exhibitions can range from art and cultural displays to scientific topics. The museum also actively engages the community through events and its 'Desert Diaries' podcast, which explores the natural world of the Chihuahuan Desert. The museum's architecture itself is also noteworthy, adding to the overall experience of visiting this cultural gem on the UTEP campus.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit