Exploring the Extensive History of El Paso: Museums You Must Visit

Due to its location on the international border between Mexico and the U.S., El Paso has many historical institutions in the area that showcase the history of an array of diverse cultures.

The history of El Paso is full of influences from different cultures, including Spanish colonialism, Mexican culture, and Native American culture. El Paso is widely known for its museums that exhibit these influences.

The historical institutions throughout El Paso help play a vital role in educating the public about the city's complicated history. They provide programs and resources that aim to help individuals comprehend the past and its influence on the present.

If you know of a loved one who considers themselves a history buff, one of the best things you can do for them is to give them a virtual GiftYa card! Whether it be through Visa to cover a ticket or a local restaurant like Landry’s Seafood House.

Best El Paso Museums

From art, to history of different cultures, to the outdoors, there are countless museums in El Paso that each represent a piece of the city. Here are some of the top spots you shouldn’t miss!

1. El Paso Museum of Art

Check out Works of Art From Different Time Periods & Take a Class!

📍 1 Arts Festival Plaza | El Paso, TX | epma.art

The El Paso Museum of Art has over 7,000 works of art, which spans various periods from the Byzantine era up to the present. One of the most prominent pieces of art that the museum has is the Kress collection, which features paintings from the Rococo period. In addition, you can also see an original portrait of Washington made by Gilbert Stuart.

Besides its permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts events and temporary exhibitions each month. Its onsite art school provides classes for different skill levels and ages. Among the offerings are ceramics, printmaking, and embroidery.

“What an awesome and interesting museum! Loved everything here and was completely immersed in what was offered and exhibited. The Selena exhibit was really cool especially seeing a lot of the items were donated by local El Pasoeons. It was very cool seeing some of her concert outfits up close. I think the installations through out the museum are definitely the highlights for me. Very thought provoking. If you're in El Paso definitely make a stop here!” - Yelp Review

2. El Paso Centennial Museum and Chihuahan Gardens

Explore All of the Flora and Fauna

📍 500 W University Ave, El Paso, TX

El Paso's Centennial Museum was established in 1936 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Texas Centennial, which features a permanent exhibit that explores the history of the Chihuahuan Desert. The exhibit also highlights the region's indigenous and colonial cultures. While the cultural exhibit focuses on the different cultures that lived in the border region, natural exhibits highlight the plants that live in the area.

The museum's gardens were expanded in 1999 and now feature over 800 species of plants from the Chihuahuan Desert. It has become a Texas Wildscape site and holds one of the largest collections of such flora in the world. 

“While visiting El Paso we went to UTEP because we love the architecture and found the museum. It is a well thought out and carefully maintained exhibit of all things Texas. The duck exhibit was interesting as was the mineral part. Who knew so many minerals in Texas. We really enjoyed the visit and recommend it as a lesson and a way to cool off.” - Yelp Review

3. Old El Paso County Jail Museum

An Inside Scoop On Inmate Life in the 1800s

📍 1551 Main St, San Elizario, TX

One of the most notorious outlaws of the Old Southwest was Billy the Kid. He became known for his actions after he disguised himself as a Texas Ranger to steal from a jail and release a fellow criminal named Melquiades Segura.

The museum that exists today inside the jail gives visitors a glimpse into the life of the inmates during the 1800s. Various posters of Billy the Kid and maps of Texas' early days can be found hanging on the walls. In addition, the prisoners can entertain themselves by drinking whiskey and playing cards. The historical group Los Pistoleros San Elizario holds a monthly reenactment of the Billy the Kid incident.

“When we arrived to the Jail it was close. We called the number on the door and a sweet lady answered and said she could have it opened for us in 2mins. Just as she said a man came and opened it for us and let us in. The jail is small but full of history. It won't take you long to stroll through the whole jail and read up on some historical facts. They let you in the jail cells for pics and the man that gave us the tour was nice and had no problem answering all our questions.” - Yelp Review

4. Chamizal National Memorial Museum

Learn About This U.S. vs Mexico Piece of History

📍 800 S San Marcial St, El Paso, TX

For a hundred years, the border between Mexico and the U.S. was at the center of a dispute. The Rio Grande river had been the border between Mexico and the U.S. until it was redirected in 1864 after a flood caused hundreds of acres of land to be given to El Paso.

For over a hundred years, Mexico protested the boundary's change. Eventually, President Kennedy reached a treaty with the Chamizal people to return the land. This treaty marked a significant diplomatic achievement. 

The Chamizal national memorial in El Paso commemorates this event with a museum that explores the history of the border between the US and Mexico. It started with the Indigenous people of the Rio Grande who lived along its banks for several generations. The Mexican-American War then occurred during the 1840s, and finally, the treaty ended the dispute peacefully.

The museum is situated on a 55-acre area of rolling hills, which features picnic areas that are equipped with grills and tables. This region is full of trees that provide shade on hot days.

“Excellent! I really enjoyed this memorial! Lots of information and I learned a lot. Nice outside area too! It would be helpful to have a very clear sign where the entrance to the museum is as parking is a good distance away.” - Yelp Review

5. El Paso Museum of History

A Complete Overview of El Paso’s Extensive History

📍 510 N Santa Fe St, El Paso, TX

A massive 3D touch-sensitive digital display, which measures 35 feet wide is one of the highlights of the El Paso Museum Of History, which can be found right outside and lets visitors explore the history of the city using their fingertips. The display, which is one of four of its kind in the world, is the only one of its kind in the U.S.

The display features modern and historic videos and photos, and it lets users explore the history of El Paso through its various interactive features. It displays different city scenes with historical context and names, and users can also look up topics related to education, faith, and celebration.

The museum itself features five galleries that showcase the region's history. Its permanent exhibit, Changing Pass: People, Land, and Memory, explores the history of El Paso from its early settlers to the Bracero Program and the Second World War.

“A wonderful museum to spend time in and to get to the know the city of El Paso. Lots of unique pieces and installations. The city is so rich in history and culture. If you're in town make sure to put this on your list. And I love how it's next door to the art museum so you can really make a day of it.” - Yelp Review

6. La Nube

New Children’s Museum to El Paso That Provides an Educational Experience Overall

📍 201 W Main Dr, El Paso, TX

La Nube, which is a children's museum, first opened just recently in 2024. It aims to provide a cutting-edge learning experience for kids. According to the facility's website, it's designed to allow guests of all ages to explore and create.

The four-story structure and over 70,000 square feet of exhibit space feature nine zones that are designed to introduce different subjects such as math, science, engineering, and art. It accommodates all ages, and is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy!

“La Nube is a great museum where families can interact with science, music, art, and so on. My kids had a great time. You can even leave and come back. There 3 floors of fun activities for everyone even little ones. Make sure you make reservations cause you may not get in. So much fun.” - Yelp Review

7. El Paso Museum of Archaeology 

Explore Some of the Earliest Tracings in American Culture

📍 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Dr, El Paso, TX

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology traces back to around 14,000 years. Its South Gallery displays works of art that explore the culture of American Indians, as well as dioramas that showcase the activities of local PaleoIndian hunters. On the other hand, the North Gallery holds objects from various cultures that resided in Mexico and the Southwest.

The museum's display cases are full of treasures, so it's recommended to take a look around and discover what's inside. The exhibits are rotated, so those who live in the region should visit occasionally.

The museum also has a variety of natural features, such as 15 acres of trails that run through the Chihuahuan desert. The paths feature over 250 native plants, and more exhibits are scattered along the way.

“We were looking for someplace to go and randomly pick this spot. Although the trails were closed due to the weather the inside was very impressive. No charge to get in and the history of the Native American Indians were great” - Yelp Review

8. El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center

With Only 13 Holocaust Museums in the Entire Country, the Holocaust Museum in El Paso is Definitely Worth a Visit

📍 715 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX

One of the 13 Holocaust museums in the U.S. is in El Paso, and it's the only bilingual facility in the country. Henry Kellen, who is native to El Paso and survived the Holocaust, established the El Paso Holocaust Museum in 1984 as he wanted to educate the public about the Holocaust and continue fighting against anti-Semitism and related prejudice. 

During the 1980s, there was a backlash against the Holocaust, with many news outlets denying the Nazi genocide's details. Kellen had vowed to never speak about his experiences in the US, but he decided to do so after hearing about the false reports.

The Kellen exhibit initially featured only a few photos and books, but people started calling in to inquire about having other things done. The initial facility was destroyed, but after a large sum was donated, the city of El Paso was able to raise enough money to build a new one.

The EPHM has a permanent collection that covers World War II from the Nazi rise to the end of the war. The museum also hosts various community events, and it holds an annual bike race called the Tour de Tolerance.

“This museum was amazing. It definitely exceeded my expectations. I went on a Saturday right when they opened at 1. The displays, information, just everything was extremely touching and I recommend checking it out! I also appreciate how they have a memorial dedicated to holocaust survivors who actually moved to/still reside in El Paso.” - Yelp Review

Taking a visit to the museum allows you to immerse yourself into a different culture and learn about the history that has brought you to where you are today. Which museum on this list do you plan on making the next trip to?