Mission Statement

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology is dedicated to the narration, interpretation and preservation of archaeological and anthropological artifacts through research, exhibits, education, and special programs, with a focus on the prehistory and culture of the El Paso area and the Southwest.

History

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology is a cultural institution housed under the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department. The federal government donated a portion of what is now Castner Range National Monument to the city of El Paso, and the museum opened its doors in October 1977 as the Wilderness Park Museum, housed within the 17-acre Wilderness Park. In 2005, the museum was renamed as the El Paso Museum of Archaeology following extensive renovations of the building and its exhibits. Since then, the museum tells the stories of the people that inhabited the El Paso area, the greater U.S. Southwest region, and the Americas since at least 23,000 years ago to present-day Native American tribes. The museum also conducts programming using Wilderness Park to teach and raise awareness regarding the preservation of the fragile Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem.

Land Acknowledgement

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology (EPMArch) acknowledges our presence on Indigenous lands. As the museum staff works to celebrate and honor past and present indigenous communities, it is important and central to our work to recognize all Indigenous Peoples of this region whose stories are part of our collective history: Mescalero Apache, Chiricahua Apache, Lipan Apache, Kiowa, Comanche, Piro, Manso, Suma, Jumano, Tigua (Ysleta del Sur) Pueblo, Piro/Manso/Tiwa Tribe of the Pueblo of San Juan de Guadalupe, and Tortugas Pueblo.

EPMArch recognizes the nations and stories of the peoples whose territories include present day Texas including the Carrizo and Comecrudo, Coahuiltecan, Caddo, Kickapoo and the peoples of Chihuahua and northern Mexico of which many members of our community descend.

We are aware of our long-standing relationship with Indigenous land/people and we openly seek guidance to further understand Indigenous history and traditions. We understand the importance of growth within our community and encourage all community members to cultivate encouraging and meaningful discourse. We believe in building strong and mutually fulfilling relationships with all members of the community.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission: FREE
Location: 4301 Transmountain Road, El Paso, TX 79924

Get Directions

The Museum of Archaeology also offers Free Guided Tours that must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

Blue Star Museum

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology is proud to be a Blue Star Museum. The program offers complimentary museum admission to active duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, between Armed Forces Day and Labor Day. Although our museum is free year-round, we are proud to take part in this program as an expression of gratitude to service members and a reminder that the military community is welcome at our facility.

Military family dad in uniform, mom, son and daughter.

Woman giving presentation to crowed of sitting people.

Research

The museum is open to inquiries by qualified researchers regarding conducting studies of artifacts and other American Indian manifestations of the museum's collection. The extensive Casas Grandes ceramic collection has been used in the preparation of several MA and Ph.D. theses. The staff, professional archaeologists, and students from the University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University have conducted research over the years. We encourage researchers to make presentations about their research at archaeological conferences, publish their research in professional journals and contribute to the enhancement of museum and public exhibits.