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The Museum

The oldest museum in El Paso is part of the University of Texas at El Paso, and also serves the binational community of the Chihuahuan Desert region. View our exhibits on display.

Picture of part of gardens

The Gardens

A botanical garden dedicated to the flora of the Chihuahuan Desert and adjacent regions in the United States and Mexico.

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The Lhakhang

The hand-carved and hand-painted Lhakhang is a gift from the people of Bhutan to the people of the United States and entrusted to the University’s care.

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Collection Highlights

Our permanent collection consists of over 70,000 objects- from dinosaur bones to 20th century luxury items. See a select few here!

Support the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

In celebration of our 25th anniversary, The Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens (CMCDG) have launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the Gardens’ mission to welcome visitors and educate them about the Chihuahuan Desert’s vast biodiversity and abundance.  The campaign runs from September 17-October 17.  Every contribution helps us maintain the Gardens for another 25 years!

Learn more and contribute by clicking HERE.

Hours of Operation

Centennial Museum

  • 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
  • Closed Sunday, on holidays and during UTEP Football home games.

Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

  • Open daily from dawn to dusk.

The Lhakhang

  • 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Wednesday and first Saturday of the Month. 

Admission

  • Free and open to the public
  • Donations help fund various educational programs and exhibits throughout the year.

Parking

  • The Museum has a free parking lot (ask toll booth for directions.)
  • Additional parking is available at the Sun Bowl Parking Garage.

Address and Directions

Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
The University of Texas at El Paso
610 W. University Ave.
At the corner of University Ave. and Wiggins Rd.
El Paso, TX 79968

E: centennialmuseum@utep.edu
P: (915) 747-5565
F: (915) 747-5411 

 

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