Museum Guide News
Visit the Centennial Museum & Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
Constructed in 1936, The El Paso Centennial Museum was built to celebrate the anniversary of Texas independence, making it the oldest museum in El Paso.
Permanent exhibits in the museum focus on the natural and cultural history of the Chihuahuan Desert region, the largest desert in North America, and the ties of friendship that exist between the University and Bhutan can be seen in its surroundings. The Centennial Museum and Gardens sponsor such events as lectures/talks, collaborative exhibits with other museums on campus or in El Paso and FloraFEST
The Centennial Museum prides itself as an academic support and outreach unit of The University of Texas at El Paso focusing primarily on the natural and cultural history of the Chihuahuan Desert. It promotes and shares knowledge and understanding of the natural diversity of the region and its people. The museum meets its responsibilities through the presentation and curation of the permanent collections, including the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens.
The Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens celebrates the stories of life in the Chihuahuan Desert. We aim to engage the border community with participatory programs and exhibitions that inspire dialogue about and respect for the natural world and our cultural heritage. As a university museum, we expand access to knowledge and opportunities that higher education and cultural engagement can offer.
The Gardens were established in 1999 and are certified as a Texas Wildscape site. With more than 600 species of plants that are native or adapted to the Chihuahuan Desert, visitors can see the plants in their native setting. The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are visited by thousands of people each year, including international visitors and school children from the region.
We hope you will visit us in El Paso and see and experience our museums and beautiful gardens!
The Centennial Museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with the exception of holidays and UTEP Football home games. The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk. For additional questions or information please contact us via email at centennialmuseum@utep.edu https://www.utep.edu/centennial-museum/about/about.html
