Self-guided tours of the University of New Mexico

Self-Guided Tour of UNM

 Public Art at UNM

 Three Peoples Murals in Zimmerman Library

Stephanie Beene, the Art, Architecture, and Planning Librarian at the University of New Mexico, recommends a self-guided tour of either or both of the following buildings: the Fine Arts and Design Library, (closed on weekends, and closes at 6pm on weekdays), as part of George Pearl Hall, built by Antoine Predock, who has gifted a large number of drawings, models, and buildings to UNM, has been honored with a day of celebration in Albuquerque, and has established the Predock Center for Design + Research at the School of Architecture and Planning, is renowned for its glass, concrete and steel modernity as well as its panoramic views of the volcanoes and all mountain ranges surrounding Albuquerque. Zimmerman Library, (open until 9pm on weekdays and 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays ) is a study in contrasts, is on the National Historic Register of Buildings and was built in the Pueblo Revival Style.

 Both libraries have turnstiles, but are accessible with a government-issued ID.  Water and good shoes are always recommended.

 You can take the ART bus, which Stephanie says is a pretty cool experience and was years in the making. An hour should be reserved for total transportation time on the ART bus as it will take about 30 minutes to get from downtown, where El Vado is, to where UNM is, and roundtrip will be 60 minutes. See more details below.  

 ART Bus Instructions:

• from El Vado to directly in front of George Pearl Hall, it would be the 766 Red line/777 Green line, boarding at:
• The BioParq/Zoo station at 2620 Central Ave SW,  and getting off at the  UNM/Popejoy station at 2340 Central Ave. SE.
• The ART buses run from 5:30am until 10:00pm. Wait times are approximately 8-15 minutes at stations.
• This route takes about 30-31 minutes with traffic and lights, one way.
• The pilot program to allow folks to ride for FREE has been extended through June 30, 2023!
• Here is more information for folks on accessibility: https://www.cabq.gov/transit/services/art-information/ride-guide

 Other Places to Explore:

Santa Fe (1 day)

• How to get there: There is a fabulous train ride from ABQ to Santa Fe on the Rio Metro Regional Transit District
• There are of course plenty of things to do in Santa Fe and restaurants at all price points. Here are a few resources for a day trip:

The 18 best things to do in Santa Fe if you love design 

Santa Fe Architecture 

Santa Fe Self Guided Tours | Take A Tour of Santa Fe's Historic Sites 

New Mexico Museum of Art

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture 

 Las Vegas, NM (90 minutes NE of ABQ) - a college town located where the high plains meet the mountains. Amtrak runs between Albuquerque and Las Vegas and there are many hotel and restaurant options. One possibility is the newly renovated Castaneda Hotel, located on the Amtrak line and originally part of the Fred Harvey hotel chain that helped to define European-American tourism in the western United States at the turn of the 20th century. 

 Georgia O'Keeffe's Homes

• Georgia O'Keeffe maintained two homes in New Mexico. The home and studio (Abiquiu) is located 60 miles northwest of Santa Fe, and the summer house, near Ghost Ranch, is 12 miles northwest of Abiquiu. Only Abiquiu is open to the public for guided tours, and requires advance reservations. There is no direct transportation option so it would require a rental car.

 High Altitude Health Tips

Albuquerque is the "high desert" with an elevation of 5,500 ft.

Here are some health tips for those arriving from lower altitudes:

• Take it easy. Albuquerque's high altitude means air is rarefied, thinner. It usually takes about 48 hours to adjust.
• Drink plenty of water! 64 ounces a day is recommended.
• Watch your alcohol intake. One drink is the equivalent of three at sea level.
• Use sunscreen and wear a hat.

Altitude Sickness Information:

Altitude sickness may develop in travelers who ascend rapidly to higher altitudes, including those in previously excellent health. Being physically fit in no way lessens the risk of altitude sickness. Those who have developed altitude sickness in the past are prone to future episodes. The risk increases with faster ascents and higher altitudes. Symptoms of altitude sickness may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness.

Preventing Altitude Sickness:

• Ascend gradually or by increments to higher altitudes
• Avoid overexertion
• Eat light meals
• Avoid alcohol (effects of alcohol are magnified at higher altitudes)

Preventing Dehydration:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially when in the sun.
• Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing.
• Schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.
• Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.