History
The Museum opened in 1937, deriving its initial support from the WPA as part of a Depression era project to promote public art centers nationwide. Today, the Roswell Museum is among a handful of these Federal Art Centers that remain in operation. When the WPA restructured in 1941, the City of Roswell assumed control of the Museum. Since its initial emergence, the Roswell Museum has grown into a 50,000 square foot facility that includes twelve galleries dedicated to the exhibition of art and history, the Patricia Lubben Bassett Art Education Center, and the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium. The Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is southern New Mexico's preeminent museum, lauded for the quality of its exhibitions, programs, and collections.
Specialties
The Roswell Museum inspires discovery and creativity along with cultural understanding of the American Southwest and the greater community. The Museum houses significant examples of historic, modern and contemporary art and two rare and comprehensive history collections: the Robert H. Goddard Collection of Liquid Propellant Rocketry and the Rogers and Mary Ellen Aston Collection of the American West. The Robert H. Goddard Planetarium is home to a state-of-the-art, full-dome digital theater. This immersive experience brings the story of our cosmic origins to life like never before. The Planetarium is open Tuesdays - Saturdays. Throughout the year the Museum offers an exciting schedule of art classes, lectures, films, tours, concerts and events.