One more place to enjoy near Roswell in New Mexico
The International UFO Museum and Research Center stands as the world’s most comprehensive institution dedicated to the study of unidentified aerial phenomena and the famous 1947 Roswell Incident. Located in downtown Roswell, New Mexico, the museum occupies a historic movie theater building and draws over 200,000 visitors annually from across the globe. Founded in 1991 by Walter Haut and Glenn Dennis, both men directly connected to the original Roswell events, the museum has grown from a small exhibition space into an internationally recognized research facility that continues to attract believers, skeptics, and the simply curious from every corner of the world.
The museum was established in September 1991 by two key figures from the original Roswell Incident. Walter Haut served as the public information officer at Roswell Army Air Field in 1947 and was the man who issued the original press release stating the military had recovered a flying disc. Glenn Dennis was a local mortician who claimed to have received strange calls from the base about child-sized caskets and witnessed unusual activity at the base hospital during the incident. Their firsthand experiences gave the museum immediate credibility and attracted a dedicated core of researchers and volunteers who continue the investigation today.
The museum operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors and staffed largely by volunteers, many of whom have spent decades researching the Roswell Incident. The institution’s mission extends beyond the 1947 case to encompass the broader study of extraterrestrial life, government transparency, and scientific inquiry into unexplained phenomena worldwide. The museum has become the anchor of Roswell’s tourism economy, transforming a modest railroad town into one of the most recognizable destination names in American pop culture and drawing visitors from every continent.
The main exhibit hall presents a detailed timeline of the 1947 Roswell Incident, beginning with rancher William Brazel’s discovery of strange debris on the Foster Ranch. Visitors can examine recreated debris fields featuring materials similar to those described by witnesses, including metallic foil-like fragments, unusual structural pieces, and a mockup of the original crash site. Life-sized alien figure displays depict the popular conception of extraterrestrial beings, and dioramas illustrate the sequence of events from discovery to military recovery, giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in one of history’s most enduring mysteries.
The museum’s research library houses thousands of documents, books, and periodicals related to the Roswell Incident and UFO studies more broadly. Researchers and visitors can access declassified government files, witness affidavits, and correspondence between military personnel involved in the original recovery operation. The library also maintains extensive collections covering other famous cases, including the Phoenix Lights, the Rendlesham Forest incident, and the Belgian UFO wave, providing a comprehensive archive for serious investigators and casual enthusiasts alike.
The art gallery section features rotating exhibitions of UFO-inspired artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia pieces created by artists from around the world. Historical photographs and newspaper clippings from July 1947 line the walls, showing how the incident was reported in real time by local and national media. The museum also displays authentic military uniforms, equipment, and radios from the Roswell Army Air Field to provide historical context for the military’s presence in the region during World War II and the early Cold War era.
Visitors begin their experience in the orientation theater, which screens a documentary film covering the Roswell Incident from multiple perspectives, including interviews with surviving witnesses and retired military personnel. The film establishes the factual foundation for understanding the exhibits that follow, presenting both the official government explanations and the alternative theories that have emerged over the decades. Docent-led tours provide deeper insight into the museum’s collection, with guides who are passionate researchers sharing details not covered by exhibit signage and bringing an authenticity that elevates the entire experience.
The museum’s gift shop offers one of the largest collections of extraterrestrial-themed merchandise in the world, including books, T-shirts, alien figurines, and novelty items that appeal to visitors of all ages. During the annual Roswell UFO Festival each July, the museum hosts special events, guest speakers, and extended hours, welcoming costume contests, alien-themed parades, and thousands of additional visitors who transform the city into a celebration of all things extraterrestrial. The museum also offers educational programs for school groups and an annual essay contest for students interested in space exploration and scientific inquiry.
The best time to visit is during the spring months of March through May, when temperatures in southeastern New Mexico are comfortable for walking around downtown Roswell and the museum is well-attended without being overwhelmed by festival crowds. Weekday mornings typically offer the quietest experience, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and engage more personally with docents and volunteers who are eager to share their knowledge. The annual Roswell UFO Festival takes place during the first week of July and transforms the museum and surrounding downtown into a vibrant celebration of alien culture with special exhibits and extended hours.
Fall months of September and October bring pleasant temperatures and reduced crowds, making them ideal for travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience without the festival intensity. The museum is open seven days a week year-round, with reduced hours on major holidays, and summer afternoons can exceed 100 degrees in Roswell, but the museum’s air-conditioned interior provides comfortable refuge from the desert heat while exploring this unique attraction.