American International Rattlesnake Museum

The Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop is a for-profit business in Old Town Albuquerque; it is not a non profit. The word "museum" in a business name is not regulated in the United States. The business is a small collection of snakes (including ones not are not rattlesnakes), tarantulas, a scorpion, and a few other assorted reptiles and amphibians. The business is a self-guided walk-through after entering through the gift shop. There is not a hand-out on the different animals or an audio recording option. The animals are labeled with what species they are. I think a small sign with information about each of the animals would be quite helpful. The aquariums seem much too small for the snakes. Many of them wouldn't be able to stretch out even half way, much less fully stretch out. I hope the snakes are let out each day to move around and stretch, but I don't know if that would be logistically possible. Cute things about the business include the fact there are two tortoises that get free roam of the premises and the fact customers get a Certificate of Bravery for visiting. It's also in Old Town so shopping and activities are close.

You will find this Museum in the back of a gift shop in a strip mall in Old Albuquerque. There is metered street parking and commercial lots available within a reasonable walking distance. You purchase your admission to the museum at the gift store, then head back to the back, where you you find the exhibits. Every admission includes an "Act of Bravery" certificate. The guy that was working the counter was so nice and friendlyThe museum is bigger than you think and is full of tanks with all kinds of snakes in them. You will also encounter stations where they have snake related videos playing. In addition to the snakes, you will find other reptiles including turtles and lizards. It is hit or miss with finding an active animal. I was able to catch a few moving, waving its tail and sticking out its tongue. The whole time I was there, all I could think was that I hope none of these snakes have gotten out of its cage. All of the cages are labeled with what animal is in there, and you will find some informational signs posted on the walls, which gives it an educational aspect.They have all types of merchandise that you can purchase including stuffed animals, shirts, cups, post cards and magnets. They also have rocks, and books that you can purchase in a corner inside the museum itself.The museum looks a bit disorganized in certain areas, especially near the back, but I still enjoyed it. I spent about an hour here and then I was on to my next adventure. This is definitely a place worth checking out if you are doing the tourist thing in Old Town.

The Rattlesnake Museum is the best! I've been several times and I always find it fascinating and learn something new. I'm not going to say that I feel totally comfortable around snakes now, but I do have a better understanding of them. This museum is on my list of places to take interested out-out-town guests. Especially those who have been everywhere and seen it all. There just aren't a lot of places as unique as this establishment. The museum is conveniently located in Old Town, just off the plaza. According to the website and the posted sign, the museum has "the largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes in the world. In fact, the Rattlesnake Museum hosts more different species than the Bronx Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, the National Zoo, the Denver Zoo, the San Francisco Zoo, and the San Diego Zoo, all combined!" That is really something!If you have a chance to ask the owner some questions, you should. Bob has had the museum for decades. Being an advocate for snakes is truly his passion. In addition to being really knowledgeable, he is very funny. I seem to recall him telling me he started out as a high school biology teacher, but he decided working with rattlesnakes was safer. Besides getting to see a large variety of rattlesnakes, safely behind glass, there is a ton of snake-related paraphernalia to look at. Some items were collected by Bob, and some were given to him. There is a sizeable gift store, too. I like the logo on the museum's T-shirts. All-in-all, I've always totally enjoyed my visits.

Loved the American International Rattlesnake Museum. It's located in Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico. I visited here back on June 13, 2023.My adult charge was $8.95. Their tickets say "Certificate of Bravery." Lol. I also purchased a ring with a small heart-shaped inlay of turquoise for $13. It seems like a sturdy piece. It's a small place. Not all that easy to maneuver when it gets packed. Wheelchairs would be a challenge in here, but not impossible. Many displays are higher up, but little ones may use the step stools the museum provided. It seemed a bit hokey at first - especially since they apparently still use dial-up Internet because this lady kept trying to pay with her credit card, but the employee said "someone must be on the phone." Man, that was a flashback. Lol. There were quite a few snakes, not just rattlers but mostly, on display. There were other reptiles and a huge scorpion too. The old movie posters were neat. Some sculptures, memorabilia & photos of famous folks (Craig Ferguson) who have visited were interesting. I laughed when I read the Barney Fife quote, "Anxiety magnifies fearsome objects!" In all honesty, I think rattlesnakes & other species feel more threatened by humans than we do of them. These critters are well taken care of even in glass displays.For hours of operation & other info, go to:http://www.rattlesnakes.comRecommended for snake lovers. Dogs are welcome. I would totally bring mine if she were still alive.

March 14 2023This was not what I expected. It's a teeny space in the heart of Old Town. When I walked in I thought I was in the wrong spot (the gift shop is up front). That being said it was so great. The proprietor was so kind! Down to earth and fun:) The museum starts in the back of the gift shop and it case upon case of snakes! They were beautiful! Truth be told, I could take or leave snakes, I neither scared nor passionate but I'm glad I went here. There lots of displays of snake related things as well, memorabilia and food and antiques and education. The only down side for myself was I am a slow reader and also easily distracted by noise when I'm reading so much of my info I acquired from running videos. I couldn't read much. But there was plenty to ready!!! Someone digitize and audio an audio tour for me. Ask about the tortuous, she was so cute:)

When your dad is obsessed with Craig Furgeson's mug from his late-night show and INSISTS he must get one for himself, you end up at the Rattlesnake Musuem. So, on a Friday morning, our group of 4 made our way to downtown Albuquerque square and let's just say we were the line waiting for the spot to open. As we waited however, a longer we waited for 10AM to hit the longer the line began to form which made me feel better about this odd little spot.The owner was first to greet us, which was fun as he was in a crazy good mood, friendly and totally welcoming. He gave us a rundown of the space, what to expect and even gave us a certificate of completion once we finished the tour! The tour is self-led (and $6 for adults!), wondering through cramped little makeshift hallways containing a variety of sized tanks filled with crustaceans, snakes, interesting artwork and information regarding New Mexico. While it was interesting and cool to see these snakes up close in person, it was a little awkward. However, the gift shop is a fun little experience and is filled with crazy little gifts worth checking out. We were in and out within 10 minutes and onto the next! When in the area, it's an A-OK experience!

Wow! What a cool place. My dog loved the turtles outside and the staff member was super friendly. A really nice collection of rattlesnakes to look at.

My kid loves snakes, so we took him to the Rattlesnake Museum. It's fairly cramped in there- like 3 or 4 rooms with tons of snakes in them. They have a good selection of rattle snakes, but they have some other stuff too, like Boas, a Tarantula, a tortoise, etc. We probably spent 30-45 mins there. It was kind of interesting to see, the price point is fairly low so if you're looking for some quick diversion in Old Town it might fit the bill.

Very cool place and the owner was very friendly and helpful. It's interesting for all to see. They also have other exhibits that are interesting. Check it out!

We went to a lot of places in Albuquerque but this one was a weird and fun highlight. We aren't snake or reptile people but it was really cool to see the snakes up close. It's a small place so 30 to 45 mins is probably plenty of time, but there is a lot tucked away.