Branigan Cultural Center

This used to be the library I went to as a child for story time. It has been turned into a well-thought out cultural center with rotating exhibits. When we visited, they had their Day of the Dead exhibit and display. I can say, hands down, this was such an incredible display. It was informative while honoring the sacred tradition of an ofrenda, and was interactive for all. Each of the pieces of the altar and their significance were explained. The papel picado was used for people to write notes to their deceased loved ones. Next to the ofrenda was the photographic exhibit in the Shannon Room. Beautiful pictures depicting the love and care that goes into Day of the Dead. Definitely a place to stop if you are on Main Street.

June 1 2023 - Branigan Cultural Center (Las Cruces, NM)The Branigan Cultural Center hosts changing exhibits, as well as educational classes, and special events. When we came in, there was an exhibit on World War II, including timelines of the war, - how Germany started the war by invading Poland, how Japan invaded Manchuria, how the US began its nuclear testing program, the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. declaration of war on Japan, the role of sites in New Mexico (including Los Alamos and Alamogordo) for developing and testing the first atomic bomb (the Trinity Test), and other events that led to dropping US atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to lead to the surrender of Japan. The museum is worth checking out.

Do stop in this local museum if you are in the downtown area. The historic building is beautiful and had two well curated exhibits, one on local aviation history including some fascinating reading on women in aviation and how New Mexico had a number of aviation firsts. The other exhibit focused on the desert and the environment with a variety of artists. The large border wall installation with life size paper piñata animals was beautifully done in a thought provoking way that brings a touch of sadness.

I went to a lecture that sounded interesting and it turned out to be excellent. The Brannigan Cultural Center offers a number of public events on a wide variety of topics and one can pick and choose based on one's interests. I would love to see more advertising for these events. The lecture I attended was advertised on Facebook which is where I learned about it. As a retired teacher, I really enjoyed learning about the topic, which involved the politics around the Mexican Revolution. Learning about Mexican history is difficult if you don't know Spanish and it was most helpful to get information in English. I will certainly keep an eye out for more topics that interest me.

Cool little museum to visit... 3 museums all together.. Nice way to spend Saturday morning.. Farm Market and some cultural events all in a few blocks... Las Cruces has its gems.