El Paso, Texas
Street Address
University Avenue and Wiggins Road
El Paso, TX 79968
Mailing Address
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX 79968
phone: 915-747-5565
fax: 915-747-5411
e-mail: museum@utep.edu
web: www.museum.utep.edu

Hours

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Admissions

Free

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Marshall Carter-Tripp
phone: 915-747-6669
Scott Cutler
phone: 915-747-6668
Kaye Mullins
phone: 915-747-8994
Wynn Anderson
phone: 915-747-5565
Description

The Centennial Museum has gradually refined its mission over its now seventy years of life; it is the oldest museum in El Paso and as such was initially El Paso's attic! The vision now is to provide lively displays about the Chihuahuan Desert as habitat and about the animals and peoples that have lived in it, the challenges they face, and the fascination of this, the largest desert in North America. Temporary special exhibits explore a wide range of issues about border life and culture, and about life in the Americas.

History

The Centennial was founded with funds from the State of Texas in 1936, part of the celebration of the centennial of Texas independence in 1836, and was deeded at that time to the University system to ensure permanent support and staffing. It remained the only museum in El Paso for many years. Today, as part of a large museum commmunity, the Centennial has become the major natural history center in the border complex. It continues to be part of the Unversity of Texas but also serves the wider border community, working in partnership with other museums in the region to present a full array of special exhibits.

Artifact Collections

Archeology, geology, biology/natural history, paleontology, decorative arts.

Research Collections

As above. Extensive material from the Casas Grandes site in northern Mexico.

Educational Programs

None at this time; lectures are given by educational groups such as the Audubon Society or the Native Plant Society, using museum meeting space.

Library
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars
Appointment required: Yes
Publications

Not at this time. A publication series existed but has been put on hold.

Exhibitions
Museum Events
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 Am Assoc for State and Local History Annual Conference

September 10 - 13, 2025

Cincinnati, Ohio

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