The International UFO Museum and Research Center on Main Street in downtown Roswell, New Mexico, is the principal institution dedicated to exploring the 1947 Roswell Incident — the crash of an unidentified object on a ranch 75 miles north of Roswell that generated one of the most debated events in modern American history. The museum, housed in a former movie theater and operated as a nonprofit since 1991, presents the factual record of the incident, alternative theories about the crashed object, and a broader survey of UFO encounters worldwide. Exhibits cover the sequence of events: rancher Mac Brazel's discovery of debris in early July 1947, the Army Air Force's initial press release claiming recovery of a flying disc, the swift military retraction attributing the material to a weather balloon, and the decades of civilian investigation that followed. Interactive displays allow visitors to examine scaled models, study reproductions of government documents, and watch documentary film segments in theater-style viewing areas. The museum does not take an official position on whether the 1947 crash was extraterrestrial, presenting evidence from multiple perspectives including the U.S. Air Force's Project Mogul explanation as well as witness testimony accounts. Life-size alien figure dioramas, a full-scale crash site recreation, and rotating exhibits on notable global UFO reports fill the exhibition halls. An extensive gift shop selling alien merchandise has become part of Roswell's cultural identity. The museum is best combined with a visit to the Roswell Museum and Art Center a short walk north on Main Street, which covers the pioneering rocketry of Robert Goddard, who conducted experiments in Roswell in the 1930s.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 9am–5pm (extended hours in July for UFO Festival)
- Best time
- First week of July for the Roswell UFO Festival
Location
114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201
33.3943, -104.5231 View on map
Highlights
- Examine the full documented record of the 1947 Roswell Incident through news clippings, government documents, and investigative reports
- View crash site dioramas, life-size alien figure installations, and documentary film stations throughout the exhibits
- Browse one of the most extensive alien and UFO gift shops in the United States
- Attend the annual Roswell UFO Festival in early July for talks, costume events, and the town's celebration of its unusual history
- Combine the museum with the Roswell Museum and Art Center to see Robert Goddard's original 1930s rocketry equipment
Tips for visiting
- At $5 adult admission, this is one of the most affordable museum experiences in New Mexico
- The annual Roswell UFO Festival in the first week of July draws large crowds; expect higher demand and congested downtown parking
- Combine with the Roswell Museum and Art Center (a short walk north on Main Street) for a more complete Roswell cultural visit
- Museum volunteers can discuss the local history in considerable detail — talking with staff often reveals context not covered in the exhibits
- Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for a complete visit including the gift shop; dedicated UFO enthusiasts may spend 2 hours
When to visit
The museum is quiet on weekday mornings outside of July. The early July UFO Festival is the most atmospheric time to visit, though also the most crowded. The museum operates year-round with extended hours during the Festival week.
Accessibility
The museum has a ground-level entrance from Main Street. The interior is generally flat and accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices throughout the main exhibition areas. Accessible parking is available on downtown Roswell streets.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the UFO Museum take a position on whether the 1947 crash was extraterrestrial?
The museum presents multiple perspectives including witness testimonies, government documents, and the U.S. Air Force's Project Mogul weather balloon explanation. It does not advocate for a single conclusion.
Is photography allowed inside the museum?
Photography is generally permitted throughout the museum, including the exhibits and dioramas. Check with staff for any restrictions on specific items.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Children ages 5 to 12 pay $2. The alien dioramas and interactive displays engage younger visitors readily. Some documentary film content on government secrecy theories may interest or confuse children under 8.
When is the Roswell UFO Festival?
The Roswell UFO Festival typically takes place in the first week of July with speakers, costume contests, and a parade on Main Street. Exact dates vary each year and are listed on the museum's website.