ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum has received a $400,000 donation from the UMB Financial Corporation Charitable Foundation to support construction of its new Outdoor Balloon Adventure, an interactive exhibit designed to celebrate the science, history, and excitement of ballooning.
Museum officials announced the donation during an event held Friday overlooking Balloon Fiesta Park during the 54th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The funding will support the project’s signature feature, the Balloon Tower, which will now carry the UMB name as part of the sponsorship agreement. The tower is expected to serve as a prominent landmark within the outdoor exhibit.
The Outdoor Balloon Adventure is currently under construction on the museum’s back lawn and is intended to provide visitors with hands-on experiences related to hot air and gas ballooning.
Plans for the attraction include:
- An elevated walkway overlooking Balloon Fiesta Park
- Interactive educational exhibits focused on ballooning
- A walk-through half-inflated hot air balloon
- A replica stratospheric gas balloon capsule
- Balloon competition-themed activities
- Outdoor performance and gathering spaces
- Family play areas and STEAM-based learning opportunities
Museum leaders say the project builds on a vision first proposed when the Balloon Museum opened in 2005.
Supporters of the project say the new attraction will create a year-round destination that combines education, recreation, and New Mexico’s rich ballooning heritage. The exhibit is expected to emphasize science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, commonly known as STEAM education.
The donation was celebrated by museum officials, city leaders, foundation members, and community partners, who say it provides momentum for future phases of the project.
Located next to Balloon Fiesta Park, the Balloon Museum attracts visitors from around the world and serves as a year-round showcase for Albuquerque’s role as a global center for ballooning.
