The Turquoise Museum Curator's Tour

Overview

The Turquoise Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico showcases the J.C. “Zack” Zachary turquoise collection. The collection includes turquoise from over 80 locations around the world, several one of a kind pieces including the “George Washington Stone” (a large turquoise stone with a remarkable resemblance to George Washington), and displays show that off almost every aspect of “The World’s Most Colorful Gem”. Energetic, entertaining, and informative tours are guided by a member of the Lowry/Zachary Family. Visitors often remark, “we should have come here before we went shopping”.

City: Albuquerque

Wed 11 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $20.00

Make a reservation

Wed 11 Jun

Starting at $20.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Live commentary

Local guide

Route and map

Meeting point

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Albuquerque
400 2nd St SW

• The tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to visitors For any reason. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival. In addition, non- arrival's tickets will be forfeited at tour start time. Forfeited tickets will be resold to guest on tour waiting list.

What To Expect

Turquoise Museum

Join Turquoise Museum Curator Joe Dan Lowry on a tour of the amazing pieces he used in the development of museum displays. Start your tour with a sample cup of Joe Dan’s favorite coffee Turquoise Joe, then enjoy his engaging and entertaining tour of the Turquoise Museum Collection, conclude your visit with a cutting demonstration: where Joe Dan will show you how turquoise gets from the a blue rock, into a gemstone ready to set in jewelry.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (11)

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fastmover1

Jun 2023

I thought this would be about some great vintage turquoise jewelry. Wow, was I wrong!! First of all, the museum is housed in 2 floors of a huge mansion. 3 stories with cupola on top and turquoise strings decorating all the way to the cupola down almost 3 stories. The first floor was all about the different North American mines and was extensive. The building tour alone was worth the fee! No doubt the new cost to build this building would exceed $200M, if they could even do it. The first floor included a mine replica room. The upstairs had more Vintage turquoise and turquoise from all over the world, China, Iran, Russia, etc. The tour guide was excellent. The guy running the store was the owner (family owned business). Some of the raw and polished turquoise pieces were incredibly large. Inlay work, phenomenal. And the silver & gold jewelry, just wow. So glad we took the time to stop. They are moving in 5 years, so see it while you can. An outstanding gem in Albuquerque.

artieroggeband

Oct 2022

It works for me, when knowledge is displayed so well organized, I take it all in. As they come, this museum is a little gem (pun intended) full of beautiful displays, insightful explanations and thought-provoking accompanying texts. just what i needed to make myself a little study of the turquoise lore, science and culture. The best part is the personal touch of the curator walking the floors and engaging the visitors in conversation about the place he built and that he is so obviously proud of, rightfully so. The Chandelier is a fabulous work of art, for the idea alone, and an unwavering realization where we see that even with an equal amount of crystal beads, the turquoise dominates the overall color and reflection of light.

Response from Host

Jun 2023

Thank you so much for your review. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit. We hope to see you again soon. Jacob Lowry, Turquoise Museum Executive Director

F1747LTlyndal

Sep 2022

This is a tremendous museum. I had a very interesting time and saw some beautiful artwork. Now I know how to value Turquoise for purchase in the future. The exhibits are expertly arranged into categories including different countries, different cultures, mines around the world, imitation Turquoise, pop art Turquoise, and techniques to enhance Turquoise. The exhibits include variety to keep you interested, such as touch and feel stations, photos, write-ups and physical illustrations. It has a reproduction mine and a Native American jewelry exhibit. The recent move to the mansion only enhances the experience as you move from room to room, up winding staircases and peek through heavily draped windows to see the exhibits. I highly recommend this museum to anyone who is interested in the beauty of Turquoise, it's geology, it's history and its significance in the world.

Response from Host

Jun 2023

Thank you so much for your review. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit. We hope to see you again soon. Jacob Lowry, Turquoise Museum Executive Director