Centennial Museum, El Paso

The Centennial Museum looks at the history and natural life of the U.S.–Mexico border region. It opened in 1936 during a university centennial celebration and became the first teaching museum in Texas. Its goal has always been simple: share research and make the region’s story easier to understand for the public.

Inside, much of the museum is dedicated to the Chihuahuan Desert, one of North America’s most diverse deserts. Life-size dioramas show local plants and animals and explain how they survive in dry conditions. Other exhibits cover the formation of nearby mountains and the role of water and climate. A separate section looks at regional history, from Indigenous communities and Spanish missions to trade, migration, and modern border life, using pottery, tools, textiles, and photographs to illustrate the story.

Right outside, the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens continue the visit. The garden features more than 600 native plant species and serves as an outdoor extension of the museum. The building follows the university’s Bhutanese-inspired style, modeled on traditional dzongs from Bhutan, giving it a distinctive appearance even before you enter.