Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
[1] Opened on October 1, 2005, it is owned by the city of Albuquerque and is a collaborative project of the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt not-for-profit corporation,[2] and the City of Albuquerque's Cultural Services Division.
Modern multimedia systems such as a balloon flight simulator provide both education and entertainment.
Several notable displays include Women's Contribution to the History of Ballooning, Sid Cutter's influence on the Albuquerque Ballooning Industry, and a Troy Bradley Pilot Spotlight for his significant experience flying and numerous awards.
The museum, designed by the architectural firm Gerald A. Martin, Ltd., is a partial two-story high bay building.
The high bay, which is the main gallery, is 80 feet tall with a tensile fabric roof.
The museum as seen from Balloon Fiesta Park
Some specifics and information about the Double Eagle II Gas Balloon Transatlantic Flight, which was piloted by museum namesakes, Ben Abruzzo and Maxie Anderson themselves, with the help of Larry Newman in August 1978. A whole exhibit is dedicated to the instruments, notes, and regalia of the 5 Double Eagle flights in the largest portion of the museum.
Some information about Troy Bradley's feats and contributions. As of Summer 2022 a yellow flight jacket of Bradley's was also displayed, with many highly specific and unique patches. Troy Bradley has spent over a day of flight hours with hot air balloons cumulatively, and has flown over 241 balloons of varying size.
From Women's Contributions: Denim Jacket covered in commemorative Balloon Pins, worn by Carol Kinney, the first Balloonmeisterin for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, 1982.
