New vision for Las Cruces museum

The Museum of Nature and Science is set to undergo a brand-new redesign, thanks to $435,000 in approved funding from the New Mexico State legislature. City officials say the investment will dramatically improve public access and operations for both employees and the animals in the museum’s back areas.  

“The biggest change would be more access to the public and better access to view the animals in the nature center,” said Garland Courts, deputy director of the quality of life department. “We want to make it more accessible, improve the spaces, and upgrade our systems behind the scenes.” 

The redesign, which was pitched to the state last year and recently approved for the funding, will improve areas that are not often observed by the public. This includes facilities used by the museum's two naturalists that care for nearly 100 animals housed at the center.  

“Some animals aren’t on display all the whole time,” Courts explained. “We have to give them breaks from the lights, so we want to make better spaces in the back for them and upgrade the electrical system. It's going to make it a better visitor experience overall.”  

City officials have three years to complete this redesign project, and it is currently in the early stages. They are currently working on assembling contractors and reviewing bids before the construction begins.  

While most of the upgrades will happen behind the scenes, some parts of the museum will likely be temporarily closed. Courts said that certain disruptions, such as having to remove the animals for a month, could likely happen during one of the renovation periods. 

“There might be a little disruption when we go to tearing out some of the walls,” he said, “But we don’t anticipate it lasting very long.”  

The update has been years in the making. While public involvement wasn’t direct, Courts emphasized that visitor feedback has helped shape what needs to be addressed.  

“We always listen to our public,” said Courts. “People make comments in the visitor book, and we take that into account when we’re making our decisions.”  

Courts added that the museum's plan for the renovation is to bring it closer to its full potential.