Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

Exploring El Paso's Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

Understanding the Chihuahuan Desert

El Paso's hot climate is largely due to its location within the Chihuahuan Desert, which spans parts of western Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico. The Centennial Museum and the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, situated on the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus, preserve and showcase the desert's rich cultural and natural history.

The Centennial Museum

The museum offers permanent exhibits that delve into the Chihuahuan Desert's history. Additionally, it hosts temporary exhibits focusing on diverse topics relevant to the area, such as the experiences of children held at Tornillo’s detention center and life in El Paso during World War II.

Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

The gardens exhibit over 800 plant species native to the desert. Visitors can explore the gardens, enjoy water features, or relax on benches to take in the serene environment.

Bhutanese Architecture at UTEP

Traditional Bhutanese Influence

Several building structures on the UTEP campus reflect traditional Bhutanese architecture. Notably, the campus features an authentic Bhutanese Lhakhang, a traditional temple, located near the museum and gardens. This Lhakhang, originally constructed in Washington, D.C. as a gift from Bhutan to the United States for the 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, was reassembled at UTEP in 2015. Visitors can tour the Lhakhang during special hours.

Visitor Feedback

According to reviewers, the museum's temporary exhibits are well-loved, while the permanent exhibit on the region's history could use some updating. Visitors also noted that the gardens, though beautiful, sometimes lack consistent labeling, making it hard to identify different plants. However, the Lhakhang receives universal praise for its beauty and is highly recommended.

Operational Hours and Admission

The Centennial Museum operates Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but it closes on holidays and UTEP home game days. The gardens are generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Lhakhang welcomes visitors on Wednesdays and the first Saturday of every month between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., excluding holidays, home game days, and times of severe weather. Admission to all three attractions is free. The site is located less than 2 miles northwest of the Plaza Theatre and the El Paso Museum of Art. More information can be found on the university's website.