International UFO Museum and Research Center | Roswell

The International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico, is one of the most famous attractions in the American Southwest, dedicated to exploring the mysteries of the 1947 Roswell Incident and the broader study of unidentified flying objects and extraterrestrial phenomena. Located in the heart of downtown Roswell, the museum serves as both a pop-culture landmark and a serious research archive for those intrigued by the enduring question: Are we alone?

Historical Background

The museum was founded in 1991 by Walter Haut, the former public information officer at Roswell Army Air Field, who issued the original press release announcing the recovery of a “flying disc” in 1947. The incident quickly became one of the most discussed and debated events in UFO history.

Over time, the museum developed into an educational and cultural hub, preserving eyewitness accounts, military documents, and media coverage while promoting research into unexplained aerial phenomena. Its creation also helped transform Roswell into a global symbol of UFO lore and cosmic curiosity.

Exhibits and Collections

The museum’s exhibits combine historical documentation, scientific inquiry, and cultural interpretation. Visitors can explore a mix of artifacts, photographs, newspaper clippings, and multimedia displays that chronicle both the Roswell Incident and humanity’s fascination with the unknown.

The 1947 Roswell Exhibit: Original testimonies, newspaper articles, and visual reconstructions of the alleged crash site.

UFO Sightings Around the World: Displays documenting major global UFO events and government investigations.

Alien Encounter Art and Sculpture: Creative interpretations of extraterrestrial life through paintings, models, and life-size alien figures.

Research Library: A public archive containing books, government documents, and reports on UFO phenomena, astronomy, and space exploration.

Pop Culture Gallery: Showcases the influence of UFOs and aliens in film, television, and literature.

The museum’s centerpiece-an animated diorama depicting a crashed saucer and alien recovery scene-captures the imagination of visitors while reflecting the ongoing fascination with Roswell’s legacy.

Educational and Research Role

Beyond its entertainment value, the museum serves as a serious research institution, offering resources for academics, journalists, and independent investigators. Its library contains one of the most comprehensive UFO archives in the world, including declassified U.S. government materials and historical UFO reports.

Lectures, symposiums, and annual conventions bring together researchers, authors, and enthusiasts to discuss topics ranging from astronomy and aeronautics to folklore and disclosure movements.

Visitor Experience

Walking through the International UFO Museum feels like stepping into both a science exhibition and a cinematic mystery. Visitors can study evidence, read testimonies, and watch video interviews with witnesses while also enjoying the museum’s lighthearted atmosphere.

Families, students, and enthusiasts often spend an hour or more exploring exhibits, browsing the gift shop filled with UFO-themed memorabilia, and taking photos beside the iconic alien displays. The museum maintains a balance between education and curiosity, appealing to skeptics and believers alike.

Architecture and Setting

Housed in a repurposed 1930s movie theater on Main Street, the museum retains much of its vintage character. Its marquee, neon signage, and central location in downtown Roswell make it a landmark within the city’s vibrant “UFO District.”

The surrounding streets continue the theme, with murals, sculptures, and alien-themed cafés reinforcing the town’s playful embrace of its extraterrestrial reputation.

Visiting Information

The International UFO Museum and Research Center is located at 114 North Main Street, Roswell, open daily year-round. Admission fees are modest, and photography is welcome throughout the exhibits. The museum is fully accessible, offering air conditioning, rest areas, and a large gift shop with books, souvenirs, and apparel.

Closing Impression

The International UFO Museum and Research Center captures the essence of Roswell’s global fame-where history, speculation, and wonder converge. Whether viewed as a serious research archive or a quirky cultural pilgrimage, it remains one of New Mexico’s most distinctive attractions, inspiring visitors to explore the limits of human imagination and the mysteries that lie beyond the stars.