Museum Ballooning in New Mexico

by Peter Stekel

The one million people attending next year's balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, could be in for a surprise. According to Sheryl Azar, program manager of the Capital Implementation Program with the city, visitors to Fiesta may witness ground breaking ceremonies for the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. Built with a combination of public and private funds, the 55,000 square foot museum will carry interactive educational, "hands-on," exhibits for children and adults. There will also be displays covering the history of ballooning and the practical and scientific applications of hot air and gas balloons.

It is an undisputed fact that the sport of ballooning has a significant economic impact on the city. For this reason, out-going mayor, Martin Chavez embraced the project as a boon to the local economy. The Museum is the kind of place that will continue to keep Albuquerque on the map as the balloon capital of the world. It's good for tourism too. Last year, the ten day Fiesta event pumped over $70 million into the city.

The museum is named after Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo. The two men, accompanied by Larry Newman, were the first to fly across the Atlantic Ocean in a gas balloon. Until the 1978 voyage by the three businessmen from Albuquerque, trans-Atlantic balloon flights were an elusive accomplishment. Sixteen attempts, with five lives lost, had preceded the success of Double Eagle II: a six day flight from Presque Isle, Maine, to a farmer's field in Miserey, France.

The original idea for the Museum came from Mike and Patty Anderson in early 1980s after an accident took Maxie's life. Fiesta had already gained world-wide recognition and a strong presence in the city so it seemed like Albuquerque would be a logical site. The Maxie Anderson Foundation was set up to promote the idea and Ben Abruzzo was involved in the project until his death, in 1985. Following that, Louis Abruzzo stepped in and took over his father's place on the foundation board. He has been involved ever since.

Louis Abruzzo knows of what he speaks. He has a license to fly balloons, though he's not actively doing it any more. He has flown both fixed wing aircraft and hang gliders for over 25 years. His involvement the last 10 years through the city advisory trustee board and the museum board have been instrumental for the developing project. With pride, Louis also mentions his younger brother, Richard, who, "Followed Dad's footsteps in long distance ballooning, flew in the Chrysler Gas race across the Atlantic, and is involved with Dick Rutan in his around-the world-flight," due for take-off this month.

Understandably, Abruzzo is excited by the Museum because it is designed to highlight ballooning and complement Fiesta. "First of all, it will be a place where Albuquerque can see, touch, and experience ballooning 365 days a year. Other than Fiesta, you may not see balloons here. So this will expand ballooning to anybody, any time of the year." The Museum will also, "Preserve and commemorate the historical flights and demonstrate that Albuquerque has been a significant part of ballooning in the county, and the world."

The busiest tourist days in New Mexico occur during Fiesta and the Museum will afford visitors an opportunity to, "Look back at the science and history and record setting aspect in ballooning," says Abruzzo. Not many people are aware that there are other than recreational uses of balloons. Exhibits will focus on altitude and distance records (Double Eagle V, which crossed the Pacific, will be on display) as well as the use of balloons in space exploration and in weather research. The Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum will be, "An educational place, a fun and interesting and colorful place for kids and school groups to visit," Abruzzo adds.

Mark Schiff and Dave Dekker from Design Collaborative Southwest are the principal architects for the project, according to Sheryl Azar. Conceptual designs are being performed by Lord Cultural Resources Planning and Management. They are an international firm, specializing in planning and management of museums, with offices in Tallahassee, Florida. A contractor to build the exhibits hasn't been chosen yet. When the Museum opens, probably during the 2000 Fiesta, it will be operated by the City of Albuquerque under their Cultural and Recreational Services Department.

According to program manager Azar, there will be a number of privately operated revenue enhancements at the Museum. The Museum plans on having, "a simulator ride and/or IMAX theater." An up-scale restaurant will be inside the building. An auditorium, suitable for use with conventions will be built. The Museum will offer outdoor, tethered, balloon rides. "And of course, the usual but not typical gift shop." This particular gift shop has the potential to do better than the average, especially during Fiesta because it will be, "balloon-unique." Besides selling memorabilia, they will stock pins, t-shirts, jackets, and other collectibles. The city is also considering constructing a 25,000 seat auditorium or amphitheater near the site to use for concerts.

Working with an $11.5 million budget, the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum is being funded with public and private contributions. They have a good portion of the funding, $7 million, that has been raised through a quality of life tax in Albuquerque. There is another $400,000 in private corporate pledges which has been raised. When the project is completed, we will have an excellent museum to celebrate the sport and the lives of people who helped make ballooning what it is today.