New Exhibit Brings History to Life in ABQ’s Great Hall
Located on the north side of the Sunport’s Great Hall (Level 2), the exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the aviation story, from the first flight in 1911, just one year before New Mexico achieved statehood, to the development and growth of today’s municipal airport and aviation industry. Through historic artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive storytelling, visitors will discover how more than 115 years of flight have helped shape the region. Extensive research and curation for the project began two years ago, spearheaded by local museum exhibit company Sightworks. Installation began in April and wrapped up in late May.
“Albuquerque has a fascinating aviation history,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This exhibit is a really unique way for folks to grasp what it took to shape flight in our region.”
The exhibit is organized into three primary areas:
Display Case and Title Panel – A titled display case introduces visitors to the exhibit and features vintage uniforms and selected artifacts related to early aviation in the region.
Biplane Column Installation – The central column supporting the Great Hall’s Ingram-Foster biplane serves as a focal point for interpretive content highlighting notable local aviators, early airfields, an interactive terrain model and milestones that shaped local aviation.
Primary Exhibit Wall – A large exhibit wall designed to evoke the form of an airport hangar has been installed on the north side of the escalators descending to the baggage claim area. The wall includes interpretive panels, historic imagery, and interactive elements around topics such as the earliest flights in the region, pioneers that helped bring life to the first airfields and airports, the origins of the municipal airport, and the Sunport’s growth through successive expansions. Fun exploratory elements can also be discovered in retrofitted beverage carts that were decommissioned from one of the Sunport’s airline partners.
Two “wing walls” extending from the primary exhibit structure broaden the historical context of the installation. These sections highlight the Indigenous people and cultures of the region long before the arrival of aviation, present a digital version of the People’s Timeline of Albuquerque History, and share the story behind the Sunport’s renowned public art collection.
“Aviation has held significance in Albuquerque for more than a century,” said Aviation Director Manny Manriquez. “From the earliest flights in New Mexico to visits and contributions from legendary aviators like Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes, and Charles Lindbergh, Albuquerque has long played a meaningful role in the story of American aviation. What better setting for travelers to explore that story than right here in our Sunport?”
To view more photos of the event, click here.
