Balloon Museum
The Balloon Museum… It's more than you Imagine.
The Timeline
Timeline of the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

Click on the images in the timeline to get a larger view of these amazing photographs!

1978
 Flight of the Double Eagle II: First successful crossing of the Atlantic by a balloon. (Ben, Max, Larry)
1979
 The Gordon Bennett balloon race is revived after a 41 year lapse. Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo, in Double Eagle III, win the race on May 29 after having traveled 560 miles in 57 hours and 7 minutes.
1980
 Flight of the Kitty Hawk: First successful crossing of the North American Continent.
1985
 Flight of the Double Eagle V: First successful Trans-Pacific crossing.
1981-1982
 Jules Verne: First around the world attempts
1983
 Maxie Anderson and Don Ida killed in ballooning accident in Germany. Michael and Patty Anderson conceive idea of Balloon Museum.
1984
 Anderson Foundation is created and Ben Abruzzo and Kris Anderson join board of directors. First $100,000 donation from Ranchers Mining Co.
1985
 Ben and Pat Abruzzo die in plane crash in Albuquerque. Museum effort becomes a partnership between Anderson and Abruzzo families. Louis Abruzzo replaces Ben on the Board.
1987
 Balloon Museum officially becomes one of the City of Albuquerque’s Quality of Life Projects.
1987-2001
 Lobbying and fundraising efforts for Museum begin.
2001
 Jacques Soukup and Kirk Thomas donate historic ballooning collection to Balloon Museum.
October 2002
 Museum Ground breaking Ceremony with Mayor Martin Chavez and other dignitaries.
May 2003
 Museum Construction begins. Click here for some photos!
Nov 2003
 Anderson Family Foundation pledges $1.5 million for Museum exhibits.
October 1st, 2005
 The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum opens its doors to the public.
Highlights
La Noche Blanca

Balloon Museum Shoppe

The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Shoppe proudly offers the finest historical, educational, collectable hot air, gas balloon and airship merchandise plus unique gifts for balloonists, balloon historians and ballooning enthusiasts of all ages from around the world.

Please visit the Museum Shoppe online HERE
Link to City of Albuquerque's Website

Albuquerque Tricentennial Link to City of Albuquerque's Website
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