Enjoy the History and Beauty of UNM in Albuquerque’s Midtown Area

Take a Stroll in Nob Hill

One of the most walkable areas in midtown is Nob Hill, a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The area is easily accessible on foot and offers plenty of street parking for those driving. Visitors can spend hours exploring the charming streets, taking in the colorful murals, and browsing through the many shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade pottery.

Enjoy UNM’s Beauty & Culture

Another popular destination for visitors is the UNM campus, located just a few minutes from Nob Hill. The campus is home to two museums that showcase unique collections of art and artifacts from around the world. The campus also boasts beautiful architecture and landscaped gardens, making it a great place to take a relaxing stroll.

UNM was founded in 1889 as the New Mexico Normal School. Its purpose was to train teachers for the rapidly growing public school system in the newly established Territory of New Mexico. Over the years, the institution grew and evolved, eventually becoming the University of New Mexico in 1906.

In the early years, UNM focused on teacher education and the liberal arts, but over time it expanded its academic offerings to include a wide range of disciplines, including law, medicine, engineering, business, and the sciences.

The university has played an important role in the history of New Mexico and the Southwest. During World War II, the university became a center for scientific research and development, particularly in the areas of atomic energy and rocketry. In the 1960s, the university was at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement in New Mexico and played a key role in the Chicano Movement.

Today, the University of New Mexico is the largest university in the state, with an enrollment of more than 25,000 students. It is a public research university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields. UNM is known for its strong programs in the sciences, as well as its commitment to diversity and community engagement. It is also home to a variety of cultural events, including music concerts, theater performances, dance shows, and art exhibitions.

Taste Albuquerque Cuisine

No trip to Albuquerque is complete without sampling some of the local cuisine, and the Midtown area is home to several fantastic restaurants. The area is known for its delicious New Mexican food, featuring the red and green chile for which the state is famous. 

Getting Around Midtown

There is local bus service in Nob Hill, provided by ABQ RIDE‘s 66 Central, 97 Zuni, and 16 Broadway-University-Gibson routes (previously known as the 16/18 route). There is also an ABQ Rapid Ride station at Central Avenue and Carlisle Boulevard providing express bus service via the 766 Red Line and 777 Green Line. 

UNM, National Register of Historic Places 

• Hodgin Hall: Built in 1892, Hodgin Hall is one of the oldest buildings on the UNM campus. It was originally used as a dormitory and classroom building and is now used for administrative offices.
• Zimmerman Library: Completed in 1938, Zimmerman Library is the main library on the UNM campus. It is known for its Pueblo Revival architecture and is one of the largest academic libraries in the Southwest.
• University House: Built in 1903, the University House is a historic residence that was used by the UNM president until 1973. It is now used for special events and as a meeting space.
• Hokona Hall: Hokona Hall is a residence hall that was built in 1959. It is an example of Mid-Century Modern architecture and is known for its distinctive “waffle slab” construction.
• Mesa Vista Hall: Constructed in 1958, Mesa Vista Hall is a modernist building that houses the College of Education at UNM.
• Carlisle Gymnasium: Dating from 1928, Carlisle Gymnasium is a historic building that was used as a basketball and wrestling venue for many years. It is now used as a fitness center.