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Downtown Albuquerque launches three new walking tours
The Arts & Cultural District is offering free guided tours focused on historic buildings, public art and galleries to showcase Downtown
Downtown Albuquerque is asking for a second look 鈥� and now it's got three new walking tours to make the case.
The Arts & Cultural District recently launched three new tours in Downtown Albuquerque, focusing on historic buildings, public art and galleries.
鈥淚t really focuses on cultural and artistic pieces of the Downtown neighborhood,鈥� said Danielle Schlobohm, special projects manager at Downtown ABQ MainStreet Arts and Cultural District.
Funding from the New Mexico Creative Industries Division enabled the Arts & Cultural District to introduce the new walking tours, aiming to shed a fresh light on Downtown. Although other organizations previously offered tours in the area, those had declined in recent years, prompting the district to revive the experience.
鈥淚 know Downtown has had its ups and down and sometimes gets a little bit of bad rep,鈥� Schlobohm said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e really hoping that people will get to see the Downtown that we see.鈥�
The Historic Buildings & Landmarks tour 鈥渂rings the past and present together,鈥� Schlobohm said. Beginning at the former Alvarado Hotel and ending at Robinson Park, the tour shares detailed facts about each building alongside its modern counterpart, making it particularly engaging for history enthusiasts.
The Public Art tour explores 19 murals and provides insights into its creation, as well as information on the local and national artists that are part of it. Albuquerque is third on the nation for street art, according to USA Today Reader鈥檚 Choice Awards.
鈥淒owntown Albuquerque is one of the best neighborhoods for the arts,鈥� Schlobohm said.
The Galleries & Museums tour explores the art of local New Mexicans, including Secret Gallery and Kukani Gallery.
Visitors can participate in guided tours running or choose a self-guided option. While the guided tours are free, registration is mandatory due to a 15-person limit per group.
But, if you鈥檙e an adventurer, you also do it on your own and follow the attached maps or find printed maps for the tour at several locations such as the Main Library Downtown, ABQ Route 66 Crossroads Information Station and the Downtown Grower鈥檚 Market information booth.
鈥淚 think being able to see it in this light and experiencing it through the arts helps people understand all the fun stuff that鈥檚 happening,鈥� Schlobohm said.
Karmina Conde is a news reporter for the Journal. You can reach her at kconderuiz@abqjournal.com.
