History and Culture
The Branigan Cultural Center is located in downtown Las Cruces, NM, an area that is currently in the midst of a major revitalization project. Serving as anchors in a cultural corridor, all City of Las Cruces Museums are ADA accessible and there are no entry fees.
The Branigan Cultural Center focuses on cultural exhibitions, classes, and programming. The Branigan Cultural Center serves the community by providing performance and exhibition space for the presentation and interpretation of the history and cultural arts of the region; in addition to a gallery dedicated to Las Cruces history. The staff of the Branigan Cultural Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Branigan Cultural Center, built in 1935 in a Pueblo Revival Style, and on the National and State Registries of Historic Buildings.
The Branigan Cultural Center collections are comprised of historic and cultural art, archival materials, and historic objects. It is the intention of the Branigan Cultural Center to acquire historic artifacts related to the history of Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley to foster awareness and understanding of the history and multi-cultural heritage of Las Cruces and its environs. The Branigan Cultural Center’s historic collection includes items dating from the 1850s and the founding of the City of Las Cruces. The collection includes costumes and accessories, furniture, portraits, textiles, toys and dolls, correspondence, and photographs.
The Branigan Cultural Center is the home of Ballet Folklorico de la Tierra del Encanto, directed by Jose Tena, an internationally known Folklorico dancer. The Cultural Center also plays host to annual artists group exhibits, nationally known traveling exhibits, cultural conferences, teacher workshops and Chautauqua performances.
Mission Statement: The Branigan Cultural Center promotes cultural awareness using historic and cultural programming to enlighten the community.
