February 27, 2024
Branigan Cultural Center
501 N Main St., Las Cruces, NM 88001
“The Branigan Cultural Center is dedicated to engaging visitors in the rich heritage of the Southwest and the world-at-large through artistic, cultural and historical exhibitions and programs. Housed in a 1935 Pueblo Revival- style building, it was the first library in Las Cruces.” - newmexico.org
The Branigan Cultural Center is a relatively small museum dedicated to telling stories of Las Cruces and the surrounding area. There are three exhibit areas, the first gives a time-line of significant events in the history or the area, the second housed a temporary exhibit highlighting movies and other theater arts relevant to Las Cruces, and the third was an art exhibit featuring some local artists.
I found the center to have a lot of information and many interesting exhibits.
Exhibit Room 1 - Las Cruces - Crossroads of History
Sibley Stove - used during the Civil War to heat conical tents that housed up to 20 soldiers.
Billy the Kid was arrested and jailed in Mesilla (adjacent to Las Cruces).
Part of the timeline highlighting the history of the Las Cruces area.
"Two stars were added to the flag in 1912 to represent the new states of New Mexico and Arizona. The United States used this design until Alaska became a state in 1959."
Exhibit Room 2 - "Connection" showcasing the works of 18 Las Cruces artists.
"Zacatecas 5: Cerro del Grillo. Dry Season. Birthplace"; Patricia Dunn; 2007; Hand dyed silk & wool, linen wrap.
"Universal Connectivity" Jeanne Rundell; 2023; Mixed media.
"Together"; Andrew Nagem; 1986, Ceramic.
"Sanctuary"; Nolan Winkler; 2022; Acrylic & caran d'ache on cradled wood panel.
Exhibition Room 3 - "Stage and Screen: 150 Years of Entertainment in the Mesilla Valley"
Posters from movies and theater productions
Poster of the 1930 movie "Billy the Kid." The movie premiered in The Rio Grande Theater in Las Cruces.
Photo taken before the 1930 premiere of "Billy the Kid" at the Rio Grande Theater in Las Cruces.
"Stretch"; Ho Baron; 2003.
"Eagle Man"; Michael Naranjo; 1996.