Media Contacts:
Brenna Moore/Visit Albuquerque
(505) 222-4349
Moore@VisitABQ.org
Jacob Lowry/Turquoise Museum
(505) 550-0127
TurquoiseMuseumABQ@gmail.com
Popular visitor attraction to be located in former Gertrude Zachary Castle
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – (April 20, 2018) – New Mexico’s popular Turquoise Museum will be relocating to downtown Albuquerque this fall. The Lowry family, owners and founders of the Turquoise Museum, joined Visit Albuquerque, Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham and city and state leaders to announce the relocation of the Museum to the former Gertrude Zachary Castle.
“The Turquoise Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and our family had been searching for the perfect location for the future of the Museum,” said Jacob Lowry, Executive Director of the Turquoise Museum. “The minute we walked into the castle, we knew it would be the perfect home for our world-class turquoise collection, our library and our educational initiatives.”
“The reopening of the Turquoise Museum is a celebration of the vision and determination of local entrepreneurs who are bringing jobs, advancing economic development and investing in Downtown Albuquerque,” said U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham. “I am excited that the 6.2 million tourists who visit Albuquerque every year will have another great attraction to experience and for the generation of artists, stone-cutters and collectors who will be inspired and mentored by the Turquoise Museums’ community programs. Albuquerque’s economy and tourism industry will continue to grow and thrive so long as we support family owned businesses and local entrepreneurs like the Lowry Family.”
“The addition of this international visitor attraction continues the ongoing revitalization of downtown Albuquerque and is a win for everyone,” said Emily Howard, Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Tourism for Visit Albuquerque. “The prestigious nature of the Museum and its unique new location strengthens the catalogue of the city’s wealth of world-class museums and cultural centers and will increase Albuquerque’s reputation of being known as a city rich in arts and culture.”
The Museum was opened in 1993 by the Lowrys—a New Mexican family with five generations of turquoise experience and expertise. The Museum houses what is believed to be the world’s largest collection of turquoise including the George Washington stone, named for its resemblance to the profile of the first president of the United States. The 11.5” x 9.5” cabochon weighs 6,888 carats.
The Museum will feature exhibits including: the science and geology of turquoise; turquoise mining; turquoise around the world; hundreds of examples of turquoise jewelry; and an overview of imitation turquoise. The new space will also feature a research library, a café and a flower shop. The new home of the museum is the former residence of Gertrude Zachary, longtime New Mexican businesswoman and friend of the Lowry family. The 8,500-square-foot castle is being repurposed for the public while keeping with the spirit of Zachary’s vision of a European castle with antiques.
Tourism continues to be a critical piece of the economy of Albuquerque and New Mexico. According to Visit Albuquerque’s most recent numbers, Albuquerque sees an average of 6.2 million visitors each year, which generate more than $2 billion annually, including an estimated $69 million in local taxes.
“Our family is pleased to play a role in the vital tourism economy of the state of New Mexico and our beloved Albuquerque,” said Jacob Lowry. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to our new location and continue to show the world what turquoise is all about.”
About Visit Albuquerque
The mission of Visit Albuquerque is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination. For more information, go to www.VisitABQ.org, www.Facebook.com/VisitABQ or www.Twitter.com/VisitABQ.
About the Turquoise Museum
The Turquoise Museum and its collection of turquoise have been used as a source of information and pictures for over 40 years. Uncover the mystery of turquoise, delve into its rich history, learn about the different mines, specimens, and stories of colorful characters at The Turquoise Museum. For more information, go to www.turquoisemuseum.com.