WHEELS Museum Gala: A Historic Celebration in Albuquerque

Posted on October 19, 2026October 19, 2026

A New Chapter for the WHEELS Museum
We are proud to announce a historic milestone: the WHEELS Museum has signed a use agreement with the City of Albuquerque for the iconic Babbitt/Welding Shop, a remarkable Rail Yards building that has stood silent since 1977. Now, after nearly fifty years, it’s ready for a new purpose.

Founders Gala
Saturday November 14th, 2026 5:30 pm
CNM Film & Digital Media Academy
1002 2nd St. SW Albuquerque, NM 87102

Get Your Tickets Today
Be part of a landmark moment in Albuquerque’s history. Join us for an unforgettable evening of fine dining, live auctions, entertainment, and community celebration as we unveil the WHEELS Museum’s first major expansion.

By attending the Founders Gala, you become a Founder of this transformational project—helping preserve our shared history, create new opportunities for our community, and build a legacy that will benefit Albuquerque and New Mexico for generations.

Sponsorship opportunities available—click here to learn more

Sponsors Pre‑Gala Experience
Our sponsors are invited to an exclusive pre‑gala gathering at the WHEELS Museum. Enjoy cocktails with fellow supporters, tour the historic Babbitt/Welding Shop, and travel to and from the gala in style aboard a curated collection of special vehicles.

Special Thanks
We extend our deepest gratitude to the CNM Film & Digital Media Academy for generously providing their beautiful new venue. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to education, community, and preserving Albuquerque’s unique stories.

We also thank our sponsors, donors, and community partners whose generosity makes this evening possible. Your support fuels historic preservation, education, and the future of the WHEELS Museum—ensuring these stories and spaces continue to inspire generations.

Be Part of History
Your ticket purchase helps preserve the past while building a vibrant future for the WHEELS Museum and all of New Mexico.

Wheels Museum

6 days ago

We are at the CABQ Civic Connections: Fall Volunteer Fest at the Albuquerque Museum! Come and see us! We are here until 6! #OneABQVolunteer CABQ Civic Engagement ...

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Wheels Museum

7 days ago

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Wheels Museum

1 week ago

Even at Balloon Fiesta, we had to stop by the Visit Albuquerque booth! 🎈WHEELS Museum President Leba Freed, General Manager Henryk Sloma, and Director of Development Elizabeth Kirkland were excited to celebrate some BIG news!🎉 WHEELS Museum has received a Visit Albuquerque Tourism Grant for the SECOND year in a row!🚂🚗 MARK YOUR CALENDARS! April 17–18, 2027!We’re teaming up with New Mexico Heritage Rail to bring you our biggest and best Route 66: Roads & Rails Transportation Festival yet!A huge thank-you to Visit Albuquerque for making this possible. Stay tuned!#WHEELSMuseum #abq #BalloonFiesta #Route66 #ABQEvents ...

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   410 reviews  
 
  
    
        Posted on Google  
   
   Mary Kight 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  A lot of cool items and history.  And a lot of volunteers willing to share knowledge.  It is only open until noon, so don't go late.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elizabeth 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  This is an amazing museum with super friendly volunteers. Currently it is free to enter but you can donate. There are several areas set up for little kids in addition to the amazing displays for all ages.

I highly recommend going all the way to the back and working your way back to the entrance. They have several model trains setups with incredible detail. A ride on train which is so fun for kids and adults alike. Several old cars and buggies, a full train car to explore, a cute camper you can rock back and forth, and several other displays and exhibits. So many model cars of all different kinds.  A highlight of our trip to Albuquerque for sure. Don't miss this awesome place!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Douglas Abbott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We arrived after closing. We received a tour from a wonderful woman who has a office in the same building. It was wonderful she new alot of the history.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jacqueline Sainick 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We absolutely love this place. It is run off of donations. They have wonderful volunteers that are always eager to help explain anything. There are spots where kids can play with toy trains, ride a small train, and watch model trains go.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Deborah Riehl 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Lots of rail road history, but not limited to that. Good stop.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Saul Martinez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  VERY COOL !
LOTS OF HISTORICAL PICTURES !
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   stretch avery 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Amazing place, run on donations. Volunteers are amazing and extremely knowledgeable.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Crystal Bubb 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We had the most amazing time a few weeks back and will definitely be visiting again and again

Railyard Worker Commemorative Plaques. Honor a loved one who worked on the railroad, honor a WHEELS volunteer or honor the WHEELS Museum. WHEELS is now selling plaques with name plates for $100.00 per name. Keep the memory of these people alive in perpetuity with a gorgeous wooden plaque with brass name plate. Thank those who made our city and state successful, built the railroad, continue to work to preserve our history and create our future. The plaques will be displayed in the Community Room at WHEELS.

Please call (505) 243-6269 for more information.