Explore Downtown Los Alamos: Bradbury Science Museum, Historic Fuller Lodge

Two cornerstone attractions in downtown Los Alamos—the Bradbury Science Museum on Central Avenue and historic Fuller Lodge on Bathtub Row—serve as daily touchpoints for education, culture and community life. Their proximity at the heart of town keeps museum visitors and local events within walking distance of downtown businesses, reinforcing the area’s role as a civic and economic hub.

The Bradbury Science Museum presents interactive exhibits spanning the Manhattan Project history, defense and modern research galleries, along with short films that place local laboratory work in historical context. A family-friendly TechLab offers hands-on learning for younger visitors, and the facility is wheelchair accessible with information lines available for visitor questions. The museum often waives admission fees and maintains regular daily hours; residents and visitors are advised to check official sites before planning a visit. By linking classroom-style exhibits to the Laboratory’s current missions, the Bradbury functions as a public-facing bridge between Los Alamos National Laboratory and the community.

Fuller Lodge, designed by architect John Gaw Meem and built in 1928, preserves a tangible piece of regional architecture and local history. Originally the Los Alamos Ranch School dining hall and later a community center during the Manhattan Project, Fuller Lodge now operates as a cultural hub that hosts concerts, meetings and exhibits. It sits alongside the Los Alamos History Museum and is managed by the Los Alamos Historical Society, which posts event schedules and historical background online. The lodge’s programming supports civic gatherings and nonprofit activity, helping sustain neighborhood social capital and local cultural organizations.

For Los Alamos County residents the two sites matter for more than tourism. They provide year-round educational resources for students and families, accessible public space for community events, and steady foot traffic that benefits downtown retail and restaurants. The Bradbury’s largely free admission model lowers barriers to science literacy, while Fuller Lodge’s continued use as a meeting and performance space preserves community traditions and supports volunteer-driven programming.

Looking ahead, maintaining regular hours, accessible programming and clear event schedules will be central to keeping downtown vibrant. For residents, these venues offer immediate value: easy access to learning about the town’s unique role in 20th- and 21st-century science and a local stage for civic life. Check the museum and historical society’s online information before visiting to confirm hours and upcoming events.