Los Alamos Historical Society working to open Oppenheimer home to the public

Yahoo

12-07-2025

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (KRQE) – A Los Alamos home was featured in one of the biggest summer blockbusters. Now, a group is trying to open it up for the public to see in person, but they'll need help. J. Robert Oppenheimer moved into the home in 1943 and lived with his family during World War 2 as he worked on the Manhattan Project, when the atomic bomb was built.
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It was where he was known to host many parties. 'They left at the end of the Manhattan Project, which was approximately only two years. And they left Los Alamos after the Manhattan Project concluded,' said Kristen Hollis, Assistant Director, Los Alamos Historical Society.
The home isn't open to the public, but the Los Alamos Historical Society wants to fix up the place and open it as a museum for visitors from around the world to enjoy. 'The framework of history is in the walls, in the flooring, and in the accomplishments of science that Oppenheimer did,' said Todd Nickols, Executive Director, Los Alamos Historical Society.
Inside the house, the society said people won't actually find Oppenheimer's belongings because those working on the Manhattan Project were only allowed to bring their clothes. Instead, the home will be filled with furniture from the set of the 2023 blockbuster hit movie, Oppenheimer.
The home was one of the filming locations. 'They gifted us all of the set furniture before the film was released,' said Nichols.
But making the house a part of the Los Alamos History Museum won't be an easy task. There is a lot of costly work to do, including fixing the foundation and adding new electrical. The society is seeking $5 million in funding. So far, they have raised $2 million.
The movie spurred an increase in visitors to the Los Alamos History Museum. 'Before it came out, we were about 25,000 people a year. Then in 2023, in 2024, we were about 65,000 visitors for each of those years,' said Nickols.
The society said the movie also caused more young people to be interested in learning about this part of history, which is why they hope to make the museum high tech to catch the eyes of the younger generation. 'What we would like for the exhibit itself about Oppenheimer to really be pushing the boundaries of technology once again which is going to include some AI,' said Hollis.
Visitors will be able to come in, sit down. And have a conversation with Hans Bethe. Or have a conversation with Oppenheimer,' said Nickols.
The museum hopes to have the house finished and open to the public in 2.5 years. They hope to get additional money for a preservation fund for museum upkeep. To donate, click this link.
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