The Conquistadors - By Salvador López

Two unique murals, created by Salvador López, are located inside. The foyer mural depicts Coronado's conquistadors being advised by a native on how to use prickly pear fruit. The mural was seriously damaged during blasting that took place during the construction of the old library building (now the Geology Building), but was completely restored in 1981 by UTEP art professor Robert Massey. López worked for the museum's first director, restoring items and creating background for exhibits. Little else is known about this artist who created these two unique murals and died in 1945.