Santa Fe, New Mexico offers one of the most unique visitor experiences in the country and perhaps the world. Known for its history, arts, and culture, the city is a magical place to visit. These stories are best told by the many local museums. New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs offers visitors the opportunity to engage with four museums in the capital city. 

Visit Santa Fe’s Museums

The Historic Santa Fe Plaza

Located on the Santa Fe Plaza, both New Mexico History Museum and New Mexico Museum of Art offer visitors an engaging walk through the culture and art that make New Mexico special. New Mexico History Museum’s core exhibition highlights more than 500 years of history. Travel through time, understanding the realities of the many people who lived here: Native Americans, Spanish settlers, Mexican citizens, Santa Fe Trail riders, fur trappers, outlaws, Buffalo Soldiers, railroad workers, miners, scientists, hippies, artists, and photographers. 

The museum is also home to the Palace of the Governors, which, built in 1610, is both a National Historic Landmark and is recognized as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, visitors can enjoy the hundreds of years of history in the walls of the Palace by exploring its variety of exhibitions, visiting the Palace Press, and meeting the artists who are part of the Native American Artisans Portal Program. 

The New Mexico Museum of Art first opened in 1917 off the Santa Fe Plaza and was the first building in the state dedicated to art. This iconic building is steps away from the New Mexico History Museum and is quintessentially Santa Fe with its Pueblo Revival style architecture. In 2023, the museum expanded its footprint to include the New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary located in the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District. Each building offers visitors an astounding variety of artwork both from local artists as well as world renown artists. 

For more than a century, New Mexico Museum of Art has served as a destination for contemporary art in the American Southwest, growing and evolving as artists and their artwork evolve. The museum knows that art is for everyone, and seeks to foster a deeper understanding and enjoyment of art. 

Museum Hill 

Only minutes from the heart of downtown, Santa Fe, Museum Hill is an oasis of arts, culture, history, and nature. Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and Museum of International Folk Art, the two state-run museums, along with the Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, and the Santa Fe Botanical Garden offer visitors a rich museum experience, all within walking distance. 

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture is a premier destination for Native art, culture, history, and storytelling. In addition to a robust collection and archive, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to engage with changing exhibitions, public lectures, field trips, events, and renowned artists. 

The Museum of International Folk Art is home to the world’s largest collection of folk art. Spanning more than 135,000 objects from more than 100 countries, the collection offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with the crafts and traditions from the global community. 

Ways to Visit New Mexico Museums

New Mexico’s state-run museums are open year-round and offer many special opportunities for free or reduced admission. The Department of Cultural Affairs is also proud to offer a CulturePass for visitors seeking to make the most of their visit to New Mexico. The pass allows for admission to these four museums in Santa Fe as well as the 12 other museums and historic sites located across the state. CulturePass is available for purchase online or in-person at each New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs location. 

Article Sponsored by The State of New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
Photography by Tira Howard

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