With so much to see and do, it’s difficult to limit an itinerary for a visit to Santa Fe. But no visit would be complete without spending time in at least one of the city’s outstanding museums, many of which showcase the region’s unique blend of history and cultural heritage along with outstanding artworks. Whether tastes run to classics from past centuries, Indigenous arts, or edgy contemporary pieces – there is something to suit every art preference.
Museum Hill
With four museums on its grounds, Museum Hill is a must-visit stop. The Museum of International Folk Art includes an impressive collection of folk art from around the world. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian features extensive collections of Indigenous arts and artifacts. The Museum of International Folk Art showcases folk art from more than 100 countries around the world. Be sure to leave time to visit the museum shops to take home an original work as a souvenir of your visit. With the Museum Hill Café and the botanical gardens close by, it’s possible to spend the entire day on Museum Hill.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is located just off the Plaza. An international artist icon, American Modernist painter Georgia O’Keeffe made her first visit to New Mexico in 1929 and relocated to the region 20 years later. Her works were inspired by the desert landscapes of Abiquiú, north of Santa Fe. Displays in the museum include articles from her daily life and a large collection of her works, along with changing exhibitions highlighting her influence on other artists.
SITE Santa Fe
Featuring rotating exhibits of provocative contemporary art, SITE Santa Fe opened its doors in 1995. This progressive art space also features multimedia productions. Biennials held by SITE Santa Fe are an international draw – attracting participation from renowned artists from around the world. The space was recently expanded and redesigned by New-York based SHoP Architects with a spectacular glass façade. The private nonprofit arts organization behind SITE Santa Fe cites as its mission enrichment of the overall cultural scene in Santa Fe.
New Mexico Museum of Art
Located a block off the plaza in an adobe building inspired by Indigenous pueblo architecture, the New Mexico Museum of Art was the first public building in New Mexico dedicated to the arts when it opened its doors in 1917. Its 20,000-piece permanent collection includes works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Gustave Baumann, and photographer Ansel Adams, as well as pieces from members of the Taos Society of Artists and Los Pintores – both early 20th-century art colonies.
Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
The Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, adjacent to the prestigious Institute of American Indian Arts and located just off the Plaza, is devoted to showcasing contemporary Indigenous artwork. Exhibitions at the museum often feature works by students or graduates of the Institute, along with works by renowned Indigenous artists from across North America.
Located close to many museums, galleries, and restaurants and just a short walk to the historic Plaza, The Inn on the Alameda is the perfect place to stay for a museum-focused visit to Santa Fe. Visit our website to learn more about all Santa Fe has to offer and for help planning your trip. innonthealameda.com
