Discover New Mexico’s Cultural Crown Jewels: A Guide to the Museums We Support

New Mexico is unlike anywhere else in the world. Here, art, culture and history converge across landscapes steeped in tradition and innovation. For those seeking a deeper connection to the spirit of the Southwest, the state’s cultural museums offer an unparalleled experience.

At the heart of this experience are four remarkable museums in Santa Fe, each a cultural crown jewel in its own right. Together, they form a dynamic and diverse network that reflects the past, present and future of the region. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, this guide will help you discover something new.

Museum of International Folk Art

Located on Museum Hill at Milner Plaza and home to the world’s largest collection of folk art, this museum celebrates handmade traditions from across the globe. Its immersive galleries and vibrant exhibitions highlight the creativity and cultural heritage of communities often underrepresented in mainstream art institutions. Beloved by children, design aficionados, folk art lovers and the young at heart alike, the Museum of International Folk Art offers something joyful for everyone. Don't miss the Girard Wing, a joyful explosion of color, play and global connection.

Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

Across the plaza from the Museum of International Folk Art, this museum serves as a dynamic center of learning and exploration, dedicated to the Indigenous peoples of the Southwest. Through its exhibitions, educational programs and collections, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture advances understanding of the diverse histories, languages and creative expressions of Native communities. Its permanent exhibition, Here, Now and Always, was developed in collaboration with Native scholars, artists and community members, and centers Indigenous voices and storytelling. Visitors will also encounter contemporary works that challenge stereotypes and celebrate cultural continuity.

New Mexico History Museum

Located just off Santa Fe's downtown historic plaza, this museum tells the story of the American Southwest—its people, conflicts, innovations and transformations. With exhibits that span centuries, from pre-contact civilizations to the Manhattan Project, it offers rich context and compelling narratives. Adjacent to the museum, the Palace of the Governors, a National Historic Landmark, stands as the oldest public building in continuous use in the United States. Inside, the Palace Press keeps the art of traditional printing alive, offering visitors a hands-on look at New Mexico’s legacy of publishing, literature and craftsmanship. Just outside under the portal, the Portal Artisans Program brings together Native artists and craftspeople from across the state, offering visitors the opportunity to meet the makers and purchase handcrafted jewelry, pottery and more directly from the source.

New Mexico Museum of Art: One Museum, Two Locations

Historic Downtown Plaza Building

Across the street from the History Museum and a cornerstone of New Mexico’s art scene this museum showcases more than a century of creativity rooted in the Southwest. From early 20th-century painters to contemporary installation artists, the museum offers a rotating selection of works that reflect the region’s powerful sense of place. Keep an eye out for exhibitions that bridge past and present through bold and thoughtful curation.

Vladem Contemporary in the Railyard Arts District

In 2023, the museum expanded its reach with the opening of Vladem Contemporary, a dynamic new space that provides nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space dedicated to post-war and contemporary art. Along with a 2,300-square-foot education center and 4,100 square feet of state-of-the-art collections storage, Vladem Contemporary serves as a hub for innovative programming, including artist residencies, hands-on workshops and immersive exhibitions that engage with current themes and practices. With its modern facilities and commitment to community engagement, Vladem Contemporary complements the historic Plaza building, together offering a comprehensive view of New Mexico’s artistic legacy and evolving cultural landscape.

Why These Museums Matter

New Mexico’s museums are more than repositories of objects—they are living expressions of the cultures, stories and ideas that shape this region. Each one offers a unique lens into the past and present, inviting visitors to explore identity, memory and meaning in ways both personal and shared.

They serve as community anchors—welcoming spaces where discovery happens, where conversations unfold, and where the richness of New Mexico’s heritage is celebrated, preserved and reimagined. Whether you're stepping inside for the first time or returning to a beloved exhibit, these museums offer an experience that lingers long after you leave.

By supporting them—through visits, memberships or shopping—you help sustain these vital institutions and ensure that the art, culture and history of New Mexico continue to inspire future generations.

Private Support Brings Them to Life

As the nonprofit partner to these museums, the Museum of New Mexico Foundation plays a vital role in providing private support for exhibitions, educational programming and acquisitions. Through fundraising, membership, retail operations, licensing and advocacy the Foundation provides essential funding that helps each institution thrive. From world-class exhibitions to impactful education programs, your involvement with the Foundation directly benefits the museums you love—and helps ensure they remain vibrant centers of culture and learning for years to come.

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