Things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico (NM): The Best Museums

December 18, 2021 Jana Sager

Venture into the unspoiled beauty of 7,000-foot Rocky Mountain vistas, marvel at the contrast of ancient native culture mixed with modern arts, feast on legendary cuisine and relax in rustic sophistication. A visit to Santa Fe, Travel & Leisure's #1 Cultural Getaway, feels a lot like a visit to Europe. The Spanish Colonial charm of this historic destination has been enchanting travelers for over 400 years. And Santa Fe shows no signs of slowing down.
Restaurants in Santa Fe

1. Nedra Matteucci Galleries

1075 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2735 +1 505-982-4631 http://www.matteucci.com/
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 348 reviews

Nedra Matteucci Galleries

An art gallery specializing in 19th- and 20th-century American art.

Reviewed By ColoradoChilidog

Sometimes it's the setting/location that makes a place and Nedra has it in spades. The historical buildings, classic interior rooms, vault, and art would make this a must stop but add in the garden area and that makes this a very special place. Every staff member would answer questions that I'm sure they are asked dozens of times per day. It's educational along with great art viewing.

415 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2717 +1 505-982-1186 http://www.laroche-gallery.com
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Carole Laroche Gallery

Reviewed By 267MichaelL267 - Morganton, United States

Carole LaRoache has painted her warriors and wolves and shamans for years and they still continue to mesmerize one. They are beautiful, full of life and color and yet amazingly calming and empathetic.

3. Evoke Contemporary

550 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2618 +1 505-995-9902 http://www.evokecontemporary.com
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Evoke Contemporary

Provocative + Compelling Contemporary Art of International Acclaim

131 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501-4010 +1 505-986-3432 [email protected] http://www.patina-gallery.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Patina Gallery

Patina Gallery is the most inspiring gallery in the world to exhibit, promote and sell handmade jewelry and art. Our space allows for personal discovery in all aspects of adornment, from one's body to one's home. Patina's intention is to sustain the souls and lives of its artists, patrons, founders and employees through authentic, caring, loving and compassionate attention, given in an environment that stimulates all the senses. COVID-19 UPDATES FROM BUSINESS: We are open Friday and Saturday, respecting current guidelines, for up to 4 visitors at a time. Monday through Thursday we are open for visits by appointment. Virtual appointments are available also. Please reach out to the gallery with any questions, we are here to help and make your, visit or engagement, both pleasant and safe. We are always open online at www.patina-gallery.com

5. Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery

100 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2112 +1 505-986-1234 [email protected] http://www.andreafisherpottery.com/
Excellent
91%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery

Reviewed By robertrV6476DJ - Davis, United States

We are collectors of Pueblo pottery and have high expectations for galleries retailing this art. Andrea Fisher meets and exceeds them all. We have been dealing with the gallery for a long time and are always impressed by the selection available from a wide range of pueblos, the expertise and knowledge of the sales staff, and care they take to make sure the customer gets just what they are looking for. The items they stock are all quality items and extend all the way up in to the collector stratosphere but they work hard to help you find just what you are looking for. The best part for me is that the prices are very reasonable for what one gets. There is no tourist junk here but if you want a good piece of pueblo pottery you can be assured walking in the door that you will not be overcharged. Having dealt with most of the other galleries in the region, this is always my first and last stop. You just cannot go wrong.

27 San Marcos Rd W, Santa Fe, NM 87508-6703 +1 208-860-9767 [email protected] http://www.hatranchgallery.org
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 18 reviews

Hat Ranch Gallery

Hat Ranch Gallery, located on historic Turquoise Trail, provides a unique and truly authentic Santa Fe experience in which to view and acquire art of all media and price range. We offer a beautiful gallery and immersive art and cultural experiences where you can unwind, explore and enjoy the original Santa Fe spirit. We are a destination gallery and when you are here -you will feel like family.

Reviewed By anlianna76

If you want a truly Santa Fe experience please visit this authentic western gallery, The art is truly wonderful and the gallery is located off the beaten path just off the iconic turquoise trail, easy to find. Once you get there you will be treated as is if you are an old friend coming to visit and I guarantee you will leave with a beautiful piece of Santa Fe art lovingly created by local artists.

7. Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian

704 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505-7511 +1 505-982-4636 [email protected] http://www.wheelwright.org/
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 375 reviews

Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian

The museum features changing exhibitions of contemporary and iconic Native American art with an emphasis on the Southwest.

8. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505-7511 +1 505-476-1269 http://www.indianartsandculture.org/
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 857 reviews

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, one of four museums in the Museum of New Mexico system, is a premier repository of Native art and material culture and tells the stories of the people of the Southwest from pre-history through contemporary art. The museum serves a diverse, multicultural audience through changing exhibitions, public lectures, field trips, artist residencies, and other educational programs.

Reviewed By kendak999 - Durban, South Africa

Another of the NM museums on the Culture Pass, I visited mid-December, hoping to get some insight into Native American culture and history. I was not disappointed. The Here, Now and Always exhibition is quite large and beautifully curated, giving you a glimpse of the life and ways of several Native American tribes who are/were in the NM region, including day to day items as well as art. Some of the pieces date from 500 AD! On the Art side, there are several galleries exhibiting Native American pottery, again, with some pieces magnificently conserved and dating back over 1000 years. What I particularly liked, both in the culture and art exhibitions, was the curation of real-people accounts from Native Americans, their remembrances and views on many aspects of the exhibits.

9. El Rancho de las Golondrinas

334 Los Pinos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507-4363 +1 505-471-2261 [email protected] http://golondrinas.org/
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 338 reviews

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

This living history museum, located just south of Santa Fe, recreates 18th-century ranch life. Guides, dressed in period clothing, show how people lived in early New Mexico.

Reviewed By Preraphaelite11

Walk into El Rancho de las Golondrinas and you'll open a door and step back 300 years to experience authentic Southwest history. See first-hand how people lived, the buildings they constructed and their purpose, how they made their clothes, cooked their food and worshipped. You'll get a unique taste of everyday life in a community in the 1700s, learn about the inhabitants' hardships, their hopes and fears while exploring this exceptionally, well-maintained and preserved historic ranch. I spent 4 hours walking the grounds and talking with the knowledgeable and friendly staff. I'm a historian and learned more about New Mexico's fascinating history when visiting El Rancho de las Golondrinas.

10. Rainbow Man

107 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2010 +1 505-982-8706 http://www.rainbowman.com
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 85 reviews

Rainbow Man

Art gallery featuring Indian art.

Reviewed By nancya805

We have been visiting Rainbow Man for decades to see the best local folk art (mostly carved & painted wooden animals) plus vintage jewelry of the American Southwest.

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