Whether you enjoy learning about ancient cultures or viewing pieces of contemporary art, the art galleries in Santa Fe have got you covered. This city’s diverse population and deep history shine through its art — and there’s a lot of art to be found here.
Santa Fe, also known as the City Different, is home to more than 250 art galleries, over 100 of which line the mile-long stretch of Canyon Road. With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Here are just a few of the many museums and art galleries in Santa Fe dedicated to showcasing the works of Indigenous and international artists, from the ancient to the contemporary.
Indigenous Art Museums
Many of the museums and art galleries in Santa Fe celebrate the city’s deep Indigenous traditions. Here are just a few that are dedicated to Indigenous art of the past and present.
- The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It offers educational programs and events, as well as exhibitions designed to tell the stories of the Native communities in the American Southwest, both past and present.
- The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian is New Mexico’s oldest nonprofit, independent museum. Exhibitions feature both contemporary and ancient art by Native American artists, and the museum’s shop, Case Trading Post, carries vintage and contemporary pieces by Native American artists.
- The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) is, according to its website, the country’s “only museum for exhibiting, collecting, and interpreting the most progressive work of contemporary Native artists” and showcases thousands of pieces by Indigenous artists.
- New Mexico History Museum is a campus of three interlocked buildings that feature exhibitions and programs that celebrate the “broad range of the cultures, communities, and events that have shaped this land for centuries.”
There are dozens of museums and art galleries in Santa Fe dedicated to showcasing Indigenous artwork and commemorating the city’s Native roots. But you don’t only have to visit museums to experience the city’s Native influence; there are other sights to see and things to do to immerse yourself in Santa Fe’s history.
Contemporary Art Galleries
Alongside its rich history, Santa Fe offers plenty of opportunities to explore the works of contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds. Here are a few of the biggest and best contemporary art galleries in Santa Fe.
- EVOKE Contemporary, often described as “provocative” and “compelling,” features pieces from established and guest artists in a variety of mediums from sculpture to landscape painting. The gallery also offers virtual tours on its website.
- LewAllen Galleries has two divisions: one showcasing contemporary art by living artists and the other celebrating works of both American and European Modernism.
- Nüart Gallery’s self-proclaimed mission is “to show the work of the very best artists we know.” To that end, the gallery exhibits carefully curated collections from local and international artists that meet its high standards for quality.
- SITE Santa Fe is home to the United States’ first international art biennial of contemporary art, which launched in 1995. Exhibitions feature artists and works from around the world, roughly 20% of which are local to New Mexico.
Naturally, these are just a few of the many art galleries in Santa Fe worth visiting. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or merely an art enthusiast, plan to spend at least a few days immersing yourself in the city’s culture and history.
Make Time to Explore Art Galleries in Santa Fe
Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, the many museums and art galleries in Santa Fe are great places to experience the culture and heritage of the City Different.
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