5 Famous Art Museums in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico, is home to a number of world-class art museums that display an impressive array of work. The region's local art is influenced by Spanish, Mexican, and Native American cultures. Both visitors and residents will likely be eager to check out all of the artwork the city has to offer. Here are five of the most famous art museums in Santa Fe

1. New Mexico Museum of Art

Established in 1917, this state-run museum houses more than 20,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, lithographs, and photographs from around the world. Its main mission is to display and preserve the unique culture of the region, but visitors will also find art from around the world. The short-term exhibits frequently showcase work from notable New Mexican and Southwestern artists.

2. Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Located in downtown Santa Fe, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum houses the world's largest collection of works created by O'Keeffe, who is considered to be one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Although she is perhaps most famous for her paintings of flowers and skyscrapers, O'Keeffe's work was also heavily influenced by the New Mexican landscape and environment.

3. Museum of International Folk Art

This renowned museum is housed in a building designed by famous local architect John Gaw Meem. It's home to a huge collection of folk art from more than 100 countries. It's most popular, long-term exhibit, Multiple Visions: A Common Bond, showcases folk art, textiles, and toys from around the globe.

4. IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts

Since 1972, The Museum of Contemporary Native Arts has been devoted to educating the public about the culture and history of Native American people. In this museum, visitors will find a diverse variety of paintings, sculptures, and prints created by contemporary Native American and Canadian First Nations artists.

5. Museum of Spanish Colonial Art

With more than 3,000 pieces in its collection, this museum seeks to showcase how the region's art evolved during the Spanish colonial period. Although it's main focus is on New Mexican art, it also displays pieces from Spanish colonies around the world. Visitors can glimpse works made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, iron, and straw.

This post is a guest contribution from Four Kachinas Inn, a bed and breakfast in Santa Fe, NM.