new mexico history museum

Great museum where you learn everything there is to know about how New Mexico has become the state it is today (with a lot of battle that’s for sure). We did a tour and the guide was very enthustiastic and informative, also apprehendable for us Dutch people. You really get a good picture of how life was back then in the beginning.

I often find history museums to be a little dry, but this one was well put together and fascinating. It really added a richness to our visit to Santa Fe and I'm so glad we went here on our first day in town.

Wanting to know more about the history of New Mexico we wandered into the New Mexico history museum. Entrance fee = 9 USD per person if you're from out of state, but it's definitely worth it - your ticket is valid for the entire day so you can go in an out at your leisure. Great exhibitions on the entire history of New Mexico, from the Native Americans to the Spanish, the start of tourism, Pancho Villa (they have his death mask), rebels, house of governors etc. You will definitely learn something, even if you already know a lot about the state's history. Everything is well written and presented.

A really interesting museum with a fairly balanced perspective (ie the Spanish aren't always the heroes). I thought the section on the creation of tourism and the "land of enchantment" was especially interesting. Highly recommend

It is well worth spending a few hours at this museum to learn about the history of NM. There are also visiting exhibitions and the one that appealed was about the development of the pinhole camera.

In an era when the history that formed this Country means so little to many, it was a nice surprise to find this finer museum that traces the history of New Mexico from the Inidgenous period up through the Spanish and Mexican era to the present! Because of the layout of the buildings, the various wings covering different eras can be a bit confusing but if one takes their time meandering through, there is a great deal to be learned. In our case, we will return for another visit to absorb even more.

If you live here, or visiting for the first time, this museum will give you an excellent overview of the long, rich history of NM.

It is located in the Old Governor's house and is quite interesting. Some very unusual displays. Also, the artisans that sell outside the museum are wonderful to talk to and have some great items for purchase.

Four floors, seems the upper is reserved for more artsy or specialty exhibits, but the main floor and two floors below it has a very nice flow and takes you through pretty much chronologically. The first exhibit is very large with LOTS of old artifacts from the old west frontier days, from Native to Spanish to Calvary. The second floor shows the progression of civilization with supply and demand and the third takes you into the Manhattan project and war times. It was very well done and informative. I would recommend this place for people interested in historical museums.

I grew up in New Mexico, but learned a few things that i hadn't been taught as a kid. Great afternoon experience while visiting the plaza area.

The museum is in a wonderful location, with the Palace of the governors right on the main square in Santa Fe and the newer building behind. After reading all the glowing reviews, I was expecting something that would do a great job of highlighting the rich history of New Mexico, hopefully with many artifacts from over the years. The palace was interesting as an historical building. But, the new wing was a huge amount of mostly empty space. What a disappointment. There were bare walls everywhere and only a small number of actual artifacts amidst a lot of poster boards. Of the four Santa Fe museums on the culture card, this one is by far the poorest.

The museum has many interesting rotating displays. You may also tour the Palace of the Governors which is attached (oldest continuously inhabited public building in America). I would allow a couple of hours to really enjoy both museums. If you plan on touring any other museums in Santa Fe within the next year, purchase the pass that allows you to go to 15 museums for $25.00. If you are a local, most museums are free on Sunday. If you buy the museum pass, head up to 'Museum Hill' for several interesting museums and a fantastic view of the Jemez and Albuquerque mountains (nice place to watch the sunset too). Enjoy!

Stopped in to the museum gift shop and started chatting up the docent. He told us about an activity going on that afternoon that opened the museum to all for free. What a great deal! I know there are free days for NM residents but this was for all. As a lover of Taos school artists and Native art and practically anything Southwest, it was a real treat to see the masterpieces being displayed.

Enjoyed a free lecture about films shot in New Mexico, which was very informative, and also enjoyed the Fred Harvey company exhibit and docent talk. Great gift shop, too!

A great museum, professional well done displays, great interactive exhibits. We spent 3 hours there but could have stayed longer. Price is very reasonable and includes the Palace of Governors. Palace of Governors is still in progress- lots of empty space but watch the video to get more information. Great gift shop. Staff is Not friendly or helpful.