Buffalo in the Foothills by John Nieto at Ventana Fine Art
Ventana Fine Art
On Canyon Road, Ventana's building may seem like just another gallery, but it holds a secret. Marked by a crest-shaped plaque from the Historic Santa Fe Foundation, the building is "worthy of preservation." It was once the First Ward School and is Santa Fe's oldest red-brick construction. In its history, the building has also served as a theatre, antiques shop, and even a zoo. You can find Ventana at 400 Canyon Road, or visit their website at ventanafineart.com. They are open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
The 'miraculous' Loretto Chapel staircase
Myth becomes reality in America's oldest capital when it comes to the Loretto Chapel staircase. For just $3, you can witness this marvel. Legend has it that the nuns had no way of accessing the choir loft after the chapel's completion due to limited space. They prayed, and a mysterious man arrived to construct a spiral staircase that turns twice at 360 degrees – all without using a single nail. Could it have been an act of Saint Joseph? You can be the judge. Visit the Loretto Chapel at 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, or check out their website at lorettochapel.com. They are open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 10:30 am to 5 pm.
SITE Santa Fe
A portrait of Linda Mary Montano at SITE, Santa Fe
SITE Santa Fe is a renowned institution that presents innovative visual art in engaging ways. Since the mid-1990s, it has hosted the only international contemporary art biennial in the US and has played a crucial role in bringing Santa Fe into the avant-garde forefront. Recently, they featured Linda Mary Montano, who performed endurance-based songs by Linda Ronstadt and Raka Mukherjee while perched on a hydraulic scissor lift for seven continuous hours. You can find SITE Santa Fe at 1606 Paseo De Peralta, or learn more on their website at sitesantafe.org. They are open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Friday from 10 am to 7 pm.
Where to stay
Discover a selection of hotels that offer easy access to the Plaza's renowned attractions, shops, and restaurants. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Fe's cultural hub, explore the local art galleries, indulge in delicious cuisine, and witness the city's rich history come alive. Find the perfect Santa Fe Hotels near Plaza on hotelsinsantafe.net
If you're traveling with a furry friend, Santa Fe offers a variety of pet-friendly hotels that ensure a comfortable stay for both you and your beloved companion. Enjoy the city's pet-friendly parks, trails, and open spaces, knowing that you have a welcoming hotel to return to after a day of exploration. Pet friendly hotels Santa Fe on hotelsinsantafe.net accommodations in Santa Fe, allowing you to plan a memorable trip that includes your four-legged family member.
For a truly charming and authentic Santa Fe experience, consider El Paradero Santa Fe. Nestled in the historic district, this delightful bed and breakfast embodies the essence of Santa Fe's warm hospitality. Experience the unique blend of Southwestern decor, cozy accommodations, and personalized service that will make your stay truly unforgettable. Discover the allure of El Paradero Santa Fe and immerse yourself in the authentic ambiance of this enchanting property.
Santa Fe Art Institute
Photograph: Alamy
SFAI, located in a magnificent building designed by Ricardo Legorreta, is a hub for artists and writers, providing them with opportunities for collective discourse and creative growth. Through lectures, workshops, outreach programs, and an artist-in-residence program, SFAI nurtures both emerging and established artists on a local, national, and international level. As the cultural heart of Santa Fe, their mission is to support artists in taking risks and exploring possibilities. You can find SFAI at 1600 St Michael's Drive, or visit their website at sfai.org. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Palace of the Governors
Photograph: Krista Rossow/National Geographic/Getty Images
A lively hub since 1610, the oldest continuously occupied building in the US now serves as a history museum. It offers a glimpse into the past with sections of the original adobe and later cut-stone walls, visible behind Plexiglas for aspiring Indiana Jones fans to appreciate. Looking for genuine turquoise jewelry? The palace's plaza-facing portal features the Native American Vendors Program, a project by the state-run Museum of New Mexico Foundation. This initiative showcases the skills of native artisans and the exceptional quality of their crafts, as opposed to the cheap imitations found in most souvenir shops around town.
105 West Palace Avenue, palaceofthegovernors.org. Open 10am-5pm Tues-Sun, open daily in summer, and open until 8pm on Fridays.
Railyard district
Photograph: Alamy
The Railyard district, Canyon Road's hipper, younger sibling, is quickly becoming Santa Fe's premier destination for contemporary art. It is home to avant-garde galleries that showcase cutting-edge artwork. Notable establishments include David Richard Gallery, specializing in postwar, abstract, and geometric art; TAI Gallery, known for its Japanese bamboo and textile art; and Zane Bennett Contemporary, offering captivating paintings, European neon art, and three-dimensional prints from the Mexican Mixografia movement. For a unique experience, check out Warehouse 21, an experimental performance and art space dedicated to works by local artists aged 21 and under.
Paseo de Peralta and South Guadalupe Street, railyardsantafe.com
Luminous signs along Cerrillos Road
The legendary Route 66 once passed through Santa Fe from 1926 to 1937, but remnants of its glory days still exist. Take a cruise down Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe's main thoroughfare, and marvel at the vintage roadside signs. Steel, bulb, and neon boards advertise landmarks such as the Western Scene Motel, with its "large units & kitchenettes", the crown-topped King's Rest Court, the Cottonwood Court boasting "color cable television", the charming Pantry Restaurant, and the delightfully retro Stagecoach Motor Inn, where TV's Lucy and Desi might have stayed in their long, long trailer.
Center for Contemporary Arts
Photograph: Alamy
It's not just a gallery - it's a movie theatre and a versatile performance venue! Welcome to the Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA). With a 35-year-old connection to the vibrant Santa Fe arts community, CCA is a non-profit arts center that houses a digital media arts classroom, the spector ripps project space, the experimental Muñoz Waxman Gallery, and the arthouse Cinematheque. Currently, CCA is preparing Atomic Surplus, a multi-platform project launching in October 2013. This undertaking explores New Mexico's role as the birthplace of the atomic bomb, through "art that examines not only New Mexico's identity but also broader topics like science, environment, war, activism, fear, and hope".
1050 Old Pecos Trail, ccasantafe.org. Open daily, hours vary.
Santa Fe Opera
Photograph: Alamy
Opera enthusiasts flock to the New Mexico foothills every July and August since 1957 to indulge in world-class performances. The iconic Crosby Theater, designed by the renowned architectural firm James Stewart Polshek and Partners in 1998, offers an awe-inspiring open-air setting with stunning views of the Jemez mountains to the west and the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the east. Arrive early, bring some wine and cheese, and enjoy the ambiance in the parking lot before the show. The opera's tailgate parties are just as splendid as the performances on the stage.
301 Opera Drive, +1 505 986 5900, santafeopera.org. 2013 season runs from June 28 to August 24, check the website for ticket prices and event details.
Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
Photograph: Robert Alexander/Getty
Leave your preconceptions about tomahawks and headdresses behind when visiting the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA). This world-class art institution merges contemporary and traditional styles, often sparking intriguing dialogues. Its National Collection of Contemporary Native Art consists of over 7,500 pieces created after 1962, representing various media forms. MoCNA serves as a beacon of Santa Fe's vibrant culture and is also the center for the Institute of American Indian Arts, the only four-year degree institution in the nation dedicated to Native arts.
108 Cathedral Place, iaia.edu
