Location: Taos
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The 5 Best Art Museums in Taos, New Mexico (NM)
A rolling mesa at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos has a magical quality. Its rugged beauty, majestic mountains, wild Rio Grande river and unique blend of cultures - Spanish, Native American and Anglo - have historically drawn artists and photographers, evidenced by the plentiful galleries, museums and festivals. To experience the Native American culture here, explore Taos Pueblo, where the Tiwa Native Americans have practiced their traditions for centuries. Finally, the Anglo influence is prevalent in the business district, with its shops, art galleries and some of the finest restaurants in New Mexico. Skiing is also a major draw, but the challenging slopes are geared to the more advanced crowd. There's no rat race here; a fair share of non-mainstreamers have made this laid-back, low-key mecca their home. You, too, may not want to leave its tranquility and natural beauty.
Restaurants in Taos
1. Millicent Rogers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
This impressive museum has more than a dozen galleries with some 5000 pieces of Native American and Hispanic art, including furniture, weaving, paintings, pottery and a celebrated collection of Native American jewelry.
Reviewed By WC-Travelers-75
We knew nothing of this museum other than it was listed in the AAA TourBook before we visited. Because we allowed extra time in our travel to Taos, we took it in. What a surprise! An extensive collection of Southwestern art of many cultures and mediums. The jewelry collection was memorable, with some pieces you wonder if they were meant to be worn given their size. We lingered to take it all in as best we could. This museum is a gem! We would visit again if in Taos since exhibits change.
2. Blumenschein Home & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By conmom828 - Falls Church, United States
I was amazed at the size of all the building in Taos. Each road and street was one where my Grandparents walked and befriended the Artist who lived there in the early 1920's My Dad was born in what is now a restaurant etc. Most important we were able to give back to the community paintings which have been gifted to our family years before. We even toured the Pueblos which are pictured often and are still lived in now!
3. Harwood Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Formed in 1923 by Lucy Harwood and several members of the Taos Society of Artists, the Harwood Museum of Art is the second oldest museum in New Mexico. The museum has been affiliated with the University of New Mexico since 1935, and it now boasts the internationally acclaimed Agnes Martin Gallery, galleries exhibiting highlights from the museum's collection of work by the Taos Society of Artists, Taos Moderns, Hispanic Traditions, and contemporary artists working in Taos, and changing exhibitions fulfilling the Harwood's vision to "Bring Taos Arts to the World and World Arts to Taos."
Reviewed By jeanli515 - New York City, United States
Had a great visit to the Harwood---it's one of the only art places I visit in Taos because of good curation, and of course the permanent Agnes Martin room with Donald Judd benches, super dreamy and is alone worth the price of admission! They were just installing a new Judy Chicago show when i was there, and of course there is the historical permanent collection-- weavings, santos, Western art, i.e., the early Taos artists who are fascinating if a bit romantic. If you are interested in contemporary art this is definitely the spot.
4. Taos Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Taos's newest museum, opened in 1994, has a collection of works by early members of the Taos Society of Artists never seen before by the public.
Reviewed By garygloriab - Rock Island, United States
The Taos Art Museum once the home of Nikolai Fechin, his wife Aexandra and daughter Eya is an architectural gem. My wife and I visit it every year during our few weeks in New Mexico.The house with it's southwestern style offers exactly the right atmosphere for the many regional paintings it hosts. We are great admirers of the works of Nikolai Fechin. It is always touching to visit the grave of Alexandra located behind the house in a yard where you can sit and enjoy the local critters who seem to be there every day. Also in back of the museum is a building housing Fechin's studio. It is used in late summer to host the many pieces of fine art that are auctioned off to help fund the museum. A gift shop occupies the front part of that building. We would recommend a visit to the museum for anyone visiting Taos. Sit down anywhere in the house or garden and enjoy the stillness.
5. Tres Estrellas Design
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Tres Estrellas Design is where Taos’ past meets the present. The three stars in our name, Tres Estrellas, celebrate the three cultures that colorfully define northern New Mexico; Native American, Hispanic New Mexican, and Frontier American. Our gallery in downtown Taos is a time capsule of 19th century Southwestern Americana, showcasing material culture from each tradition. We feature handwoven blankets and textiles, New Mexican furniture, pottery, antique guns, fur trade era collectibles, art and more.
