Taos Museums and Art Galleries

(Taos, New Mexico - NM, USA)

Taos is well-known for many things, but it is the arts that the town is perhaps most famous for. Various museums are to hand, allowing tourists to learn a little more about its most prominent characters from the past and their brave crusades, which included mountain men, explorers, hunter trappers, Indian fighters and early state governors.

Visitors will find plenty of art galleries around the town, displaying stunning collections of art works and historic artifacts. Sited within the former residence of Nicolai Ivanovich Fechin (between 1927 and 1933), an acclaimed Russian-American artist known for his paintings of Native Americans, the Taos Art Museum is one to look out for, with its 300+ paintings and ambitious expansion plans.

Taos Art Museum

Address: 227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, New Mexico NM, 87571, USA
Tel: +1 575 758 2690
Housed in an amazing adobe residence now appearing on the US National Register of Historic Places, the Taos Art Museum was founded in 1994 and moved to its present site roughly eight years later. Exhibits include a number contemporary works by local artists, as well as many more traditional paintings. Nicolai Fechin, the house's builder, was a creative Russian immigrant with a flair for interior design and painting, and many of the works displayed in the museum were actually painted by him. Other highlights include a collection of paintings by Ernest L. Blumenschein.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children and students, free to locals each Sunday

Blumenschein Home and Museum

Address: 222 Ledoux Street, Taos, New Mexico NM, 87571, USA
Tel: +1 575 758 0505
A visit to this great museum is a must for anyone interested in the history of the city's vibrant fine arts scene. Ernest L. Blumenschein was one of the founding members of the Taos Society of Artists, dating from the late 18th century. Known for their liberal use of vivid colors, the society has been very influential in the region, as demonstrated by the popularity and value of their works today. The exhibits include everyday items from the Blumenschein family, as well as many of the artist's most famous pieces and other works by members of the society.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 - 17:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge

Kit Carson Home and Museum

Address: 113 Kit Carson Road, Taos, New Mexico NM, 87571, USA
Tel: +1 575 758 4945
This wonderful museum houses plenty of mountain man paraphernalia to make you feel like you're back in the Wild West! Purchased by renowned American frontiersman Christopher Houston 'Kit' Carson (1809 to 1868) for his Spanish wife, the house is preserved exactly as it was when the family lived here. Spread around the building are exhibits that reflect the daily life of these tough frontier men and women, as well as some local artifacts and antiques. Interpretive history tours, a gift shop, a book store and various storyboards add to the overall appeal.
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Governor Bent Museum

Address: 117 Bent Street, Taos, New Mexico NM, 87571, USA
Tel: +1 575 758 2376
Although only governor of New Mexico for less than a year before he was killed, Charles Bent (1799 to 1847) had a colorful life as a mountain man and amassed a huge collection of artifacts from the region and beyond. Highlights include Native American handicrafts, mountain man equipment and well-preserved antiques. These and other items from the period are displayed at the Bent family's home.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Millicent Rogers Museum

Address: 1504 Millicent Rogers Road, Taos, New Mexico NM, 87571, USA
Tel: +1 575 758 2462
The late heiress of the Standard Oil fortune, Millicent Rogers amassed an amazing collection of priceless Native American and Hispanic handicrafts that are now exhibited at this enthralling museum. Those visiting this attraction will be able to gaze in wonder at the craftsmanship exhibited in the examples of turquoise and silver jewelry, carvings, leather work, pottery and katsina dolls.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge