You’ll Want To Spend All Day In These 5 Museums Learning About New Mexico’s First Residents

Did you know November is National Native American Heritage Month? New Mexico has one of the largest populations of Indigenous peoples and is home to 23 federally recognized tribes.

The common perception of the nation’s Indigenous peoples tends to place us either in a romanticized history or as tragedy-stricken people. But the truth is, native peoples are resilient and reclaiming ownership of our histories and identities.

As a Navajo writer, I often receive messages and emails from readers with questions about my heritage, where to go, and how to learn more. One of my typical suggestions? Visit tribal cultural centers, museums, restaurants, particularly ones run by or in conjunction with tribes.

Here’s a look at five museums in New Mexico that will get you started on the right foot.

Sky City Cultural Center Haak'u Museum/Facebook

Located about one hour west of Albuquerque via Interestate 40, Haakú Museum showcases the art and culture of the Acoma people, one of New Mexico’s Pueblo tribes. This museum hosts rotating exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations. While here, be sure to stop at the Yaak’a Cafe for a hearty meal.

Website: Acoma Sky City
Location: Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034
Phone: (505) 552-7861

Paul Biwer/Google

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IAIA Museum of Contemprary Native Arts/Google

Part of the Institute of American Indian Arts, you won’t find a typical collection of centuries-old pottery and sherds. MoCNA regularly features the stunning works of contemporary Indigenous artists, each showcasing the unique ways they simultaneously reach back to their heritage and look forward to the future.

Website: IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
Address: 108 Cathedral Place, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: (505) 983-8900

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Tom Ringold/Google

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Corrie Navis/Google

New Mexico is home to 19 Pueblos, and for all their similarities, each is exquisitely unique. This cultural center and museum in Albuquerque focuses on the history, culture, and art of each of these tribal communities. The cultural center also has an incredible cafe—Pueblo Harvest—which features dishes from Pueblo and other Indigenous communities.

Website: Museum at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Address: 2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Phone: (866) 855-7902

Poeh Cultural Center/Facebook

Poeh Cultural Center/Facebook

This museum and cultural center sits a short drive north of Santa Fe via Highway 285. Founded by Pojoaque Pueblo, the center features exhibits and events of Pueblo culture but with an emphasis on Tewa. Here, you’ll find an incredible collection of historical and contemporary art.

Website: Poeh Cultural Center
Address: 78 Cities of Gold Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87506
Phone: (505) 455-5041

Jim S/TripAdvisor

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Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian/Facebook

Founded in 1923 by Mary Cabot Wheelwright and Hastiin Klah (Navajo), the museum features historical, traditional, and contemporary art of Southwestern tribes.

Website: Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
Address: 704 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 982-4636

How many of these museums have you visited? If you have any suggestions for other museums, cultural centers, and more, I would love to hear your feedback!

You may be interested in reading about New Mexico’s oldest continuously occupied settlement, Taos. Read about the World Heritage Site’s history and things to do in The Oldest Town In New Mexico That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once.