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.
- Haakú Museum at Sky City Cultural Center (Acoma Pueblo)
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
- IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (Santa Fe_
Paul Biwer/Google
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
- Museum at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (Albuquerque)
Tom Ringold/Google
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 (Pojoaque)
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
- Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian (Santa Fe)
Jim S/TripAdvisor
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!
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
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
Tom Ringold/Google
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
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
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
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.
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Address: Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, USAAddress: 108 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USAAddress: 2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, USAAddress: 78 Cities of Gold Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87506, USAAddress: 704 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA
