Palace of the Governors
Originally constructed in the early 17th century as Spain's seat of government for what is today the American Southwest, the Palace of the Governors chronicles the history of Santa Fe, as well as New Mexico and the region. This adobe structure, now the state's history museum, was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1960 and an American Treasure in 1999.
To firmly ground yourself in New Mexico's rich past, visit this museum on the Santa Fe Plaza. Built by the Spanish as a government building in 1610, the Palace remains the country's oldest continuously occupied public building. Its exhibits chronicle the history of Santa Fe as well as New Mexico and the region. American Indian artists sell their wares under its historic portal as part of the Native American Vendors Program. The New Mexico Museum of History, which is physically and thematically linked to the Palace of the Governors is now open.
Museum Tours:
Free Docent Tours are available daily. To confirm schedule, call the museum's front desk at (505) 476-5100.
Self-guided visits to the Palace of the Governors and/or New Mexico History Museum are available daily. There also may be special self-guided activities. Please ask the front desk when you arrive. To schedule a self-guided tour please call (505) 476-5087 or email rene.harris@state.nm.us.
Downtown Walking Tours:
- Meet at the Blue Gate on Lincoln Ave.
- Monday-Saturday, 10:15am-noon
- April through October
- $10
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