All ethnology museums to visit in New Mexico

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 30 ethnology museums in New Mexico. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in New Mexico:

  1. The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History1

    The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History

     Albuquerque, NM
    The Albuquerque Museum, previously known as the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, is a public institution dedicated to art and history located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This museum is a significant cultural and educational hub in the city, focusing on the preservation of the art of the American Southwest and the history of Albuquerque and the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico.
  2. Palace of the Governors2

    Palace of the Governors

     Santa Fe, NM
    The Palace of the Governors, located on Palace Avenue in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a historic adobe structure. It was built in the Territorial Style of Pueblo architecture, which is a unique blend of Native American and Spanish architectural elements. This style is characterized by its use of adobe (sun-dried mud bricks) in construction, flat roofs, and rounded edges. The Palace's architecture is a testament to the rich cultural history of the region.
  3. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center3

    Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

     Albuquerque, NM
    The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, situated in Albuquerque, is a unique institution that is owned and operated by the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico. This center is dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of Pueblo Indian Culture, History, and Art, providing visitors with an authentic and comprehensive understanding of the Pueblo people.
  4. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument4

    Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

     Mountainair, NM
    The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, located near Mountainair in the U.S. state of New Mexico, is a complex of three Spanish missions. These missions were constructed between 1622 and 1635, and once served as a thriving hub for the Native American trade communities of Tiwa and Tompiro language-speaking Pueblo people. Today, the monument stands as a beautiful reminder of the earliest contact between Pueblo Indians and Spanish Colonials.
  5. Bandelier National Monument5

    Bandelier National Monument

     Los Alamos, NM
    The Bandelier National Monument is a unique combination of a memorial and a nature reserve. It is located in the northern part of New Mexico, USA, and spans an impressive area of approximately 136 km². This vast expanse of land offers a diverse range of landscapes and natural features, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
  6. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture6

    Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

     Santa Fe, NM
    The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a dedicated space for the display and preservation of Native American art and culture. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of Native American communities.
  7. Museum of International Folk Art7

    Museum of International Folk Art

     Santa Fe, NM
    Founded by Florence Dibell Bartlett and opened to the public in 1953, the Museum of International Folk Art is home to the world's largest collection of international folk art. The museum's collection comprises more than 135,000 artifacts, providing a comprehensive insight into various cultures and traditions from around the world.
  8. E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center - Pecos National Historical Park8

    E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center - Pecos National Historical Park

     Pecos, NM
    The Pecos National Historical Park is a significant historical site located in New Mexico, approximately 27 km east of Santa Fe. This park is a testament to the rich history and culture of the region, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the past.
  9. New Mexico History Museum9

    New Mexico History Museum

     Santa Fe, NM
    The New Mexico History Museum, located in Santa Fe, is a significant part of the state-run Museum of New Mexico system. This system is managed by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, ensuring the preservation and promotion of the state's cultural heritage. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of New Mexico's rich history, making it a valuable destination for tourists interested in understanding the state's past.
  10. Wheelwright Museum10

    Wheelwright Museum

     Santa Fe, NM
    The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, situated in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a dedicated space for the exploration and appreciation of Native American arts. Founded in 1937, the museum offers a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of Native American communities, with a particular focus on Navajo art and culture.
  11. El Rancho De Las Golondrinas11

    El Rancho De Las Golondrinas

     La Cienega, NM
    El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a historic rancho and now a living history museum, is strategically located on what was once the Camino Real, the Royal Road that extended from Mexico City to Santa Fe. The ranch provided goods for trade and was a place where the caravans that plied the road would stop on their journey coming from or going to Santa Fe. It was a paraje, an official rest stop for travelers, and was even mentioned by the great colonial military leader and governor, Don Juan Bautista de Anza, when he stopped here with his expeditionary force in 1780.
  12. Coronado Historic Site12

    Coronado Historic Site

     Bernalillo, NM
    The Coronado Historic Site is a significant part of the Museum of New Mexico system, governed by the State. It is the Tiwa pueblo of Kuaua, a historic site that offers a glimpse into the past. This site is an integral part of New Mexico's history and culture, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the Tiwa pueblo of Kuaua.
  13. Roswell Museum13

    Roswell Museum

     Roswell, NM
    The Roswell Museum showcases exhibits that delve into the art and history of the American Southwest. It also houses the Robert H. Goddard laboratory, providing a unique insight into the work of this pioneering scientist.
  14. Hacienda de los Martinez14

    Hacienda de los Martinez

     Taos, NM
    The Martinez Hacienda, also known as Hacienda de los Martinez, is a significant historical site in Taos County, New Mexico. Built during the Spanish colonial era, it now serves as a living museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This hacienda offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the lifestyle and architecture of the Spanish colonial period.
  15. Albuquerque Museum15

    Albuquerque Museum

     Albuquerque, NM
    The Albuquerque Museum, previously known as the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, is a public institution dedicated to art and history located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This museum is a significant cultural and educational hub in the city, contributing to a variety of programs and initiatives.
  16. Alamogordo Museum of History16

    Alamogordo Museum of History

     Alamogordo, NM
    The Tularosa Basin Museum of History, previously known as the Tularosa Basin Historical Society Museum, is a history museum located in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The museum houses a vast collection of historical photographs, documents, and relics from Otero County. This collection provides a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of the region, making it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the past of Otero County and New Mexico.
  17. National Scouting Museum17

    National Scouting Museum

     Cimarron, NM
    The National Scouting Museum, the official museum of the Boy Scouts of America, has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1959. It has moved several times, with its current location being at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. This location offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the Boy Scouts of America.
  18. Deming Luna Mimbres Museum18

    Deming Luna Mimbres Museum

     Deming, NM
    The Deming Luna Mimbres Museum, formerly known as the Deming Armory, is a historic site located at 301 South Silver Avenue in Deming, Luna County, New Mexico. This building, which was originally constructed as a National Guard armory, has a rich history dating back to 1915. It was added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties in 1978 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  19. Maxwell Museum of Anthropology19

    Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

     Albuquerque, NM
    The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology is situated on the University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This museum is dedicated to the study of anthropology and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the human cultural experience through various exhibits and collections.
  20. Petroglyph National Monument Visitor Center20

    Petroglyph National Monument Visitor Center

     Albuquerque, NM
    The Petroglyph National Monument is a significant landmark located along New Mexico's West Mesa. This volcanic escarpment, made of basalt, provides a stunning view of the western horizon of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established on June 27, 1990, the monument is managed by the National Park Service and the city of Albuquerque. It's a unique destination that offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
  21. Historical Center For Southeast New Mexico21

    Historical Center For Southeast New Mexico

     Roswell, NM
    Fascinating local historical museum featuring many insights into the past. Lots of artifacts and items connected with the area.
  22. Gallup Cultural Center22

    Gallup Cultural Center

     Gallup, NM
    The city of Gallup renovated the building in 1996 to serve as the Gallup Cultural Center, which is operated by the Southwest Indian Foundation. Besides being a passenger waiting area, the building also houses the Gallup Visitor Center, which moved to the station in 2004. This makes it a central point for visitors to the city.
  23. The Gadsen Museum23

    The Gadsen Museum

     Mesilla, NM
    This private museum established in 1931 owns numerous interesting Native American artifacts, Civil War items and more!
  24. Museum - Salmon Ruins24

    Museum - Salmon Ruins

     Lee Acres, NM
    Salmon Pueblo, also known as Salmon Ruins, is a significant archaeological site that represents the Chaco-Canyon culture. It is located near Bloomfield in New Mexico. This site offers a unique insight into the indigenous cultures of the North American Southwest, particularly the Ancestral Puebloans who built and inhabited this settlement.
  25. Millicent Rogers Museum25

    Millicent Rogers Museum

     Taos Pueblo, NM
    The Millicent Rogers Museum, located in Taos, New Mexico, is an art museum that was established in 1956. The museum was founded by the family of Millicent Rogers, a passionate collector and patron of the arts. The museum houses a large collection of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo-American art, with a specific emphasis on pieces from northern New Mexico and Taos.
  26. Poeh Cultural Center26

    Poeh Cultural Center

     Pojoaque, NM
    The Poeh Museum is situated in the town of Pojoaque, New Mexico. It is conveniently located off U.S. Route 84, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum is in close proximity to Pojoaque Pueblo's Cities of Gold Casino and Hotel, providing additional entertainment options for tourists. Furthermore, it is only about 16 miles away from the city of Santa Fe, allowing visitors to explore more of New Mexico's rich cultural heritage.
  27. 27

    Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village

     Farmington, NM
    Interesting museum focusing not only on Aztec culture and history, but also taking into account early colonization and pioneering.
  28. 28

    Museum of Spanish Colonial Art

     Santa Fe, NM
    Located on the "Museum Hill" like many other museums, this one offers a peek on the days of Spanish colonial era.
  29. 29

    A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center

     Zuni, NM
    The A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center is situated in Zuni, New Mexico, United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Zuni tribe's history and culture.
  30. 30

    Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame

     Hobbs, NM
    The Western Heritage Museum & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame is located near Hobbs, New Mexico. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to delve into the rich history and heritage of the area.