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North America United States Santa Fe, New Mexico Do & See New Mexico State Capitol

Overview

New Mexico State Capitol

The guide was updated: 2024-11-01

The New Mexico State Capitol, known locally as the Roundhouse, is the seat of government in New Mexico. It is the only round state capitol in the United States. Designed to resemble the Zia Sun Symbol when viewed from above, there are consequently four entrance wings that protrude from a main cylindrical volume. Above each entrance is a stone carving of the State Seal of New Mexico. One of the building's levels is below ground.

Useful Information

Address: 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM
Website: www.nmlegis.gov/visitors
Phone: +1 505 986 4589
Email: lcs@nmlegis.gov

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Artist Georgia O'Keeffe moved to Santa Fe in 1949 and established it as her new home and artistic haven as it, according to O'Keeffe, expressed “the wideness and wonder of the world as I live in it.” Though she had been popular and recognized in New York art circles, she found her niche in the rugged New Mexican terrain where she immortalized flowers, shrubs, rocks, shells, and other natural objects through large-scale abstractions. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum has over 3,000 works of art, including 1,149 paintings, drawings, and sculptures done by O'Keeffe from 1901 to 1984. The museum is also dedicated to O'Keeffe's contemporaries and the American contemporary and modernist art movements; artists such as Arthur Dove, Sherrie Levine, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol have had their work displayed at the museum.

Meow Wulf’s House of Eternal Return

Meow Wulf’s House of Eternal Return

Opened in 2016, the House of Eternal Return is a self-titled combination of “children’s museum, art gallery, jungle gym and fantasy novel”. It has been formed by the Meow Wolf collective and over 100 local artists. The installation represents a Victorian house, in which each visitor can choose their individual path. Immerse yourself into the story and experience colors and your own imaginative space.

Taos Municipality & Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Taos Municipality & Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

If you have the opportunity to rent a car, the scenic 1 1/2 hour drive from Santa Fe to the Municipality of Taos, north of Santa Fe, should be on your list. Surrounded by incredible landscapes, the town offers endless recreational activities.

Loretto Chapel

Loretto Chapel

Used a backdrop for weddings, the Loretto Chapel is one of Santa Fe's oldest and most dear attractions. Formerly a Roman Catholic church, it now serves as a museum and wedding venue. Perhaps beyond its grand beauty and elegance, Loretto Chapel's continued allure lies in its mysterious spiral staircase. Both the identity of its builder and the stunning physics of its construction - there were no supports holding it as it spirals into the choir loft - remain a mystery. Legend says that St. Joseph himself made it, as the man who did build the staircase disappeared before the nuns were able to pay him, and the wood used was not native to the area. It is a stunning salute to the science of physics and the hearts of believers.

Palace of the Governors

Palace of the Governors

When Santa Fe was still under Spanish rule in the 17th century, the Palace of the Governors was erected as a seat of government. It now pays homage to the American Southwest, providing educational opportunities for visitors seeking to delve into the region's rich past. The adobe is the state's history museum and was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1960 and an American Treasure in 1999.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Over 200 acres incorporates El Rancho de las Golondrinas, Santa Fe's living history museum. El Rancho represents and exhibits New Mexico's history with emphasis on the Spanish Colonial era. The museum is dedicated to 18th and 19th century New Mexico, with original colonial buildings and reconstructed Northern New Mexican historic buildings. Enjoy lively festivals with music and dance.

Museum of International Folk Art

Museum of International Folk Art

The Museum of International Folk Art has a history of preserving the arts spanning six decades. In the time since their opening in 1953, the museum has gained national and international acclaim as an accredited art gallery. With a collection of more than 135,000 artifacts, they are home to the world’s largest collection of folk art. Explore the exhibitions covering four wings: Bartlett, Girard, Hispanic Heritage, and Neutrogena.

Native American Pueblos

Native American Pueblos

Thousands are drawn each year to Santa Fe for its wealth of natural and historical sight-seeing opportunities. Among these are the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos located north of the city. With a history extending millennia, the pueblos were inhabited by Native Americans far before the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s. Today, their cultures, traditions, and arts lend to New Mexico's greatness.

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture dedicates itself to the preservation of local Native American heritage. Listen to the stories and songs that span thousands of years of Southwestern history. If you're a history love or simply enjoy stories, it's a great way to spend your afternoon.

Santa Fe Opera House

Santa Fe Opera House

Even if you aren't a fan yet, you'll fall in love with opera after attending a production at the Santa Fe Opera House. With acclaimed singers from around the world visiting, the opera produces grand productions from classical composers to modern day favorites. Call or go online to check out performance times.

Santa Fe Trail

Santa Fe Trail

The Santa Fe Trail was a transportation route through central North America that connected Franklin, Missouri, with Santa Fe, New Mexico, during the 19th century. In 1821, the Santa Fe Trail became America's first international commercial highway, becoming one of the nation's great routes of adventure and western expansion for nearly six decades afterwards. Congress recognized the significance of the Trail to American history by proclaiming it a National Historic Trail in 1987. Now visitors and locals can partake in its amazing history.

New Mexico State Capitol

New Mexico State Capitol

The New Mexico State Capitol, known locally as the Roundhouse, is the seat of government in New Mexico. It is the only round state capitol in the United States. Designed to resemble the Zia Sun Symbol when viewed from above, there are consequently four entrance wings that protrude from a main cylindrical volume. Above each entrance is a stone carving of the State Seal of New Mexico. One of the building's levels is below ground.

St. Francis Cathedral

St. Francis Cathedral

St. Francis Cathedral is one of Santa Fe's historical gems. Serving as the representation of the Southwest's influential past under Catholicism, the Cathedral is a cultural landmark. There are plenty of photograph opportunities with the beautiful interior and classical art. Daily masses are still held.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet features top global choreographers, groundbreaking works, and virtuoso dancers from the American west. With locations in Aspen, Colorado, and Santa Fe, the Ballet forms a multifaceted arts organization. They curate quality dance programming for home audiences with dance education being the priority.

Fiestas de Santa Fe

Fiestas de Santa Fe

"Viva la Fiesta!" has rang across the streets of Santa Fe for nearly 300 years. Every fall since 1712, people have gathered in Old Santa Fe to celebrate Don Diego De Vargas' peaceful reoccupation of the City of Holy Faith in 1692. The fiesta incorporates both local and Native American traditions, making it one of Santa Fe's most storied and treasured attractions.

Santa Fe Symphony & Chorus

Santa Fe Symphony & Chorus

The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus is a professional, full-sized orchestra with a volunteer chorus. They feature anyone from gold medalists, first prize winning soloists and beloved masterworks. Come hear one of their stunning performances while in town.

The Burning of Zozobra

The Burning of Zozobra

The Burning of Zozobra has been a Santa Fe Fiestas tradition since 1924. Created by Will Shuster, Zozobra is a giant marionette of sorts that is ceremoniously burned each year as a ritual effigy of Old Man Gloom. In burning Zozobra, it is believed to dispel the hardships and trials of the past year. Attend the ceremony and watch your worries go up in flames.

Rodeo de Santa Fe

Rodeo de Santa Fe

The Rodeo de Santa Fe began in 1949 when a group of individuals sought to organize a professional rodeo in Santa Fe. It remains one of the nation's top 60 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) Rodeos. Check Rodeo de Santa Fe's website for information about upcoming events.

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