Santa Fe, New Mexico, situated sixty miles north of Albuquerque, is a much loved holiday destination in US. The population is approximately 65,000. Santa Fe is the third largest city in New Mexico and the second oldest city in Unites States. Spaniards initially established it by 1607, and now it has become the oldest state capital city in the United States. Santa Fe offers a distinctive combination of architecture, outdoors activities, history, cuisine, shopping and culture that symbolize the American Southwest. The original name of Santa Fe is “La Villa Real de Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis”, is a Spanish and it means “the Royal City of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi”. There are many attractions to visit in Santa Fe.
Indian Market
The annual Santa Fe Indian Market is famous for its original works of art directly from more than 1,200 American Indian artists who take part from all over the country. Every August it is possible to visit the annual Santa Fe Indian Market. You can also visit Santa Fe International Folk Art Market in July with the great artworks from the artists came from 40 countries to exhibit their works. Traditional Spanish Market is one of the largest exhibition and sale in the United States, which is also programmed in July. In December it is possible to visit the smaller Winter Spanish Market.
Museums
There are many famous museums in Santa Fe, but the below mentioned four museums are the famous ones, located near southeast of the plaza above the city, on Camino Lejo off old Santa Fe Trail.
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture: It is really interesting to visit and you can get chance to gather knowledge about the history and culture of Southwest Native Americans from their perception thru architecture, language and song with video display. The other everlasting exhibition offers more than 300 varieties of pottery created by Pueblo Indians over 2,000 years.
The Museum of International Folk Art: This is considered as the best museum in Santa Fe, and you can see the widest collection of art and folk.
The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian: This is the home of traditional and contemporary art of Native Americans, designed after a Navajo “hooghan” or home. The famous Case Trading Post Museum is really worth seeing, prepared to remind you the turn of the 20th century Navajo reservation trading post. It is possible to get items like textiles, pottery and jewelry especially prepared by more than 100 esteemed artists.
The Museum of Spanish Colonial Art: you can see the complete collection of Spanish Colonial art. The most of the works shaped in New Mexico while colonized by Spain in 1598.
It is possible to reach the Museum Hill from downtown through M line bus. The bus fare is free on Sundays.
Georgia O’Keeffee Museum is located on 217 Johnson Street is a sample for the spectacular works by New Mexico. You can find the Museum of Fine Arts which is famous for its 20the century collection of Southwestern American art. It is located in 107, West Place Avenue. Institute of American Indian Arts Museum is devoted to contemporary Native American fine art and a platform for artists from the Institute, which is located in 108 Cathedral Place. |
