Taos Art Museums, Galleries, and Collections

We are obviously a bit biased and could talk about skiing and snowboarding in Taos Ski Valley all day, but, we have to admit, the town of Taos is home to more than just the great outdoors. Taos also boasts numerous cultural spots, including a number of museums showcasing some of the best art and unique collections in the state. Taos is especially popular with fans of Southwestern art—for obvious reasons— the distinct style that colors this part of the world.

So, whether you’re looking to brush up on your cultural expertise or simply want to give your legs a day off from the slopes, these are the top Taos art museums, galleries, and collections.

WHAT IS SOUTHWESTERN ART? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? The southwest has long been a magnet for creatives. The scenery, nature, and spirit of the area have been the inspiration for countless novels, paintings, poems, and songs. The distinct contrast of high mountains with meandering rivers, set against the warm glow of the sunshine is truly special and has been captured in a number of artworks throughout the years.

Southwestern art is recognized for its romantic depictions of nature and Western lifestyle. Additionally, the bright colors and stretches of desert, cacti, canyons, and valleys are common subjects.

Many original pieces were created by local Indigenous tribes like the Pueblo, Hopi, and Navajo, who use stark geometric prints to convey the depth of their surroundings.

But it’s not just the physicality of the southwest that influences this type of art. The Taos Society of Artists came to life because of the vibrant people that have called Taos their home. Their community mindset has prompted artists to explore beyond conventional techniques to represent the connection between humans and the world around them.

ART ON DISPLAY AT THE BLAKE You don’t have to go far to discover a host of artistic gems here. If you are a guest of ours, The Blake, our alpine guesthouse, is lined with paintings and prints. The Blake’s art collection and architecture pay homage to Ernie Blake's Swiss and German upbringing intertwined with southwestern style bringing together many stories from New Mexican heritage in one place.

Visitors can soak in the likes of Gustave Baumann prints and Edward Curtis photographs. The former spent the majority of his life in New Mexico and chronicled his days through woodblock prints. Meanwhile, Curtis' photographs are some of the most reproduced of the 20th century, and he was praised in his time by the likes of J.P. Morgan and Theodore Roosevelt.

Named after the Blakes, who were considered New Mexican pioneers when they contributed to the early development of Taos Ski Valley, The Blake has many photos of the family and a handmade map from one family member suggesting where the ski trails would one day be.

The Taos Society of Artists also features heavily in The Blake. Formed in 1915 to celebrate the works of artists who lived in the town, the society was made up of Walter Ufer, Oscar Berninghaus, and E. Martin Hennings. Crafts, pottery, and textiles from past and current New Mexico artists are also on display (many of which can be found in the spa).

The Blake art collection is open to the public 24 hours a day. Art tours are available by appointment only at the Emily Henry Desk in the lobby.

MUSEUMS IN TAOS COUSE-SHARP HISTORIC SITE To the east of Taos Plaza, overlooking the original Santa Fe Trail lies the Couse-Sharp historic site. The buildings here date back to the 1830s and were once the home and studio of Eanger Irving Couse and Joseph Henry Sharp—prominent painters in the Taos.

The museum is in Couse and Sharp's original homes and studios. With the original furnishing, the historic site offers insight into years past and the artists’ creative processes. Sharp’s second studio also has a rotating exhibition of his works, personal items, and collectibles.

For people who want a snapshot of not only southwestern artists’ careers, but their personal lives, the Couse-Sharp Museum is a must. Admission is free. Full tours can be scheduled with a docent.

HARWOOD MUSEUM The Harwood Museum is filled with collections that depict the stunning story of Northern New Mexico. Founded in 1923, the corridors are lined with a mixture of contemporary and classic art.

Part of the museum’s permanent fixtures is the Agnes Martin Gallery—an installation of abstract expressionist paintings, gifted to the museum by the artist herself. The space is often compared to the Rothko Chapel in Houston due to its immersive, yet simplistic, aura.

During the 1940s and 50s, Taos was a hub for modern artists, which is why the Harwood Museum hosts many works from Marsden Hartley, Emil Bisttram, Edward Corbett, and Dorothy Eugenie. Naturally, the space includes names from the Taos Society of Artists too, alongside Indigenous artists like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Julian Martinez, and Tony Abeyta.

Visitors to the museum can take part in lectures and enjoy special presentations in the Arthur Bell Auditorium. The site is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and general admission is $10, with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups.

203 FINE ART South of downtown Taos is 203 Fine Art, a small but stylish gallery that resembles a New York loft transported to New Mexico. The space specializes in American Modern art, as well as abstract expressionist art, and works closely with local Taos artists to curate its exhibitions.

203 Fine was established in 2006 by Shaun Richel and Eric Andrews, both of who are artists and hope to champion contemporary art in the traditionally-dominated art scene in Taos. Their collections include pieces from Mark Strong, Tom Dixon, Courtney Azzara, and Ron Lopez.

Walk-in hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm. To reserve a personalized appointment, visitors need to call, email, or reserve in advance.

MILLICENT ROGERS MUSEUM Millicent Rogers was the granddaughter of one of the founders of the Standard Oil Company and was considered a fashionista of her day. She moved to Taos in her later years and became friends with one of the founders of the Taos Society of Artists. The Millicent Rogers Museum was established by her son to honor her love for the art that came from the town and its surroundings.

The museum has a constant rotation of collections on display and is popular because of its intimate experience. Housed in a colonial hacienda, visitors can soak in Native American, Hispanic, and contemporary works, plus jewelry and pottery sets.

General admission costs $12 and is free for Taos County residents on Sundays. Tours run all day but have to be booked with 24 hours’ notice.

KIT CARSON HOUSE AND MUSEUM For history buffs in Taos, this four-room house is where frontiersman Kit Carson lived with his wife and children. The home was built in the early 1820s and is a Spanish colonial-style building, and much of the courtyard and interior are exactly as they were back then.

Visitors can stroll through the house, see an adobe baking oven and other artifacts that are typical of the mid 19th century. There are also a number of photos on the walls, including historic figures, and Carson’s military equipment and uniform can be observed up close.

While Carson’s career was oftentimes problematic and destructive, the Kit Carson House and Museum has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and is well worth the visit for a glimpse into the past. The site is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.