Palace of the Governors / New Mexico History Museum

The oldest public building in the United States, the Palace of the Governors is a 17th-century building that once served as the main capitol building and now houses an excellent historical museum and shop, with exhibits on the history of the building and a functioning antique print press. Behind the Palace is the New Mexico History Museum, with three floors of exhibits on the history of New Mexico, including numerous artifacts from the prehistory to the present. While the Palace is being renovated (as of 2022), disruptions are minimal most days and exhibits are displaced but available. Local Native American artists sell their work beneath the portal (covered facade) facing the Plaza. They are awarded a spot via an official lottery system.

• Built 1610

• history
• museum

Address

105 E Palace Ave

Getting there

North face of Santa Fe Plaza

Hours

Daily 10AM-5PM, closed Mon Nov-Apr (open Fridays 5-7PM May-Oct and first Fri of each month Nov-Apr), Memorial Day-Labor Day

Price

$12 adults, youth 16 and under free, youth/resident discounts; free Friday after 5PM; discount pass for Museum of New Mexico applies

Phone

+15054765200

Website

nmhistorymuseum.org (opens in a new tab)