The town of Taos is rife with history and character. From its colorful characters to its beautiful sun-drenched landscape, Taos is truly a unique place to discover. Through its many museums, some of which are National Historic Landmarks, each offers a brief glimpse into the past of how early inhabitants of Taos used to live. Uncover the past with a visit to these historic Taos museums.
H. Lawrence Ranch
Visit the former home of the popular writer, D.H. Lawrence. While he didn’t spend a lot of time in New Mexico, the brief time he did spend made a lasting impression on him, evident through his writing and communications. The ranch where Lawrence stayed is located twenty miles north of Taos, near San Cristobal.
Continue your education of the famous writer with a tour of the D.H. Lawrence forbidden art tour at Hotel La Fonda de Taos. As the only place worldwide to view the forbidden art collection, Hotel La Fonda de Taos offers guests an opportunity to view paintings created by D.H. Lawrence himself and that was at one time forbidden to the public.
Millicent Rogers Museum
Named after Millicent Rogers, the famous fashionista who made a home for herself in Taos, the Millicent Rogers museum highlights the arts and cultures of the American Southwest. Explore a wide range of items from Native American jewelry to Hispanic Folk Art blankets. Walk through 20 galleries and discover the heritage of the Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo arts of the Southwest.
Kit Carson Home and Museum
Built in 1825, the house, now turned museum was the home of Kit Carson. The museum showcases the timeline of Kit Carson’s life and his influence on the American Southwest through various artifacts and photos. The museum was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1963. Visit here for more historical landmarks to visit in Taos.
Blumenschein Home and Museum
As the original home of E.L. Blumenschein, the founder of Taos Arts Council, the museum showcases an impressive collection of art and antiques. A lot of what is on display includes artwork from Blumenschein himself and his family. The museum also commemorates the formation of the Taos Society of Artists, as without this Taos’ art community wouldn’t be what it is today. It was also registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
The Harwood Museum of Art
As the second oldest museum in New Mexico, The Harwood Museum of Art captures the imaginative spirit of the artistic culture in Taos. Ranging from works from the Taos Society of Artists to the traditional Hispano and Pueblo artists of the Southwest, The Harwood offers twelve different galleries that not only share these artistic and cultural traditions but demonstrates how they have influenced each other.
The Hacienda de Los Martinez
Built in 1804, The Hacienda de Los Martinez is one of the last few remaining “Great Houses” of the late Spanish Colonial period in the American Southwest. The beautiful fortress-like building with large adobe walls was once an important trade center for the late Spanish Empire. Today the museum showcases what life was like on the frontier in the early 1800s through artifacts, photographs, and a variety of demonstrations.
Stay at Hotel La Fonda de Taos
Soak up the history of Taos with a visit to these historic Taos museums and with a stay at Hotel La Fonda de Taos. Our historic hotel is centrally located within the Taos Plaza and offers unique historic features with modern amenities. Choose from moderately sized rooms, spacious suites, and a luxurious penthouse, all beautifully decorated, exceptionally clean, and comfortable. Book your stay at Hotel La Fonda de Taos and uncover the beautiful history of Taos!
