Santa Fe

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian

More Photos
Peregrine
Peregrine
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
2
Reviews
2
Photos
Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
1-2 of 2

American Indian Art and History

  • July 20, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by ldpk from Santa Fe, New Mexico
American Indian Art and History

The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary and historic Native American art with an emphasis on the Southwest. Main gallery exhibitions change twice a year. Smaller galleries feature one-person shows by Native American artists and photographers, or items relating to the main gallery exhibition.
Editor Pick

Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

  • March 30, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Peregrine from , New Mexico
Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

I visited the museum to see the display of pottery by Maria Martinez, the San Ildefonso potter famous for her black-on-black work. I was, however, charmed by the entire museum and the subtle way the art and culture of the Pueblo Indians was presented.

The feel is very open, almost sparce. The pottery exhibits, Maria’s (which was punctuated with photographs and biographical notes about her work) and the permanent exhibit in the next room which covered all the Pueblos with examples of their works from about 600 to the present is presented in large glass cases set against the walls of the room, leaving the center open. It gives you a sense, not only of space, but of being surrounded by art. The pottery is so incredibly beautiful and so intricately designed. Even the faded designs of the earliest pots are breathtaking and even more impressive, after you see the tools they used, including sticks for paint brushes.

The exhibit that was most moving, however, is another permanent exhibit called Here, Now and Always. The entrance is through sloping tunnel with the sound of a river rushing past and opens into a maze of exhibits that takes you from the Ancestors to modern Pueblo life. In between you are introduced to varied ways of life, art, languge and song over the centuries. With every exhibit are plaques with stories, remembrances, or bits of wisdom from the elders. There are audios of language and music and videos of interviews with pueblo elders.

If you are planning on visiting any of the Pueblos or if you are visiting the museums on Camino Lejo, don’t pass up a chance to visit this one. It really is worth the time.

From journal The City Different

Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
1-2 of 2

Compare Santa Fe Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Helpful Santa Fe Links

Santa Fe Travel Deals