palace of the governors

FrequentTraveler505

The Palace of the Governors is a great place to learn about history, including the U.S., not just the stuff that happened on the east coast. Where else are you going to learn about the Spanish arriving in 1540, and 1620 and the Pueblo Revolt of 1680! This is one of the buildings that featured in all of the action. Come and see where the First Americans had their own revolution 100 years before the folks in Philadelphia got around to it. It will give you new appreciation for the original old west.

SFantle101

Quite an outdoor display of fine jewelry, mostly silver and turquoise. Try to find things made directly by the vendors.

DarrellAnne

The museum is very well done. The religious artifacts from the 1600s and 1700s were particularly interesting. We also liked the areas of the building that had been excavated and on display.

46749

This is where the Indians come to show their jewelry and pottery. It is like the most wonderful display of Native American Art anywhere. It is wonderful to see whether you are in the market or not. I cannot come to Santa Fe without a visit here.

zondram

Those displaying participated in a lottery so some from all pueblos are represented. Be sure to talk with the vendors. The authenticity of the vendors work are monitored love the artistic ability displayed.

ebbtide123

I enjoyed this building outside as I did inside. Beneath the long portico, local artists displayed trinkets for sale on the concrete floor, a site normally seen in the streets of Asian, Middle Eastern or African towns or cities. Inside, the exhibits catalogues the history of New Mexico. It is worthwhile to browse through a lot of interesting artifacts from colonial time until the present.

oldtravellerFlorida

A tour of this restored residence gives an excellent summarised account of the history of New Mexico and the development of Santa Fe. A more detailed historical account of New Mexico is well worth seeing at the connected New Mexico History museum.

Marylub15

The Palace and Museum are definitely worth the time and money if you enjoy learning about the growth and history of the United States. The were numerous exhibits with famous names and memorabilia that we've heard or read about. Seeing them at the museum was a fulfilling experience.

gbe2030

The old center of Santa Fe the Palace contains a museum featuring Spanish Colonial and early New Mexico artifacts. Native Americans sell jewelry, pottery etc in front of this historic building every day - and you can be sure it's the real thing!

372PatM

Recently named a National Treasure, this is the oldest museum in the southwest. Native Americans sell handmade pottery and jewelry under the portal in front of the museum. The museum itself is filled with history. You will want to spent a couple of hours here!

685jenp

The main focus is on the building and grounds, they have several big floor sections cut out so you can see down to the foundation, you can also see things like where the chimney was cut out and how thick the doors and windows were. There is a lot of archaeological finds such as beautiful pottery, jewelry and other artifacts that paint a picture of how popular this gathering spot was, there is even a Ming dynasty plate and chain mail on display kind of showing how far things would come to trade in New Mexico. It also represents the cultures strong religious views and they have a gift shop and an old printing press. Artisans line the front with baubles to sell and shops surround the plaza with the monument in the center and a stone marker on the spot where the Santa Fe trail officially stops.There's a lot to see and this place could satisfy someone looking for history and information and the avid shopper at the same time.

421JimM

This has always been a must see for visitors to Santa Fe. The main building is the site of the original governor's residence built in 1610. The new building is a well organized history from the early Native American period through the present. The exhibits are well organized and maintained. A ticket to the Palace also gives you admission to the art museum (next door) and three other museums located south of town.

TravellerMan_11

Great glimpse at history, the building itself is historic and its filled with interesting exhibits. Well worth a visit. The Native American vendors on the portal in front have excellent hand crafted authentic reasonably price jewelery and pottery. All items sold are held to a high standard. Buy your jewelery here and avoid some of the foreign owned rip off places around the plaza. Tip if you send a bunch of seedy looking guys in polyester pants smoking out front of a store keep on walking. they are known for fake and inferiour stuff. The Palace of the Governors also has a great gift shop with wonderful books and gifts and profits go to maintaining the museum. The Palace also offers a walking history tour of downtown that is reasonable priced and gives you accurate history of the old downtown area.

kpresto

I've been to Santa Fe many times but never had the opportunity to go inside the Palace of the Governors. We took the opportunity this time. It's an interesting museum about the oldest government building in the U.S. I couldn't tell if the artifacts inside were found inside the building during archaelogical digs or if they were just items that might have been in the building. Perhaps going on the guided tour would have helped, but sometimes I just can't bring myself to be with a group :-).

JFSoccerCoach

Excellent tour guide. She was absolutely passionate about the history here, including weaving some of her own history into the day. Beautiful building with a rich history.