This is a must visit location for anyone travelling Route 66, You have to pay to go in the Museum, but entry to the large gift shop is Free. The store has many unique Native American items.
Museum of Contemporary Native Arts - An educational center dedicated to Native American contemporary art plus history & culture.
Additional info for Route 66 travellers:
Route 66 was first established in 1926, it passed through downtown Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico.
Route 66 followed the Old Santa Fe Trail, (Which was abandoned in 1880 due to the coming of the railroad.) from Santa Rosa in the East through the Glorieta pass on to Santa Fe.
The Plaza, In Central Downtown Santa Fe were the terminus of the Old Santa Fe Trail, Pecos, & El Camino Real Trails.
Route 66 then carried on Westward following along the old Spanish El Camino Real Trail, through the La Angostura Pass and on to Albuquerque.
The Post 1937 Route 66, alignment now goes from Santa Rosa, to Albuquerque directly, often using the interstate, saving more than 90 miles of driving.
"The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is a college focused on Native American art, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Many IAIA graduates transition into full-time careers as self-supporting artists, while others continue their education at universities and art schools nationwide" text Source: (
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"Located in downtown Santa Fe, the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts is dedicated solely to advancing the discourse, knowledge and understanding of contemporary Native arts. The Museum's exhibitions, publications and educational programs challenge pre-conceived notions of contemporary art. The Museum is home to the largest collection of contemporary Native art in the world and the Museum Store is a premiere shopping destination, offering the finest selection of contemporary Native arts and gifts." Text Source: (
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Open 10am-5pm Mon. - Sat., noon-5pm Sunday. Closed Tuesdays and major holidays.
Adults admission $10
Seniors (62+), Students with valid ID, and Residents of NM: 1/2 price
Native people, members, veterans, children 16 and under, and NM residents visiting on Sunday: Free!