Taos Tourist Attractions

In Ledoux Street is the Harwood Museum of Art. It contains a broad collection of works related northern New Mexico, with artwork by members of the local artists' colony, including Indian arts and crafts and the sacred figures called santos. The museum also maintains a collection of some 17,000 photographic images dating back to the 19th C.Some of the highlights of the Harwood Museum are the works by the Taos Society of Artists, a group that existed between 1915 and 1927. Their images depict Taos and northern New Mexico near the turn of the 20th C, with paintings of the people and the landscape. There are also collections of modern and contemporary works, and prints, drawings, and photographs by various artists. The Agnes Martin Gallery also deserves mention, contained in an octagonal room, displaying a seven pieces of the artist's.The building dates from the mid-19th century and is the second-oldest museum in the state.

To the north of Taos the Rio Grande has gouged out a grandiose gorge 650ft/198m deep in the desolate and rugged landscape. The gorge is spanned by a boldly engineered road bridge that is quite a sight, towering impossibly high above the river far below. There is a scenic overlook near the highway with a great vantage point and there are also fantastic views from the bridge, looking over the dramatic scenery.It is worth driving out to the Gorge Bridge from Taos. Most people drive across the bridge, but many also take the time to walk out and get a true sense of the grand scale. There are sidewalks on the bridge. Photographers looking to get a good shot of the bridge will want to visit either in the early morning or closer to sunset.

The Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos displays art of the Southwest. The original collection, which was accumulated by Millicent Rogers, granddaughter of one of the original founders of Standard Oil, was opened to the public in the 1950s. The galleries feature an extensive, quality collection of Native American and Hispanic Art, and Anglo-European Southwestern Art. Pieces on display include jewelry, textiles, pottery, tinwork, as well as contemporary arts and crafts. Among the artist's represented are Maria and Julian Martinez, with the museum having received a substantial donation of pieces by an anonymous donor.Housed in a renovated adobe home which was donated to the museum, the Millicent Rogers Museum is located in a lovely setting, with views out over the high desert to the surrounding mountains. The museum offers both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

In Ledoux Street is the adobe house of the artist Ernest Blumenschein, who came here in the 19th century. On September 3rd, 1898 while driving the storm-ravaged roads of northern New Mexico, the wheel on their light surry slipped onto a deep rut and broke. The men, Burt Phillips and E.L. Blumenschein, tossed a three-dollar gold piece to determine who would carry the wheel to the nearest blacksmith for repair. Blumenschein lost the toss and so made the twenty-mile trek to Taos with the broken wheel. Thus began a great experiment in American art.Blumenschein and Phillips spread the word about the beauty of Taos and urged other artists to come and see for themselves. In July of 1915, Joseph Sharp, Blumenschein, Phillips and fellow artists Oscar E. Berninghaus, E. Irving Couse and W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton created the Taos Society of Artists. The entire home is open to the public, with artwork by Blumenschein and other Taos artists. There are antiques and furniture as well arranged to be much as they had been when the family was living there.

On the banks of the Rio Pueblo in Taos is the Hacienda de los Martinez, a fully restored Spanish Colonial building built in 1804. It was strategically located at the terminus of the Camino Real and became an important instrument of trade in the early 19th C. It was also a large, well established ranch in its day. The imposing structure was originally built by Severino Martin, a name which was later changed to Martinez, and for whom the museum is named.Today it serves as a historical museum with 21 rooms and 2 courtyards showcasing the time period of its glory days. Depending on the time, visitors may also be able to see a demonstration of sorts. Also check the museum's calendar to see about upcoming exhibitions which change regularly throughout the year.

The Taos Art Museum is housed in the home of Russian born artist Nicolai Fechin. He was a prominent portrait artist who specialized in Native American portraits, as well as desert landscapes. The home and studio which Fechin built for himself and his family are filled with his woodcarvings of ornately carved doors, doorways and cabinets, along with many of his famous paintings. The museum also displays the works of the famous Taos Society of Artists as one of its primary focus. This group of artists was active in the early 1900s, depicting images of the New Mexican landscape and people. Various other Taos artists are represented at the museum as well.Expansions at the Taos Art Museum mean more temporary exhibitions, classes, and programs are planned.

The central feature of Taos is the picturesque Plaza, in which the American flag is always hoisted. This is the center piece of the town which is not only a tourist hot spot but where locals come to gather and enjoy life. Small shops, galleries, and restaurants can be found in this area, but it does not have an overwhelming touristic feeling, as locals come here as well. It's a good place to eat, people watch, and see some local art.You may see some local musicians performing in the Taos Plaza or other forms of entertainment.

To the east of the Plaza is the house of the legendary pioneer Kit Carson (1809-68). The home was built in the 1820s and purchased by Kit Carson in 1843, who he went on to raise his family here. The museum is small but offers insight into the history of Carson's life.

The Fechin Institute is in the former home of Russian artist Nicolai Fechin, who moved to Taos in 1927. Samples of his paintings, drawings and sculpture are on display, as well as work by other international artists.

The former home of New Mexico's first American governor is now the Governor Bent House and Museum and Gallery of Western Art. In addition to exhibits on local history, there is artwork on display by local artists.

Van Vechten-Lineberry Taos Art Museum is now closed to the public, the collection is temporarily on loan.

Northeast of the Plaza is the art gallery of the Taos Art Association.

On the south side of Taos is the Taos Country Club, a public golf course.

The Villa Fontana is a highly respected Italian restaurant in Taos.