Taos Attractions

To the north of Taos the Rio Grande has gouged out a grandiose gorge 650ft/198m deep, now spanned by a boldly engineered road bridge.

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.

In Ledoux Street is the Harwood Museum (works by members of the local artists' colony, Indian arts and crafts, the sacred figures called santos).
The building dates from the mid-19th century and is the second-oldest museum in the state.

To the east of the Plaza is the house (now a museum) of the legendary pioneer Kit Carson (1809-68).

On the banks of the Rio Pueblo in Taos is the Martinez Hacienda, a fully restored Spanish colonial building built in 1804. Today it serves as a historical museum with 21 rooms and 2 courtyards.

The Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos displays art of the Southwest. The original collection of Millicent Rogers, granddaughter of one of the original founders of Standard Oil, was opened to the public in the 1950s. The galleries feature jewelry, textiles, pottery, tinwork, as well as contemporary arts and crafts.

The central feature of Taos is the picturesque Plaza, in which the American flag is always hoisted.

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

The Taos Art Museum is housed in the home of Russian artist Nicolai Fechin. The home and studio are filled with Fechin's woodcarvings of ornately carved doors, doorways and cabinets.

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

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

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