Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
MuseumsHistory BuffIconic

Palace of the Governors

105 W Palace Ave · Santa Fe, NM

Why you should go…

Built around 1610 as the seat of Spanish colonial government, the Palace of the Governors has served as a capitol, fort, and residence before becoming a museum in 1909. Native jewelers and artisans still sell handmade work under its long front portal every day, a tradition dating back generations.

  • #history
  • #museum
  • #adobe
  • #colonial

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Palace of the Governors, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Santa Fe

    Free

    New Mexico's capital city, known for adobe architecture, Native American and Spanish colonial history, art galleries and the historic Plaza.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Reflective Jewelry

    $50+

    A Santa Fe studio making handcrafted Fairtrade Gold engagement rings, wedding bands and custom designs.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Santa Fe Plaza

    Free

    The historic heart of Santa Fe since 1610, ringed by adobe portals, galleries, and the old Palace of the Governors.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

    Under $25

    The largest collection of Georgia O'Keeffe's work anywhere, steps from the plaza that inspired much of it.

    0.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

    Under $25

    A hands-on museum tracing the science and history of ballooning, from the first flight to modern race records.

    51 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    National Museum of Nuclear Science and History

    Under $25

    Congressionally chartered Albuquerque museum tracing the Atomic Age from the Manhattan Project to nuclear medicine.

    55 mi awayMore like this