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Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe, NM
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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

  • Attractions
    Local Favorite

    Elissa Heyman Psychic Counseling and Spiritual Healing

    $50+

    Downtown Santa Fe office where psychic counselor Elissa Heyman gives clairvoyant, tarot and Speaking Stones readings by appointment, in person or by phone.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Attractions

  • 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
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Museum of International Folk Art

    Under $25

    Browse folk art, toys and textiles from more than 100 countries in galleries on Santa Fe's Museum Hill.

    1.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Bradbury Science Museum

    Free

    See more than 60 interactive exhibits on the Manhattan Project and Los Alamos National Laboratory science.

    24 mi awayMore like this