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Palace of the Governors Review

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Palace of the Governors

Address: Palace Ave., north side of Plaza, Santa Fe, NM | Map It
Phone: 505/476-5100
www.palaceofthegovernors.org

Category: Government Buildings
Location: Santa Fe

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Fodor's Review:

A humble-looking one-story adobe on the north side of the Plaza, the palace is the oldest public building in the United States. Built at the same time as the Plaza, circa 1610 (scholars debate the exact year), it was the seat of four regional governments—those of Spain, Mexico, the Confederacy, and the U.S. territory that preceded New Mexico's statehood, which was achieved in 1912. The building was abandoned in 1680, following the Pueblo Revolt, but resumed its role as government headquarters when Don Diego de Vargas successfully returned in 1692. It served as the residence for 100 Spanish, Mexican, and American governors, including Governor Lew Wallace, who wrote his epic Ben Hur in its then drafty rooms, all the while complaining of the dust and mud that fell from its earthen ceiling. In 2004, construction began on a brand-new State History Museum Annex, behind the palace on Lincoln. It should open in 2008. Simultaneously, the Palace of the Governors is being renovated to its original purpose, as a house-museum. Its rooms will contain period furnishings and exhibits that illustrate the building's many functions over the past four centuries. For significant periods throughout the renovation process, the palace is expected to be closed, so call ahead for the latest details.

Dozens of Native American vendors gather daily under the portal of the Palace of the Governors to display and sell pottery, jewelry, bread, and other goods. With few exceptions, the more than 500 artists and craftspeople registered to sell here are Pueblo or Navajo Indians. The merchandise for sale is required to meet Museum of New Mexico standards: all items are handmade or hand-strung in Native American households; silver jewelry is either sterling (92.5% pure) or coin (90% pure) silver; all metal jewelry bears the maker's mark, which is registered with the museum. Prices tend to reflect the high quality of the merchandise. Don't take photographs without permission.

The palace has been the central headquarters of the Museum of New Mexico since 1913, housing the main section of the State History Museum, until it moves into its eventual new home behind the palace, on Lincoln Avenue. Permanent exhibits chronicle 450 years of New Mexico history, using maps, furniture, clothing, housewares, weaponry, and village models. The main rooms contain rotating exhibits, such as "Jewish Pioneers of New Mexico," an exploration of the vital role Jewish immigrants played during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the state's civic, economic, and cultural development. With advance permission, students and researchers have access to the comprehensive Fray Angélico Chávez Library and its rare maps, manuscripts, and photographs (more than 120,000 prints and negatives). The palace is also home to the Museum of New Mexico Press, which prints books, pamphlets, and cards on antique presses and hosts bookbinding demonstrations, lectures, and slide shows. There's an outstanding gift shop and bookstore.

Cost: $8, 4-day pass $18 (good at all 5 state museums in Santa Fe), free Fri. 5-8
Open: Tues.-Thurs. and weekends 10-5, Fri. 10-8

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