New Mexico State Capitol, Santa Fe

The New Mexico State Capitol, completed in 1966, is a distinctive circular building with entrances facing each of the four cardinal directions. Its design evokes the Zia sun symbol featured on the state flag, a resemblance that is especially clear when the building is viewed from above. At the center of the rotunda is a mosaic of the state seal, showing a Mexican golden eagle holding a snake in its beak and talons while being protected by an American bald eagle. Look upward through the 60-foot-high rotunda to the stained-glass skylight. Its basket-weave pattern uses blue glass to represent the sky and pale pink glass for the earth.

From the rotunda, walk into the east lobby to see the Wall of Honor, commemorating New Mexicans who received the Medal of Honor. Return to the seal and head toward the building’s south side to find the public gallery overlooking the House of Representatives chamber. Cross back through the rotunda and continue to the north side for the Senate gallery. When the legislature is meeting and the galleries are open, visitors can sit here and observe proceedings below.

Take the stairs or elevator to the third level, where most of the Capitol Art Collection is displayed. Follow the circular corridor, looking for paintings, photographs, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, glasswork, and handcrafted furniture created by artists who live and work in New Mexico. Continue to the fourth level to see the line of governors’ portraits and the Governor’s Gallery on the eastern side. This changing exhibition space presents work by New Mexican artists and is separate from the permanent Capitol Art Collection.

Finish outside with a loop through the six-and-a-half-acre Clay Buchanan Memorial Gardens. Paths wind among roses, sequoias, Russian olive trees, regional plants, and outdoor sculptures from the Capitol Art Collection.