Canyon Road Art and Architecture Tour, Santa Fe

Canyon Road Art and Architecture Tour (Self Guided), Santa Fe

Whether your interest lies in art, architecture, history or food, you'll be able to satisfy it fully on Canyon Road. Situated just east of the Santa Fe Plaza, Canyon Road is home of Santa Fe's thriving art market selling artwork from both famed and indie artists. There are over 100 art galleries dotted along the one-mile street, making it the third largest art market in the country.

The street itself is also a feast for the eyes. The first houses on the road were built by Spanish settlers shortly after the Spanish founding of the city in 1610. Many of the galleries are housed in historic Pueblo-style adobes and Territorial homes decorated with brilliantly colored flowers and art installations. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to be found on the street, should you need a break from art hunting.

Canyon Road is good to visit any time of year. Whether you are looking for a piece of hand-woven Navajo rugs or just want to soak in the atmosphere, take this self-guided tour to explore the art lover's mecca in one of the most picturesque places in Santa Fe.
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Canyon Road Art and Architecture Tour Map

Guide Name: Canyon Road Art and Architecture Tour
Guide Location: USA » Santa Fe (See other walking tours in Santa Fe)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Author: sabrina
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Gerald Peters Gallery
  • Wiford Gallery
  • Morning Star Gallery
  • El Zaguan
  • Canyon Road Contemporary Art
  • Santa Kilim Gallery
  • El Farol Restaurant
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Gerald Peters Gallery

1) Gerald Peters Gallery

Founded in 1972, Gerald Peters Gallery features a large and very well organized exhibition area inside a huge historical Spanish Pueblo building. Behind the building there is a beautiful sculpture garden.

The collection includes western art, works of American modernists, paintings by the Taos Society of Artists, contemporary photography, modern sculpture and other art from the 19th century to the present. The gallery represents many New Mexico's best known artists - Georgia O'Keeffe was on its client list for decades.

Gerald Peters Gallery specializes in upmarket so its art pieces are not for everyday consumers. If you are in town and want to see good art, do not miss this gallery.
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Wiford Gallery

2) Wiford Gallery

Established in 2002, Wiford Gallery is nestled just off Canyon Road with a beautiful & whimsical wind sculpture garden at the front. When wind blows, the sculptures make beautiful humming sounds. It is a good place to visit to find a wind sculpture.

Inside you can find figurines and statues plus oil and crystal pieces. Its friendly staff are well trained and always ready to answer your questions and help you find what you are looking for.
3
Morning Star Gallery

3) Morning Star Gallery

Founded in 1984, Morning Star Gallery specializes in native North American tribes art. The gallery is housed inside a beautiful historic building on Canyon Road with a collection featuring bead and quillwork from the Plains; pottery, textiles, jewelry and Katsinas from the Southwest; baskets from the Great Basin and California; and wooden sculpture from the Northeast and Northwest Coast.

Morning Star has been recognized for carrying high qualify artistic works from over fifty Native North American tribes. In recent years, it expanded its product line to include New Mexican furniture and devotional art. The staff is ready to advise collectors on all matters related to acquiring, installing, conserving and appraising of native North American artwork.

Morning Star Gallery is well worth a visit if you are interested in North American tribes art even if you are not looking to buy anything.
4
El Zaguan

4) El Zaguan

This Spanish pueblo-style home was built between 1850 and 1875 by James L. Johnson, a wealthy Santa Fe Trail merchant, in the center of Canyon Road. The house features a Spanish Pueblo style flat roof and rounded adobe outlines with elements of the later Territorial style. The home also features a Victorian garden which may have been originally planted by Mrs. Johnson. The local paper at the time described the house as "one of the finest villas on the edge of the city".

Today the property houses the office of Historic Santa Fe Foundation, an exhibition area, and private apartments. Its vibrant garden is maintained by volunteers from Santa Fe Master Gardeners and open to public at 9am - 5pm, Mon-Fri. Don't miss a chance to drop in and have a look at the beautiful garden, arguably the best garden on Canyon Road.
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Canyon Road Contemporary Art

5) Canyon Road Contemporary Art

Located in a historic building, Canyon Road Contemporary Art has been serving art collectors and enthusiasts since 1994. Its art collection features an eclectic mix of contemporary art in gemstones, pastel, oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, fused glass, and bronze sculpture. The gallery works with both established and emerging artists with a focus on artworks making people feel good.

Its showroom is spacious and roomy, and its beautiful garden is filled with artworks. The art pieces come with a wide range of price points. Whether you are seasoned art collector or an art newbie, you may find something suit your taste.
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Santa Kilim Gallery

6) Santa Kilim Gallery

Santa Kilim features imported rugs, potteries, and antiques from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Morocoo, Pakistan, and many other countries. A large selection of rugs and fabrics from Africa, Asia and Persia make up the biggest part of its inventory. The gallery also has an in-house workshop that produces custom furniture using old pieces.

All the imported rugs, potteries, doorways, and furniture are handmade and handpicked by the owner. Visiting the store is like having a shopping trip to many parts of the world. Santa Kilim is a family owned business operated by owner Kilim and his two sons. If you are in the market for unique piece of handmade rug or fabric or pottery, Santa Kilim is well worth a visit.
7
El Farol Restaurant

7) El Farol Restaurant

If you need a break from art hunting on Canyon Road, stop by El Farol Restaurant to enjoy an authentic Spanish meal.

First opened its door in 1835, 26 years before the American Civil War and 87 years before New Mexico joined the union, El Farol is the oldest restaurant in New Mexico.

The eatery is known primarily for traditional Spanish tapas and flamenco. Guests enjoy dinner shows featuring musicians and dancers of the renowned National Institute of Flamenco. The bar, once called "one of the best bars on earth!" by The New York Times, serves classic margaritas, sangria, and signature cocktails accompanied by live music.

The restaurant is located in a historical building with an outside patio facing Canyon Road. The walls are covered with murals painted by local artists.

If you want a place to sip margarita and congratulate yourself on a lovely art piece you have just picked up, El Farol is the perfect choice.

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