On Museum Hill in Santa Fe, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian presents historic and contemporary Native American art, with a particular focus on Southwestern and Navajo work. Its galleries bring together jewelry, textiles, pottery, sculpture, photography and paintings, including exhibitions by living Native artists. The Center for the Study of Southwestern Jewelry traces Pueblo and Navajo adornment through an extensive display. Leave time for the Case Trading Post downstairs, where Native American crafts and jewelry are available to buy.
A museum for Native American art
The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian opened in 1937. Boston scholar Mary Cabot Wheelwright and Navajo singer and medicine man Hastiin Klah founded it as a place to house ceremonial materials. Those materials were returned to the Navajo in 1977. The museum today focuses on historic and contemporary Native American art, with a strong emphasis on the Southwest.
The building is shaped like a traditional octagonal Navajo hogan. Its galleries bring together baskets, pottery, sculpture, weaving, metalwork, photography and paintings. Exhibitions change, with the main gallery shows rotating twice a year. Smaller galleries host individual presentations by Native American artists and photographers, as well as displays connected to the main exhibition.
Southwestern jewelry and contemporary artists
Jewelry is a particular strength of the collection. The Jim and Lauris Phillips Center for the Study of Southwestern Jewelry presents Pueblo and Navajo work, from historic pieces to contemporary ornament. Look closely at the range of materials and forms, and at the skill involved in each piece.
The museum also makes space for Native artists working today. Its exhibitions have included solo shows and contemporary work alongside historic art. This mix gives the galleries room to present both established traditions and individual artists’ approaches. Changing displays mean the specific works on view can differ between visits.
The Case Trading Post
On the lower level, the Case Trading Post is arranged to recall an early trading post. It is also the museum shop, with Native American jewelry, pottery, textiles and other crafts available for purchase. The selection includes work by local Native American artisans, so browsing the shop is part of the visit as well as a chance to find an art or craft piece to take home.
The museum and the trading post also host talks, seminars, artist receptions and other events. Check the museum’s website for current exhibitions and event details before you go.
Planning your visit
The museum is at 704 Camino Lejo on Museum Hill, where it sits among other cultural attractions. Its relatively small scale makes it possible to focus on the displays without taking on a large museum complex. For a deeper explanation of the collections, ask about docent-led tours.
Weekdays and early mornings are practical choices if you want to avoid busier periods. The museum has an admission fee, and its website is the place to check current ticket information and exhibition details. Wheelchair-accessible entry, restrooms and parking are listed among its facilities. You can combine the stop with nearby museums or the botanical garden on Museum Hill.
FAQ
What kind of art is at the Wheelwright Museum?
The collection includes historic and contemporary Native American art, such as jewelry, baskets, pottery, sculpture, textiles, metalwork, photography and paintings. Southwestern and Navajo art receive particular attention.
What is the Case Trading Post?
It is the museum shop on the lower level, arranged to resemble an early trading post. It sells Native American crafts, including jewelry, pottery and textiles.
Does the museum have guided tours?
Docent-led tours are offered. Ask at the museum about tour availability during your visit.
How much time should I allow?
The museum is described as compact, but the input does not give a typical visit length. Allow extra time if you plan to explore the jewelry displays, changing exhibitions and trading post.
