New Mexico’s beauty is not restricted to the natural world. We also have unique and impressive architecture, much of which has endured for centuries. The wonders on this list range from intricately decorated theaters and hotels, to structures that expertly combine form and function. Here are 16 examples of the best New Mexico architecture for your travel adventures.
- El Rancho Hotel, Gallup
Flickr/Jacqueline Poggi
Flickr/Jacqueline Poggi The El Rancho Hotel was constructed by the brother of movie director D. W. Griffith and opened in 1937. The goal was to create a place for stars to stay while they filmed movies (usually westerns) in the area. The building, which is one of the finest examples of New Mexican architecture, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It earned a spot on this list as much for its lovely interior as for its exterior. Historic El Rancho Hotel, 1000 E Hwy 66, Gallup, NM 87301, USA
- Taos Pueblo, Taos
Flickr/mnchilemom
Flickr/Ron Cogswell The adobe homes at Taos Pueblo are almost 1,000 years old - talk about architecture that endures! Many of the building’s walls are several feet thick, which has a great deal to do with that face. This UNESCO World Heritage site is in a gorgeous setting, against the backdrop of the Taos Mountains. When it comes to New Mexico architecture, Taos Pueblo exhibits some of the finest. Taos Pueblo, NM, USA
- New Mexico Military Institute Campus, Roswell
Flickr/Don Barrett The New Mexico Military Institute Campus in Roswell is a military high school and junior college built in an imposing Gothic style. Although not one of the more famous buildings in New Mexico, it is still a fine example of New Mexican architecture. New Mexico Military Institute, 101 W College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
- The Gila Cliff Dwellings, in the Gila Wilderness
Flickr/ Doc Johnny Bravo
Flickr/Karen and Brad Emerson The Mimbres peoples built the Gila Cliff Dwellings in the 13th and 14th centuries and the remains are still in decent shape today. The use of interlinked caves as the basis for a complex is a creative and smart design strategy, as well as another form of New Mexican architecture. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, 26 Jim Bradford Trail, Mimbres, NM 88049, USA
- The Roundhouse, Santa Fe
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
Flickr/miguel Aside from being the country’s only round state capitol building, the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe is one of the most beautiful New Mexico architecture structures. The building combines New Mexico Territorial revival style with some neoclassical touches, and features protruding entrances that make it looks like the Zia sun symbol. But the best part is that the Capitol building is really an art museum. Plan to spend at least a few hours here appreciating the many famous New Mexico architects who have their amazing works of art displayed here. New Mexico State Capitol, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
- Basilica of San Albino, Mesilla
Flickr/Jasperdo The first church built on this site in the town of La Mesilla was actually located in Mexico! The current Basilica of San Albino is a stunning Romanesque church constructed in 1906 after the Gadsden Purchase made this area part of the United States. It remains as one of the most famous buildings in New Mexico. Basilica of San Albino, 2280 Calle Principal, Mesilla, NM 88046, USA
- Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe
Wikimedia Commons/Vivaverdi2013 Opera Drive, Opera Dr, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Flickr/Susan Batterman Like the previous Santa Fe opera houses, the Crosby Theater here, home to the Santa Fe Opera, is open on the sides. This allows patrons to view the performance on the stage, while simultaneously watching the sun set over the surrounding landscape. Opera Drive, Opera Dr, Santa Fe, NM, USA
- Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas
Wikimedia Commons/Camerafiend You wouldn’t know it today, but in the 1870s, Las Vegas, the one in New Mexico, not the one in Nevada, was the largest city in the territory. The Plaza Hotel was built here in 1881 and featured 37 guest rooms, a dance hall, restaurant, and saloon. In terms of New Mexican architecture, it is among the most beautiful and a big draw for folks from all over the state. Historic Plaza Hotel, 230 Plaza St, Las Vegas, NM 87701, USA
- La Fonda Hotel, Santa Fe
Flickr/Kent Kanouse La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Flickr/Angi English There has been an inn at this exact location since the 17th century! Today’s La Fonda Hotel is one of the most well-known hotels in Santa Fe as well as in the state. It dates back to 1922 and still retains many original features like the 25-foot tall cathedral ceiling, hand-carved beams, and large tin chandeliers. The La Plazuela Restaurant inside serves up amazing food, and it is located on the old patio and surrounded by vibrantly painted interior windows. If you love New Mexican architecture, this one will knock your socks off! La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
- Elephant Butte Dam, Elephant Butte
Flickr/tom spinker The Elephant Butte Lake and Dam is located along the Rio Grande River. Known as a concrete gravity dam, it was finished in 1916, is 301 feet high, and produces hydroelectric power. Elephant Butte Dam, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901, USA
- Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, near Taos
Flickr/Kevin Muncie Suspended 650 feet above a gorge, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is definitely an architectural achievement. It’s also the second highest bridge to be included in the U.S. highway system. The views from up top are simply awe-inspiring! Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, New Mexico 87529, USA Rio Grande Gorge Bridge,
- The Chaco Canyon complex, near Nageezi
Wikimedia Commons/National Park Service
Flickr/Terry Arzola The Ancient Pueblo people lived in the Chaco Canyon area between roughly the 9th and 13th centuries. It is now part of the Chaco Culture National Historic Park, earning a UNESCO World Heritage designation because of the distinctive architecture found here. Construction occurred on a massive scale, using sophisticated building methods, and the Great Houses at Chaco consisted of hundreds of rooms spread over multiple stories. Although we might not call the Pueblo people famous New Mexico architects, when you look at what they built the title seems more than fitting. Chaco Canyon, Navajo Service Rte 14, Nageezi, NM 87037, USA
- Earthships, near Taos
Flickr/marvins_dad Earthship Biotecture, 2 Earthship Way, Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA
Flickr/marvins_dad Earthships are an impressive example of sustainable New Mexico architecture. There are quite a few of these complete off-grid homes near Taos and you can take a tour or stay the night in some of them located in what is called the Earthship Biotecture. If you’re looking for unusual New Mexico architecture, this is definitely it! Earthship Biotecture, 2 Earthship Way, Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA
- Isleta Resort Casino, Albuquerque
Flickr/osseous
Flickr/I-5 Design & Manufacture The Isleta Resort Casino in Albuquerque is simply stunning. The use of glass in the casino is not just beautiful, it’s awe-inspiring. Even if you aren’t into gambling, you need to come here just to take in the ambiance. Isleta Resort & Casino, 11000 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105, USA
- KiMo Theatre, Albuquerque
Flickr/Mike Tungate Kimo Theatre, 423 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
Flickr/Karen Blaha Located in downtown Albuquerque, the KiMo Theatre, built in 1927 theatre, is a fine example of the Art Deco-Pueblo style. One of the finest examples of New Mexico architecture in the state, it is also said to be haunted! KiMo Theatre, Albuquerque
- Lensic Theater, Santa Fe
Flickr/Terence Faircloth The Lensic Theater in Santa Fe is a “Spanish-style” theater that opened in 1931 and its unusual design has wowed people ever since. It is a big draw for folks who appreciate unique New Mexican architecture. Be sure to take in a show while you’re here! Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Have you been to any of these New Mexico locations? Which ones were your favorites? What else would you add to this list? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there in the comments.
Flickr/Jacqueline Poggi
The El Rancho Hotel was constructed by the brother of movie director D. W. Griffith and opened in 1937. The goal was to create a place for stars to stay while they filmed movies (usually westerns) in the area. The building, which is one of the finest examples of New Mexican architecture, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It earned a spot on this list as much for its lovely interior as for its exterior.
Historic El Rancho Hotel, 1000 E Hwy 66, Gallup, NM 87301, USA
Flickr/mnchilemom
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
The adobe homes at Taos Pueblo are almost 1,000 years old - talk about architecture that endures! Many of the building’s walls are several feet thick, which has a great deal to do with that face. This UNESCO World Heritage site is in a gorgeous setting, against the backdrop of the Taos Mountains. When it comes to New Mexico architecture, Taos Pueblo exhibits some of the finest.
Taos Pueblo, NM, USA
Flickr/Don Barrett
The New Mexico Military Institute Campus in Roswell is a military high school and junior college built in an imposing Gothic style. Although not one of the more famous buildings in New Mexico, it is still a fine example of New Mexican architecture.
New Mexico Military Institute, 101 W College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
Flickr/ Doc Johnny Bravo
Flickr/Karen and Brad Emerson
The Mimbres peoples built the Gila Cliff Dwellings in the 13th and 14th centuries and the remains are still in decent shape today. The use of interlinked caves as the basis for a complex is a creative and smart design strategy, as well as another form of New Mexican architecture.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, 26 Jim Bradford Trail, Mimbres, NM 88049, USA
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
Flickr/miguel
Aside from being the country’s only round state capitol building, the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe is one of the most beautiful New Mexico architecture structures. The building combines New Mexico Territorial revival style with some neoclassical touches, and features protruding entrances that make it looks like the Zia sun symbol. But the best part is that the Capitol building is really an art museum. Plan to spend at least a few hours here appreciating the many famous New Mexico architects who have their amazing works of art displayed here.
New Mexico State Capitol, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Flickr/Jasperdo
The first church built on this site in the town of La Mesilla was actually located in Mexico! The current Basilica of San Albino is a stunning Romanesque church constructed in 1906 after the Gadsden Purchase made this area part of the United States. It remains as one of the most famous buildings in New Mexico.
Basilica of San Albino, 2280 Calle Principal, Mesilla, NM 88046, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Vivaverdi2013
Opera Drive, Opera Dr, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Flickr/Susan Batterman
Like the previous Santa Fe opera houses, the Crosby Theater here, home to the Santa Fe Opera, is open on the sides. This allows patrons to view the performance on the stage, while simultaneously watching the sun set over the surrounding landscape.
Wikimedia Commons/Camerafiend
You wouldn’t know it today, but in the 1870s, Las Vegas, the one in New Mexico, not the one in Nevada, was the largest city in the territory. The Plaza Hotel was built here in 1881 and featured 37 guest rooms, a dance hall, restaurant, and saloon. In terms of New Mexican architecture, it is among the most beautiful and a big draw for folks from all over the state.
Historic Plaza Hotel, 230 Plaza St, Las Vegas, NM 87701, USA
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Flickr/Angi English
There has been an inn at this exact location since the 17th century! Today’s La Fonda Hotel is one of the most well-known hotels in Santa Fe as well as in the state. It dates back to 1922 and still retains many original features like the 25-foot tall cathedral ceiling, hand-carved beams, and large tin chandeliers. The La Plazuela Restaurant inside serves up amazing food, and it is located on the old patio and surrounded by vibrantly painted interior windows. If you love New Mexican architecture, this one will knock your socks off!
Flickr/tom spinker
The Elephant Butte Lake and Dam is located along the Rio Grande River. Known as a concrete gravity dam, it was finished in 1916, is 301 feet high, and produces hydroelectric power.
Elephant Butte Dam, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901, USA
Flickr/Kevin Muncie
Suspended 650 feet above a gorge, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is definitely an architectural achievement. It’s also the second highest bridge to be included in the U.S. highway system. The views from up top are simply awe-inspiring!
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, New Mexico 87529, USA Rio Grande Gorge Bridge,
Wikimedia Commons/National Park Service
Flickr/Terry Arzola
The Ancient Pueblo people lived in the Chaco Canyon area between roughly the 9th and 13th centuries. It is now part of the Chaco Culture National Historic Park, earning a UNESCO World Heritage designation because of the distinctive architecture found here. Construction occurred on a massive scale, using sophisticated building methods, and the Great Houses at Chaco consisted of hundreds of rooms spread over multiple stories. Although we might not call the Pueblo people famous New Mexico architects, when you look at what they built the title seems more than fitting.
Chaco Canyon, Navajo Service Rte 14, Nageezi, NM 87037, USA
Flickr/marvins_dad
Earthship Biotecture, 2 Earthship Way, Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA
Earthships are an impressive example of sustainable New Mexico architecture. There are quite a few of these complete off-grid homes near Taos and you can take a tour or stay the night in some of them located in what is called the Earthship Biotecture. If you’re looking for unusual New Mexico architecture, this is definitely it!
Flickr/osseous
Flickr/I-5 Design & Manufacture
The Isleta Resort Casino in Albuquerque is simply stunning. The use of glass in the casino is not just beautiful, it’s awe-inspiring. Even if you aren’t into gambling, you need to come here just to take in the ambiance.
Isleta Resort & Casino, 11000 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105, USA
Flickr/Mike Tungate
Kimo Theatre, 423 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
Flickr/Karen Blaha
Located in downtown Albuquerque, the KiMo Theatre, built in 1927 theatre, is a fine example of the Art Deco-Pueblo style. One of the finest examples of New Mexico architecture in the state, it is also said to be haunted!
KiMo Theatre, Albuquerque
Flickr/Terence Faircloth
The Lensic Theater in Santa Fe is a “Spanish-style” theater that opened in 1931 and its unusual design has wowed people ever since. It is a big draw for folks who appreciate unique New Mexican architecture. Be sure to take in a show while you’re here!
Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
If you’d like to explore more of The Land of Enchantment, how about a visit to White Sands National Park?
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The OIYS Visitor Center
New Mexico Architecture July 23, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin Are there any volcanos in New Mexico? As a matter of fact, there are numerous volcanos in New Mexico. The West Potrillo Mountains, Cabezon Peak, El Malpais National Monument, and Capulin Volcano National Monument are just a few of the places where you can find them. If you want an up-close-and-personal experience, you might embark upon this really cool 1,300-plus mile volcano road trip! Where can I stay in a historic hotel in New Mexico? You can find historic hotels in a lot of cities and towns in New Mexico. One of the most famous is the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Located in the capital city with beautiful hills in the background, the setting is the first thing to grab your attention. Inside, guests stay in absolutely gorgeous adobe-style rooms appointed with high-end accouterment from top to bottom. There is also a spa, outdoor pool, and hot tub for complete relaxation. A stay here is both historic and luxurious! Is there a town called Las Vegas, New Mexico? You betcha, and it is nothing like the glitzy one in Nevada (and that’s a good thing!). Located about an hour east of Santa Fe, this Las Vegas is a popular weekend getaway destination. Besides dining in the quaint eating establishments and walking the charming streets, you can also check out the numerous places where many movies have been filmed over the years. “No Country for Old Men,” “The Astronaut Farmer,” and “Easy Rider” are among them.
The OIYS Visitor Center
New Mexico Architecture
July 23, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
Are there any volcanos in New Mexico? As a matter of fact, there are numerous volcanos in New Mexico. The West Potrillo Mountains, Cabezon Peak, El Malpais National Monument, and Capulin Volcano National Monument are just a few of the places where you can find them. If you want an up-close-and-personal experience, you might embark upon this really cool 1,300-plus mile volcano road trip! Where can I stay in a historic hotel in New Mexico? You can find historic hotels in a lot of cities and towns in New Mexico. One of the most famous is the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Located in the capital city with beautiful hills in the background, the setting is the first thing to grab your attention. Inside, guests stay in absolutely gorgeous adobe-style rooms appointed with high-end accouterment from top to bottom. There is also a spa, outdoor pool, and hot tub for complete relaxation. A stay here is both historic and luxurious! Is there a town called Las Vegas, New Mexico? You betcha, and it is nothing like the glitzy one in Nevada (and that’s a good thing!). Located about an hour east of Santa Fe, this Las Vegas is a popular weekend getaway destination. Besides dining in the quaint eating establishments and walking the charming streets, you can also check out the numerous places where many movies have been filmed over the years. “No Country for Old Men,” “The Astronaut Farmer,” and “Easy Rider” are among them.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As a matter of fact, there are numerous volcanos in New Mexico. The West Potrillo Mountains, Cabezon Peak, El Malpais National Monument, and Capulin Volcano National Monument are just a few of the places where you can find them. If you want an up-close-and-personal experience, you might embark upon this really cool 1,300-plus mile volcano road trip!
Where can I stay in a historic hotel in New Mexico?
You can find historic hotels in a lot of cities and towns in New Mexico. One of the most famous is the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Located in the capital city with beautiful hills in the background, the setting is the first thing to grab your attention. Inside, guests stay in absolutely gorgeous adobe-style rooms appointed with high-end accouterment from top to bottom. There is also a spa, outdoor pool, and hot tub for complete relaxation. A stay here is both historic and luxurious!
Is there a town called Las Vegas, New Mexico?
You betcha, and it is nothing like the glitzy one in Nevada (and that’s a good thing!). Located about an hour east of Santa Fe, this Las Vegas is a popular weekend getaway destination. Besides dining in the quaint eating establishments and walking the charming streets, you can also check out the numerous places where many movies have been filmed over the years. “No Country for Old Men,” “The Astronaut Farmer,” and “Easy Rider” are among them.
