Permanent Exhibitions
The Museum displays spectacular collections of Navajo and Pueblo jewelry, Navajo textiles, Pueblo pottery, Hopi and Zuni katsinas as well as basketry of the western Apache.
A highlight is the special collection of pottery illuminating the art and life of famed San Ildefonso Pueblo potter Maria Martinez. Traditional Hispanic culture is well depicted by extensive collections of religious and secular arts, textiles and furniture.
Textile Gallery
Gallery two features Native American and Hispanic textiles from the museum’s permanent collection. The 19th century was characterized by dramatic change and innovation in the textile traditions of the Navajo, Pueblo, and Hispanic peoples of the Southwest. Weavers were influenced by Spanish settlers, the arrival of the railroad, and the introduction of commercial yarns and dyes. There are Chief’s Blankets, Blankets with Indigo dye yarns, and Ikat dyed weavings, on display in this gallery. Read more
Maria Martinez Gallery
Gallery three features a portion of the Maria Martinez family collection. Maria and her husband, Julian, from San Ildefonso Pueblo were responsible for a revival of the San Ildefonso ceramic tradition. Read more
Jewelry Gallery
Gallery five features the museum’s Native American jewelry collection. Most of the jewelry on display in this room was hand picked by Millicent herself on trips throughout Indian Country. Millicent was a passionate collector who assembled a stellar, 1,281 piece collection of Navajo and Zuni silver and turquoise, Hopi silverwork, and Pueblo stone and shell jewelry during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, when fine late-19th and early 20th century work could still be found. Read more
Pottery Gallery
Gallery seven features pottery from every part of the museum’s collection. The larger pottery cases feature exquisite examples of pre-historic and traditional pottery from the well-known pottery making pueblos. Read more
Spanish Colonial Gallery
Gallery 8a houses the Spanish colonial collection of furniture and household implements. The textiles that are on display in this room are examples of Hispanic weavings that have become signature Rio Grande designs. Read more
Hispanic Religious Gallery
This gallery features the Hispanic religious collecton. These religious arts reflect the isolation of the region from the Spanish Empire ion the New World. Read more
Anderson Entrance
Gallery 11 is the original entrance to the residence when it belonged to the Andersons. On the steps to what was the front door, you can see Millicent’s initials as well as other Taos notables and community members who helped build the Anderson house. Read more
Basket Gallery
This gallery features Native American basketry from the great basketmaker tribes of the southwest. The collection is representative of the Apache, Pueblo, Apache/Yavapai and Hopi tribes. Read more
Mermaid Room
This Gallery features colored pencil drawings by Millicent Rogers. These whimsical drawings show a side of Millicent not seen in the public eye. Read more
