Canyon Road: One of the Top Three Things to See in Santa Fe

Canyon Road Christmas Eve

People come to Santa Fe for the big events such as SWAIA Indian Market and Christmas Eve on Canyon Road. But Canyon Road is a draw year 'round with gallery openings and both natural and historic beauty. The old adobes are picturesque and always are camera-worthy. Canyon Road is a must-do when visiting Santa Fe. In fact, I tell people to spend time around the Plaza, go to Museum Hill and enjoy the beauty of Canyon Road. Once you have done those three things, you have had a wonderful taste of what Santa Fe is all about.

The Art of Canyon Road

Nowhere else in the world can one find such incredible diversity of art and fine art galleries than on Canyon Road. In less than one mile, there are one hundred galleries featuring art that ranges from contemporary, abstract and modern to multicultural, expressionistic and figurative. Galleries showcase paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and encaustic; along with sculptures in stone, bronze, marble, clay, and wood. And all can be found in the century-old buildings and historic gardens of this magical old road. 

Art Walks and Gallery Openings

Artist during Paint Out on Canyon Road

On any given Friday of the year, it’s likely that openings and shows are scheduled after 5:00 PM on Canyon Road during weekly gallery crawls. However, treasures await discovery every day of the year behind Canyon Road’s adobe walls, carved, wooden gates, in open studios and in wonderful old buildings from the early 1900’s.

Explore History

The Historic Santa Fe Foundation located at El Zaguán, a historic property and garden at 545 Canyon Road, is open weekdays and features an incredible collection of photos and information on Santa Fe and Canyon Road’s early days.

In addition to its architectural preservation efforts, the foundation supports the art community with its Artists’ Residency Program – an artist’s community of 5 working artists who live at El Zaguán. 

The foundation’s annual Sunday afternoon tour on Mother’s Day is often held during the same weekend as Passport to the Arts. More information is available at www.historicsantafe.org.

This sculpture of a dog looks perfect in the
gallery garden on a sunny day.

Canyon Road Merchants Association

The Canyon Road Merchants Association is an organization run by volunteers and fueled by the support of 100 Canyon Road businesses, industry, community, and government partners. The association members host numerous individual and group events throughout the year for Santa Fe visitors and the community. Canyon Road is located in a historically protected, carefully preserved neighborhood and is home to 100 fine art galleries and active artist studios, restaurants, boutiques, and shops.

Visit www.santafe.org  and visitcanyonroad.com  for more information.