Santa fe folk art museum celebrates global culture​

PLAN YOUR TRIP LOCATION: 706 Camino Lejo, about two miles south of Santa Fe Plaza on Museum Hill, which might be thought of as New Mexico’s answer to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The cultural complex also includes the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden and the Wheelwright Museum of the American

Indian. GETTING THERE: By car, you’ll reach the museum in less than 10 minutes from the center of town; it’s a nearly straight shot along the Old Santa Fe Trail. You can also access it via

the Santa Fe Trails city bus “M” line, which takes about 20 minutes, or by riding the New Mexico Rail Runner train to the last stop (Santa Fe Depot) and catching the free Santa Fe Pick-Up

shuttle to Museum Hill. WHEN IT'S OPEN: Daily, May through October; Tuesday through Sunday, November through April (closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas) ADMISSION: $7 for

New Mexico residents; $12 for nonresidents. Free on the first Sunday of the month for New Mexico residents and every Wednesday for New Mexico resident seniors (60+). BEST TIME TO VISIT: 

MOIFA’s collection is dense, so if you want to really see everything, arrive bright and early (the museum opens at 10 a.m.). The museum is currently offering limited docent tours; call the

front desk (505-476-1204) for the tour schedule that day. BEST SEASON TO VISIT: Some of the executive director’s favorite times of year at the museum are the Day of the Dead in early

November and the Lunar New Year, which usually occurs in February. On such occasions, festivities include live music, food and hands-on arts activities. Summer brings a slate of free

outdoor family programming to take advantage of the beautiful weather, including workshops during which kids can learn to make crafts inspired by Alexander Girard. Remember: Despite Santa

Fe’s Southwest location, its altitude of 7,200 feet means that average high temperatures in July are only in the mid-80s. ACCESSIBILITY: Upon arrival, there’s an elevator from the

hillside parking lot up to Milner Plaza, where the museum is located, and then you’re just a few steps from the entrance. Inside, you’ll find all exhibits on the ground level, save for

Lloyd’s Treasure Chest, which is on the lower level and accessible by elevator. Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available (first come, first served) at no charge (call ahead at

505-476-1204 to check on availability).