Santa Fe Plaza Art + Architecture Tour
Discover the art, architecture, and history of Santa Fe’s historic Plaza arts district
AT A GLANCE
When
Private tours Wednesday-Saturday by request
Price
$255 plus tax for 1-3 people; $85 plus tax each additional person
Includes hand-crafted chocolate truffle for each person
Duration & Walking Distance
2 Hours
0.75 miles
Ages
10 and up. Please contact us if you have younger children!
The Experience
The perfect way to orient yourself in Santa Fe, our Santa Fe Plaza Art + Architecture walking tour is a fun and relaxed walk through Santa Fe's historic plaza area.
Visit must-see art galleries, discover enchanting courtyards, and learn the stories behind some of Santa Fe’s iconic architectural landmarks. During the tour, stop for beautifully hand-painted chocolate truffles and get insider tips on what to do in Santa Fe.
Visit Must-See Art Galleries
With so many galleries in Santa Fe, it’s easy to miss some incredible art. Our tours help take the guesswork out of the experience: you’ll visit landmark galleries as well as unexpected highlights.
Be a Santa Fe Art Insider
Every tour with us feels like a behind-the-scenes experience. You’ll learn the stories behind the artwork on view and meet the gallerists who curate the work. You’ll feel welcomed and inspired to keep exploring on your own.
Decode the Language of Art
We don’t just tell you what you see—we teach you how to look. We’ll show you a technique for analyzing and interpreting art, so you’ll be able to investigate your personal taste and what you’re drawn to in a work of art.
See a Variety of Art
You’ll see a rich range of artwork, from museum-quality historic painting to compelling contemporary art. We showcase a variety of styles, so there’s something for everyone. Because our tours are designed for art experts and beginners alike, everyone in the group will feel welcome and engaged.
Enjoy a Sweet Treat
It’s always nice to stop for a quick pick-me-up! We’ll hit pause on the gallery going to indulge in artistically crafted, hand-painted chocolate truffles at Chocolate + Cashmere.
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Our focus is the art and culture of Santa Fe, so you'll discover its rich history through the lens of must-see art galleries exhibiting beautiful Pueblo pottery, gorgeous textiles, and stunning paintings by the Santa Fe Art Colony and Taos Society of Artists. You’ll also see some unique contemporary art.
Due to exhibition schedules and special events our route may vary: stops may include Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery, Allan Houser Gallery, Peyton Wright, Owings Gallery, and Chris Antieau Gallery.
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We will begin the tour on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, so you will see the Palace of the Governors. You’ll also learn about Santa Fe’s iconic adobe architecture and visit the St. Francis Cathedral and the St. Francis Auditorium of the New Mexico Museum of Art. Please note that occasionally, certain stops on the route may be closed for special events.
For a little something sweet, you’ll be treated to a beautifully hand-painted chocolate truffle of your choice at Chocolate + Cashmere.
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We’ll meet at the bandstand on the Santa Fe Plaza.
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Unfortunately there is only paid parking available in the Santa Fe Plaza area.
For information about municipal parking lots and garages in the downtown Santa Fe area, please see the city’s website here.
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Your tour includes an Art of Looking cheat sheet to take home with you, a hand-painted chocolate truffle for each person, and bottled water if you need it.
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Pricing for private tours is as follows:
1 person | $255 plus tax
2 people | $127.50 plus tax per person
3+ people | $85 plus tax per person -
Please feel free to tip your guide if you had a great time! 10-20% is customary.
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The ideal maximum group size for this tour is 12 people per guide. We can definitely accommodate larger groups.
Please contact us to schedule a tour for a large group.
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We’ll be spending most of our time inside, but we will be outside, too, so dress for the weather.
This is a walking tour, so although there will be stops where you can stop and sit, we recommend wearing comfy shoes.
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Our total walking distance from our starting location to our ending point is about 0.75 miles, and we make frequent stops along the way.
The sidewalks in this area are generally easy to navigate.
If you have mobility concerns, please contact us before booking so that we can provide a great tour experience for you.
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Yes! For visually impaired customers, we suggest booking a private tour so that we can shift our focus to sculpture and other artworks that can be touched.
Additionally, our guides are trained in museum education techniques that focus on detailed description of artworks. This means that they are comfortable describing all aspects of a work of art to visually impaired customers.
Please contact us to book a private tour for your group. If you choose to book online, please note that there are visually impaired customers in your group in the comments box at checkout so that we can prepare an awesome experience for you!
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