I have been to several capitols; this one is much different. Good parking, friendly staff, and easy access to both chambers for viewing how sausage is made. I live in Colorado - the differences are stark. What makes it worth your time is the art. Fabulous art of all kinds across the diverse spectrum of life in New Mexico! I asked for a pen and said the Governor of GA gave us pens. She mistook what I was asking as "pin". It's good to be clear, but the state pin was nice too. read more

We didn't get to go inside the Capitol building as we visited it on a weekend and it was closed. The building itself and the grounds around it are absolutely gorgeous and I love all the Native American heritage that is captured here. Whenever I visit a state's capital city, I always like to go and see their Capitol building so this was a treat to see! read more

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We stopped by to see the art collection. It was impressive and expansive. We joined a free tour which was informative but the pace was a bit slow for our preference. Definitely worth a visit. read more

I loved visiting the New Mexico State Capitol building! There is so much amazing art here, all made by the people of New Mexico. I honestly went here for two reasons, the art, and the state of New Mexico stamp. I wasn't disappointed, and you won't be either. It is basically a free museum. When you sign in upon your arrival, don't forget to stamp a little paper with the two stamps that they have available (to the left of the sign in book). Each state house (Capitol) should have a stamp. (I learned that at the Maine State House.) read more

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The New Mexico State Capitol is the only State Capitol in the whole US that is completely round! Yep, it is a round building. Very artsy. It is known informally as the "Roundhouse." LOL What most people love most about New Mexico is the ART. So, I applaud New Mexico for creating the CAF. In 1991, The New Mexico Legislature created the "Capitol Art Foundation" which has now become one of the building's most loved & inspiring features. "The Capitol ART Foundation" was created to assist in the acquisition of all ART for permanent and/or public exhibition in the State Capitol. We recently stopped by to show our Support for the "Capitol ART Foundation" and the #FreetheAmericans rally. Kill two birds with one stone. haha. There were several other couples there also showing their support, we loved all the ART & the beautiful surroundings outside, the weather was so beautiful, we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. A fabulous Artsy State Capitol! With lots of lovely ART. We really enjoyed our visit to the one & only "Roundhouse" to show our support for the #FreetheAmericans rally and the Capitol ART Foundation. A must visit! Highest recommendations. read more

What a treasure and what SERVICE ... especially from Angela Culbertson (docent)! She saved the day for me and our tour groups. We had an included visit to the Folk Art Museum on the tour but they had a water emergency and closed. I needed a last-minute replacement sightseeing venue and Angela welcomed our groups and guided them through this incredible Capitol building. Note this was the end of the day at the BUSIEST time of the year (Balloon Fiesta). Angela was an ANGEL - and truly saved the day. I can't thank her enough! read more

I am on a journey to visit every state capitol building in the country - this one is special because it is the only round one!!! Designed to look like a sun, the unique architecture of the New Mexico capitol made it especially enjoyable to visit. The people here were very friendly and helpful and gave me fascinating insights on some of the history of the artwork. There are three stories of artwork here, too. I was happy to be able to sit in the both the room where the senate and the house meet. The brochure I was provided told me plenty of interesting information on the work that happens here! All in all, this was well worth a stop to visit! read more

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This is another Santa Fe must do! There is so much beautiful art in the Capitol building, and it is easy to walk to. There is something for everyone here to see. If you love art, definitely check this out!!! read more

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The only round state capitol building in the US, the New Mexico State Capitol building mimics the zia sun symbol that is also on the state flag. Although the "Roundhouse" is currently closed, the outdoor sculptures are worth a visit. Scattered throughout the surrounding gardens are large sculptures representing New Mexico. The Houser/Haozous family are such gifted artists. Allan Houser's "Morning Prayer" is featured prominently at the front entrance and "When Friends Meet" is in a side garden. Following in his fathers footsteps, "Gate/Negate" by Bob Haozous makes you think. It has the names of 458 extinct Native American Indian tribes on the base and planes, faces and barbed wire on the gate. Michael Naranjo was blinded and lost use of his right hand as he was struck by a grenade at 23 while he served in the Army during the Vietnam War. During his rehabilitation, he began to sculpt using clay. Today, he sculpts by hand without the use of tools relying on childhood memories and themes. "Emergence" is a beautiful hoop dancer located on a side lawn. The Capitol Art Collection features artworks by over 600 New Mexico artists throughout the interior and the Memorial Gardens. Nice to see such a strong commitment to the arts by a state government. read more

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It is rare that I go out of my way to see a state capitol. I've seen the one in Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, and California. After all if you've seen one, you've seen them all, right? Not so fast. September, 2018, we walked 1 mile from our timeshare condo at Villas De Santa Fe to the New Mexico State Capitol, with the intent on seeing some spectacular art works of local artists. We were not disappointed. Magnificent round rotunda, 4 levels, with art works, sculpture, and quilts on display both in the rotunda, and in the corridors leading to the governing chambers of the legislature, free to the general public. Took maybe a 150 pictures, but erased most of them, including all the wife's shots of the quilts. Saved the pictures of the old west, including the days of the Conquestadors, through the days of the Navajos, and when New Mexico was settled by the Spanish, the Mexicans, and then the Texas cowboys. In these days of the coronavirus, New Mexico has a 14 day quarantine for all visitors from out of state, with exceptions for airline personnel, hospital first responders, ems first responders, on duty military personnel, and visitors on essential official business. Unlikely that we will get a chance to come back as scheduled in September 2020, with the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival cancelled. And to those state officials who have to go back to work in the New Mexico State Capitol, at least you got some awesome western landscape works of art to admire on your way into the office. read more

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What a breathtaking art tour of our New Mexico State Capital building. Works of art on every wall so incredibly beautiful. Rachel was an amazing guide who took us through the history of Santa Fe that lies within the art. Not to be missed. read more

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My husband and I visited the capitol building while visiting Santa Fe. It had a nice free parking garage- very easy to walk into the back of the building. There is security on both sides, and they do ask you to check in with the receoptionist who gives you information on which areas you can visit- which is almost all the floors. We walked everything we could and looked at the art- some interesting pieces. And the atrium was very pretty to look at. If you are visiting (or even just local) its worth a visit! read more

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SO lovely! I had already visited all 50 state capitols, so this was a return trip while I was in town. In addition to being the location for their legislative work, the NM "Round House" is a fabulous art gallery! Showcasing local artists of all media and themes, you'll want to poke around a while. Be sure to check out the short-term exhibits and head down to the tunnel that takes you to the legislative annex. There is art along the walkway. This will be a memorable excursion. Definitely check it out! read more

Not sure what we expected here. There was a small Expo going on and it was the first day back for the Senate and Congress. Instead of trying to find a guide for a tour, we opted to sit in on some real live politics. What fun, mostly gibberish with nothing getting achieved. There was some nice art in both galleries and some fine statues outside. read more

The Capital building seemed like a usual building. I like capitol buildings for their looks this one just seemed ok. read more

New Mexico State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Fabulous art in this public statehouse. A tour guide, provided by the state, lead us through the 'roundhouse' providing political and art context. The political context was neutral and focused on process and procedures. The art tour highlighted several pieces of art and then allowed you to continue on a self-guided tour. We enjoyed the context of bill passage in New Mexico and the introduction to the art on display. If you can, this is a great state Capitol to visit with a tremendous amount of art on display. Highly recommended for adults - will likely be boring for teens and under. read more

New Mexico State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Wow, very cool, a state capitol building and a very fine art museum all in one. The building has a great collection of art that we spent a lazy afternoon hour meandering through. Lots of different types of media keep you moving from one piece to the next. Kudos to the curator, well done! Nobody was in session while we were there so we got to peak our heads into the senate and congress meeting rooms. That was pretty neat. read more

New Mexico State Capitol - State Capitol Building and Museum: a contrasting study - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Continuing my quest to visit, photograph and check in to State Capitols brought me to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Because I was carrying a concealed firearm that I did not want to leave in the car (and by the way, parking was tough), I opted not to enter the facility and simply view the exterior. The NM Capitol is the only "round" capitol in the US, which is unique and interesting, making for an interesting walk around the building and through some of the native plants and trees that surround it. Very pretty building, next time I'd like to tour the inside. read more

New Mexico State Capitol - New Mexico Roundhouse in Santa Fe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Santa Fe's State Capital Building has got to be one of my favorite Capital buildings I've ever visited! Bravo to NM for showcasing art of all types of mixed media as their focal point in design and style!!!!! 650 works of art to be exact! I couldn't get enough! You will need to a lot for at least 2 hours to tour the building which consists of 4 floors. There is tons to take in. The works of art all tell a story and are very emotionally moving. I could have spent an entire day here! Bravo!!!!!! read more

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The owner of our B&B suggested that we check out the State Capitol during our stay in Santa Fe. I was surprised at this recommendation but since it was a few blocks away and she said they had art we decided to visit. The building itself is nice and the employees helpful and kind. The information desk has maps and info on the state. You can wander around the building to see the art and to see and learn about government. My favorite piece of art was the amazing buffalo head, even if you aren't an art lover you will appreciate the uniqueness of this piece. read more

I really enjoyed New Mexico's capitol. It is the only capitol that is round and it's actually called the Round House. There is a lot of beautiful art throughout the building and it's worth taking some time and looking at it. Of the capitols I've been to, this one is the only one I've seen (so far) that isn't neo-classical in its style. The dome was beautiful and is meant to symbolize a weaved basket. I was impressed with the size of the House and Senate chambers (especially just coming from Utah's capitol). read more

So our goal is to take our kids to visit every state capital in the USA ... of the four the kids have been .... this one was awesome because you were able to walk into the unique only round state capital in the US. We were also able to tour the congressional house of chambers. This building also resembles the Zia Sun Symbol . With a stone carving of the state seal of New Mexico . read more

New Mexico State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Don't know much about the Capitol but I sure enjoy the new Governor of New Mexico! I appreciate you and the Mayor taking part in the Saturday festivities this past weekend near the Capitol. I appreciate that you dance with the constituents and smiled at all. They love you! It was fun to be in the middle of a gathering of so many happy people. May you go forward in peace, love and harmony. My wish for you is to bring the people together. Smile... you've been blessed. p.s. I stimulated the local economy as best as I could. Thank you. read more

The NM State Capitol doesn't have as many government-y things for tourists as other state capitols, but it does have a ton of excellent artwork to enjoy! The halls are adorned with paintings and sculptures from local artists. There's even a dedicated art gallery on the first floor. The artwork has a delightful variety, from vast landscapes to solemn religious portraits to sculptures made from newspapers and paintbrushes. As you walk around all three floors of the round Capitol building, you'll really get a feel for New Mexican art and culture. So if you're visiting Santa Fe, check out the Capitol building for essentially a free (and good!) art museum! read more

New Mexico State Capitol - "Buffalo" (1992) by Holly Hughes - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Always an itinerary stop whenever we visit a new state, and the NM Capitol did not disappoint. We arrived a few hours before closing so found easy parking and had the place to ourselves. Both House and Senate galleries were open - each showing the various members over the years to acknowledge how the state has changed - and we even stopped by the Governor's office. The art displayed is all museum worthy and on every level. So, really you're getting a two-fer of history and culture. read more

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Would have loved to visit, but it was closed. We couldn't find the hours anywhere. Not on the building doors, not the website, and not on their voicemail message when no one answered. Pretty poor information. read more

Very nice building with a lot to see. Apparently it's the only round state capital that's round. When you enter, one of the first things you see is the state seal well placed on the main floor. There are many floors with artwork, the governors office and great views, if your nearby, I recommend this place! read more

New Mexico State Capitol - The New Mexico flag outside - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

One of our must things to do in Santa Fe is visit the fabulous museums. What many out of town visitors are not aware of is the amazing permanent exhibit in the Roundhouse. In addition to the beautiful rotunda, where events are often scheduled, there are rotating exhibits on the main floor celebrating the artists of New Mexico. There is also changing art in the governor's office. The permanent art can be viewed as you walk around each floor. It's a tribute to the many talented artists within the state. We try to visit once a year. Highly recommend adding the State Capitol to your next Santa Fe excursion. read more

New Mexico State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Great history throughout and attractive art exhibits on every floor. Security and visitor booth staff very helpful and friendly. Well worth a walkthrough. read more

This state landmark is frequented often by me because I have to come for meetings for work; however, I have taken the opportunity to visit the capitol building, look around, and take in all the magnificent artwork and sites of this historical building. Inside you will find various artwork throughout the floors and some displays on the ground floor hallway that will change seasonally. But you will be blown away by the beauty that covers the walls of the New Mexico State Capitol building. You will find the security staff helpful and friendly and you can call for tours. There is parking across the street in the Public Parking garage but it may be tricky for tourists to find. The parking is free Mondays through Fridays but can be difficult finding a spot during peak hours and during legislative session. Overall, if you have never gone here - it is definitely beautiful, stunning, and worth the visit of the capitol building of the Land of Enchantment. You won't be disappointed in the artwork and detail throughout the building. Please go take a look! read more

One of the best days I've ever had, all in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Besides the town being amazing, the capitol building was actually really nice on the inside. The outside was very different, being Spanish Territorial style and not very magnificent from the street. But inside it was very nice and had a lot to offer. Artwork was everywhere! Every hallway, every surface, there was just art everywhere in this building! It was really beautiful. This building was constructed in the 60s and remodeled in the late 80s so it doesn't look as classic but it's definitely unique. This is a must see in Santa Fe and I was surprised that more people weren't there. It should be more promoted in tourism considering there were so many people in the city at the time but hardly anywhere at the Capitol building. read more

Beautiful State Capitol building that is extremely functional and full of incredible local artwork. Though this building does not have the traditional dome, the city is one of the oldest in the US. Santa Fe was the seat of Spanish, Mexican and American governments. The building is open the the public for self guided tours or you can arrange a guided tour. read more

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Friendly staff members and endless amounts of local art. Good place to explore if you like art, government, and history. Or simply want a place to relax indoors. We visited Santa Fe for a day and stopped by the state capitol. The receptionist was extremely friendly (as was everyone in Santa Fe), answering all our questions and telling us we're free to take pictures anywhere. When walking around, other staff workers also encouraged us to come into rooms and explore. There's so much art here, it's like being in a museum. While there's also the Georgia O'Keeffe museum in Santa Fe, I would also recommend coming here. And it's free, yo. read more

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This was one of the coolest state capitol buildings I've ever visited! It was so artsy, and so original. The halls are beautifully adorned with artwork from the great state of New Mexico. The only reason I'm not giving it a five star rating is because it was a little confusing. I don't know maybe it was the day we went, or what..but it just seemed like the place was a ghost town. We went through security when we went in and that was about about the only human we saw until we exited. Talk about self guided. But otherwise, it was awesome. If you're ever in beautiful Santa Fe, the New Mexico State capitol building should for sure be on your list! read more

I work in a state capitol building so of course I'm curious as what other Capitol bldgs look like, plus it's round. We were there the 1st week of June, 2019. We did the self tour of the building as it was somewhat spur of the moment. If you want a guided tour, call ahead and book one. You can park for free in one of the covered garages around the Capitol. Outside the grounds are that lovely Santa Fe mix of green foliage. The building looking very New Mexican as it should. Inside it was very modern looking. They have a tiny visitors area where you can sign in, ask questions and if you booked a guide you meet there. The House and Senate Chambers are set up in a semicircular around the Speaker & Pro Tempro's dias/chair. There is lots of nice theater style seating for the people to come watch their legislators work. That seating is above and behind the legislators, but the Speaker & Pro Tempro can see the gallery. If you go to the NM Capitol Bldg., don't expect to find souvenirs to purchase, they don't have a gift shop, but I was able to buy a Christmas ornament from the Governor's office. My favorite part was all the art throughout the building, especially the pieces lining the rotunda walls on the upper floors. Beautiful. Where I work, the visitors center tells tourists who self guide that if a door is unlocked you can go in, so I took our rule and tried it here. The legislators were out, but I did manage to open the door on 1 meeting and 1 training session. It doesn't take long at all to tour it. Don't miss any of the art. It's on the walls, in entrances, in hallways and in one area, on the ceiling. I think my Capitol building needs to step up it's art game. read more

My cousin offered to set up a tour for us on our first visit to Santa Fe, so of course I accepted! He is a Senator and said we could sit in his seat and act official and take picutres. My cup of tea! The tour was even more fascinating than I thought it would be. I loved the art, the seal in the floor of the lobby, which had real turquoise bits in it, I loved the story of the seal and the eagles. The art in the halls was of museum quality and the guide (thomas?) explained so much of it to us. He was amazing; so kind and friendly and understanding of our crazy little group. Even walked us to our lunch spot after, a couple blocks away so we wouldn't get lost. They had regular American food, and we wanted NM so our waitress offered to put our lemonades in a to go cup, which was very sweet. Thomas then walked us to another restaurant that would have what we wanted. Great guy and able to answer pretty much every silly question we asked. There was a chief clerk named Lenore so I said I would really love to meet her, since we share a name. He didn't seem to think that was silly, but made sure to try to make it happen. And it did and it was very fun. Turns out she went to school with my mother in CA in her childhood!! They knew many of the same classmates and picked fruit off the same local trees (??) She gave us presents; color book for my nephew and NM state flag pins that I adore! I wanted something with that yellow zia? sun and that was it! The receptionist to the Governor was super sweet and chatted with us awhile; then offered to take us to the back offices of the Governor! What a thrill. My dad sat in her spot in the Cabinet room and there was a lovely view of Santa Fe from there. And a museum turquoise necklace in glass in the hallway. Salt of the earth people in New Mexico State Capitol Building. Even the information ladies were unbelievable sweet and helpful. I think I love New Mexico!!!! read more

New Mexico State Capitol - Lobby area with beautiful stained glass ceiling - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Well worth the time it takes to go through. The art is top notch and varied. The art is well spaced And presented. A quilt display was the temporary exhibit and was fascinating. read more

The art work is real good - better than some art museums I've been to. And it's free - no admission fee. I like the building too. The staff people and state police officers are always helpful and polite. (I've been there many times.) read more

If you are interested in art, than the New Mexico State Capitol building is not to be missed. We just stumbled across the building while on a walkabout in Santa Fe and poked our head in to see the building. We were blown away by the range, quantity and quality of the art, and ended up spending more than an hour wandering the halls and taking it all in. The staff were friendly and helpful - pointing us to areas we might have missed. This ranks as the best state capitol building I've seen. read more

I've made it a goal to visit all fifty state capitols, and New Mexico's is one of my most recent conquests. The staff at the entrance were very welcoming. I was given a pamphlet and asked to sign a guest book. A security guard on the other side of the building was friendly too and answered some questions for me. It was really an odd feeling to be one of the only people in the building, but the legislature is not in session until January, apparently, so it was pretty quiet around there. I was able to go into the Senate and House meeting rooms by myself, which was cool. The building itself is definitely not typical of most capitol building architecture, which I actually appreciated. I think next to Hawaii, New Mexico's building is probably the most unique I have visited so far. The building is pretty small, so it won't take too long to look around. I didn't really find any museum-y exhibitions about New Mexico's history. There was a lot of local artwork, but nothing that felt very "historical." Perhaps I just didn't find that section of the building. My favorite art piece was a giant buffalo head made out of newspaper, plastic spoons, and other odds and ends. Any state capitol is worth a visit if you're in the area. Check it out! read more