Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian 🇺🇸

Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian offers you a dedicated space to explore Native American arts. Founded in 1937 by Bostonian Mary Cabot Wheelwright and Navajo singer and medicine man Hastiin Klah, this museum was created to share the beauty, dignity, and profound logic of Navajo traditions. When you visit, you will step inside a structure designed by architect William Penhallow Henderson, who purposefully modeled the building on the hooghan—the traditional Navajo home and ceremonial setting.

Originally established as a repository for ritual knowledge, sound recordings, manuscripts, tempera paintings, and large sandpainting tapestries woven by Klah, the museum evolved significantly over time. Following a major repatriation of medicine bundles to the Navajo people in 1977, it expanded its focus. Today, you can view world-renowned collections that document Navajo art and culture stretching from 1850 straight through to the present day.

During your trip, you will also experience changing exhibitions featuring both traditional and contemporary Native American arts from Navajo artists and other Indigenous creators. It stands as a unique, historical institution where past traditions meet modern artistic expressions for you to appreciate.

What to see at Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian

• A uniquely designed building modeled after the traditional Navajo hooghan
• World-renowned collections documenting Navajo art and culture from 1850 to the present
• Changing exhibitions showcasing traditional and contemporary Native American arts
• Historical connections to founders Mary Cabot Wheelwright and Navajo medicine man Hastiin Klah

Visiting tips

Take time to appreciate the unique architecture, which was carefully designed to reflect a traditional Navajo home.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian is easy to reach on Santa Fe’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Palace of the Governors and Santa Fe Plaza. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Santa Fe travel guide.