The museums of Taos offer a fascinating window into centuries of history, culture, and fine art—shaped by the colorful characters who made Taos the luminous place it is today. From trappers and traders to eccentric heiresses, legendary artists, and visionary entrepreneurs, Taos museums celebrate the town’s rich and often quirky past.

Art lovers will find world-class collections spanning generations of Taos artists, from the works of Native creators and the pioneering Taos Society of Artists to contemporary masters still inspired by the region’s breathtaking light, landscapes, and people.

Beyond art, Taos museums bring history to life, showcasing the deep-rooted Native and Spanish cultures, as well as the storied figures of the Old West. Even the museum buildings themselves—some dating back to the early 19th century—are living pieces of history. Walk through these historic spaces, and you just might find yourself ducking under the same doorway as Kit Carson once did.