Long known for its perfect light and endless skies, New Mexico has built a reputation for attracting artists and the businesses they support, from Santa Fe's large creative community to new art colonies sprouting up from Magdalena to Mountainair. From its modest beginnings 91 years ago, the Museum of New Mexico now comprises four museums and five state monuments in 23 buildings located across the state and has taken its place among the nation's best. For regional history, Native arts and culture, fine art of the Southwest and folk art from around the world, explore the Museum's vast collections. The pueblo ruin of Kuaua was once home to agriculturists who thrived on the bank of the Rio Grande.
Preserved murals are among the finest examples of pre-Columbian art in North America.
Study these original panels at the monument named for Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, whose expedition sojourned in the area during the winter of 1540-41. On State Highway 44, one mile west of I-12, exit 242. 2 miles east of the village of Fort Sumner on Billy the Kid Road. This once-quiet Hispanic village was rocked by violence during the Lincoln County War. Here also an infamous period of lawlessness made famous such characters as Billy the Kid and his adversary Sheriff Pat Garrett.