Various accessories and paintings are sold at the stalls.
September 2023
This isn't an enormous building, but it houses a museum which explains the history and development of New Mexico. It's fascinating to learn the different groups of people, of varying backgrounds, whose histories came together to create the awesomely unique culture of the region.
June 2023
The vendors at the Governors Palace are so creative with thier crafts, very talented! Lots of different items to chose from
From Palace of the Governors at New Mexico History Museum
Situated on the north side of the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors is a beloved icon, complex symbol, and anchor for the New Mexico History Museum.
Dating back to 1610, the Palace is the oldest public building in continuous use constructed by European settlers in the continental United States. Built by the Spanish for colonial administration, the structure has been extensively modified over the centuries to meet changing needs and stylistic interests. In addition to Spanish colonial life, the Palace has associations with the Pueblo Revolt (1680–1692), a brief period of Mexican rule (1821–1848), settlement as an American territory (1848–1912), and statehood for New Mexico (1912–present).
Other Information
Parking: Street
Attire: Casual
The entire north side of Santa Fe's downtown plaza is taken up by the 1610 Palace of the Governors, the oldest continually occupied public building in the United States. Its front adobe facade is completely shaded, and in this ?portal,? the Native American Vendors Program has been operating for over six decades. A daily lottery ensures a rotating selection of artisans from the various pueblos throughout New Mexico. Yes, there might be some ?finer? pieces available in the chic boutiques elsewhere in Santa Fe, but here, in the shade of a four-century-old adobe building, you can meet the artists and even haggle a bit. Be respectful, though-these are not cheap trinkets made in a sweatshop abroad: The crafts and the jewelry are usually made by the person with whom you'll be conversing. (An interesting side note: The Palace was taken over in 1680 and occupied by Native Americans during the Pueblo Revolt until 1692, when the Spaniards returned. This is the only government seat in the U.S. to have ever been taken over by Native Americans. It then served as the residence of the governor during the Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. territorial regimes, until 1907. In 1912, New Mexico became a U.S. state. Today, the Palace serves as a museum.)
