The Harwood Museum of Art is owned by the University of New Mexico. The Museum houses extensive collection of the artists who settled in Taos and were inspired by the amazing light and scenery, plus the Native American and Hispanic cultures. The museum is named after artist Burt Harwood — his wife Elizabeth established the Harwood Foundation in 1923, with members of the Taos Society of Artists to promote the visual arts in Taos. In the late 1990s the Museum expanded to the current seven galleries to house its growing permanent collection and its changing exhibitions.
The Museum's permanent collection includes over 1,700 works of art and 17,000 photographic images. The Dorothy and Jack Brandenburg Gallery houses works from the Taos Society of Artists that feature Native Indian culture and pre-industrialized landscapes, including Ernest Blumenschein, the co-founder of the Society, Victor Higgins and Rebecca James. Other galleries features post World War II artists, who came to the area from the East and West coasts, and showcase a change in artistic styles and attitudes. These include Louis Ribak, Thomas Benrimo and a series of seven works by Agnes Martin. The Hispanic Traditions Gallery includes the largest museum collection of sculptures by Patrociño Barela, 19th century retablos and antique New Mexican furniture.
The museum holds a variety of innovative events involving the local community including art studio space for children, Taos Chamber Music group performances and yoga sessions in the Agnes Martin Gallery. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10.00am — 5.00pm and Sunday noon-5.00pm. Admission is free on Sundays for New Mexico residents.
