Museum of International Folk Art — Attraction in Santa Fe

Heads-up to other moms/families-- the community events are UNSAFE for strollers! 😬 I loved coming here before I had my daughter, and tried coming for a free, supposedly family-friendly event, since I recently discovered my infant daughter seems to love folk art as much as I do. They always have a lot of people directing traffic at their events, and I sort of assumed they had some sort of system in place for making sure it's safe for people with strollers and other wheeled apparatus to get from the parking to the museum... well, they don't! I told the parking attendants I had a stroller, and they directed me to the furthest lot from the museum and told me there was a dirt path to walk to the other overflow lot from there. I tried this path, and there were large mounds of loose dirt that slid steeply downhill-- not safe even for my all-terrain stroller, so (after telling the attendant, who didn't seem to care, that the path was too steep for my stroller) I got out on the street, but as I passed another attendant there, he was allowing cars to continue to the lower lots, which was terrifying, as the road I was trying to push my stroller down had no shoulders and lots of blind curves (and now traffic in both directions)! Also, it doesn't show well in the photo, but the terrain off the side of the road falls down a hill more and more the further you go.

I'd like to suggest to the museum that they either reserve some space in the closer lots for parents of young babies, or else have some system to allow parents to wait for a spot that would be safer. For parents of kids who need strollers, I'd suggest coming before an event starts (we came in the middle of an event because kiddo tires easily and I knew we weren't staying long, plus I wanted her to see the dancers that were starting an hour in). If you can take your kid in a carrier, do, although I'm not sure I'd feel safe on the steep dirt hills with my kid in a carrier, either. Anyway, I'm disappointed that I'm not feeling like it will be safe to take my daughter to events here till she's really comfortable walking, which won't be for awhile. That stinks, because she really enjoyed seeing the art and the dancers 😕

Editing to say I still love the museum and appreciate that they even bother having free community events, I just wish they'd be a little more thoughtful about accessibility for all types...

The Museum of International Folk Art is a truly enchanting destination that offers an unforgettable journey through the world's most vibrant folk art traditions. Located on Museum Hill, this institution boasts the largest collection of international folk art globally, with over 130,000 objects from more than 100 countries. One of the highlights of my visit was the stunning "Multiple Visions: A Common Bond" exhibit, showcasing a portion of Alexander Girard's incredible collection. The lack of label text is cleverly offset by the availability of a free multimedia tour, which I highly recommend downloading before your visit. The museum's commitment to interactive learning is evident in its engaging exhibitions and activities suitable for all ages. The "Tree of Life" children's play area is a delightful space where kids can explore and learn through imaginative play. The museum's accessibility features, including wheelchairs and portable stools, ensure that everyone can enjoy the exhibits comfortably. Non-commercial photography is encouraged, allowing visitors to capture memories of their visit. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious about global cultures, the Museum of International Folk Art is a must-visit. Its unique blend of art, culture, and education makes it a standout attraction...

This museum is unique and lovely, on top of Museum Hill in the world renowed art city, Santa Fe. Many people tend to go in favor of the newer galleries, but the folk art museum in my opinion has art that speaks to everyone while also showcasing traditional and cultural art in a respectful, beautiful manner. Their exhibits are creative and focus on genres and styles you wouldn't know of. The museum may be small but it boasts a carefully curated experience. I enjoy the diorama room most of all, as the little scenes showcasing different facets of global cultures with various figurines and sculptures exemplifies folk art. Thr gift shop and store also offer books, prints, apparel and other types of art, made by artisans around the world. You support Indigenous and international artists around the world by shopping there. As for the museum's other offers: The bathrooms are aged somewhat, but I'm sure if you inform an employee they will help. They are friendly and knowledgable. The museum has audio tours and booklets to help you immerse yourself and learn more. The outside area is beautiful, as the natural landscape of Santa Fe compliments the adobe styling of the exterior. Please visit the Folk Art Museum and please support...