Research
The New Mexico Museum of Art collects significant artworks relevant to New Mexico’s communities with a focus in Southwest art, especially art that connects to New Mexico. Founded in 1917 as the State’s repository for fine arts, the collection includes more than 20,000 items. Primary collecting areas cover art of the 20th Century, Photography, and Contemporary art. The collection is always growing so check back often.
The mission of the archives is to tell the story of the New Mexico Museum of Art from its inception as the art gallery of the Museum of New Mexico to the present, as well as the history of art and artists in New Mexico.
The archives contain organizational records and manuscript collections created by or donated to the New Mexico Museum of Art that document how the museum came to be, its history of programs and exhibitions, and its relationships to the artistic communities of New Mexico. The archives include the historic records of the museum, as well as materials artists, gallery owners, critics, and scholars, who worked with the museum. Explore the archival collections.
Explore our non-circulating research library dedicated to the study of art, with an emphasis on New Mexico and the Southwest. The library is accessible to the public Monday through Friday, 9 AM- 4 PM, by appointment.
Research Requests
Library and Archives
The library and archives are available to the public when the Librarian & Archivist is present. Please call 505-231-5065 or email Abby Smith, Librarian and Information Specialist, at abby.smith@dca.nm.gov to check availability.
Art Collection
To research the art collection in person, please contact Ruth LaNore, Registrar and Head of Collections, by phone at 505-469-9106 or email at ruth.lanore@dca.nm.gov. Appointments are required. Please make an appointment at least two weeks in advance.
Request for Access to Collections
Reproduction Requests
The forms are in Adobe PDF format and may be downloaded and returned to the Head of Registration and Collections at ruth.lanore@dca.nm.gov.
Request to Order Reproduction Images
Conditions for Publication & Reproduction
Photo Fee Schedule
Loan Requests
The New Mexico Museum of Art encourages loans for scholarly and educational purposes with non-profit institutions such as museums, libraries, and universities.
Conditions and Procedures for Outgoing Loans
Art Appraisal Requests
Unfortunately, the New Mexico Museum of Art is unable to provide assistance in determining the value of artworks. Below is a list of appraisal societies which can assist in locating an appraiser. Each website has “Find an Appraiser” section on their front page.
Appraisers Association of America (AAA)
212-889-5404
www.appraisersassoc.org
American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
800-272-8258
www.appraisers.org
International Society of Appraisers (ISA)
312-981-6778
www.isa-appraisers.org