The Palace of the Governors: A Timeless Heart of Santa Fe & a Living Marketplace for Native Artists

Nestled on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors stands as one of the oldest public buildings in the United States and a cherished symbol of the Southwest’s layered history. But long before it became a museum and National Historic Landmark, this adobe structure was the center of trade, cultural exchange, and community life in what would become New Mexico.

A Window Into History

Built in the early 17th century during Spanish colonial rule, the Palace originally served as the seat of government for the Spanish province of Nuevo México. Over the centuries, it witnessed dramatic shifts — from Spanish to Mexican and ultimately to American control — while maintaining its role as a focal point for the people of the region.

The Palace wasn’t just an administrative hub. In its earliest days, supplies and luxury goods from distant lands traveled along El Camino Real and were traded or sold here. The site became a crossroad where Indigenous Pueblo peoples, Spanish settlers, and later Mexican and Anglo traders converged to exchange goods, ideas, and traditions — laying the foundation for the vibrant artistic culture that thrives in Santa Fe today.

In 1909, the Palace became part of the Museum of New Mexico, transforming it into a living repository of Southwest history. Today, while visitors explore exhibits inside, the Palace’s shaded portal still pulses with the rhythms of commerce and creativity — just as it has for generations.

The Portal: Where Tradition Meets Today

Anyone who has wandered the Santa Fe Plaza has likely been captivated by the colorful scene along the Palace’s long adobe portal. Every day from morning until late afternoon, Native American artisans set up their stalls along the historic wall, offering visitors the chance to connect with artists directly and purchase authentic, handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, beadwork, and more.

This tradition is rooted in an ongoing effort — dating back to the early 20th century — to ensure Native artists have a venue to sustain their craft and livelihood. In 1936, organized weekend markets under the portal gave artisans access to a growing tourist audience. These markets helped formalize what is today the Native American Artisans Portal Program, administered by the New Mexico History Museum.

Unlike many commercial galleries, the Palace portal is reserved specifically for art made by the artists themselves or members of their households, and materials like turquoise, silver, and coral — iconic to Southwestern Native jewelry — are commonly used in jewelry pieces.

Meet the Makers: Artists Creating Today

What makes the Palace portal truly special — and worthy of celebration in your jewelry store’s blog — is the living community of artists who bring centuries-old traditions into the present day. These artisans represent tribes and pueblos across New Mexico and the Southwest, including Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Santo Domingo (Kewa), and others.

Each artist brings their own cultural perspective and techniques to their work:

• Turquoise & Silver Jewelry: Turquoise is more than a gemstone in Native culture — it’s a symbol of protection, sky, and water. Combined with hand-hammered silver, you’ll find necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and concho belts that reflect deep cultural meaning and skilled craftsmanship.

• Beadwork and Inlay: Zuni artists are particularly renowned for intricate stone inlay and delicate beadwork, merging tiny pieces of turquoise, coral, and shell into luminous patterns.

• Handmade Traditions: From Hopi overlay techniques to Santo Domingo bead and shell artistry, the portal offers a window into techniques passed down through generations.

Purchasing from these artists isn’t just shopping — it’s participating in cultural preservation and supporting creators who keep these traditions alive. Many artisans are happy to share stories about their craft, what inspires their designs, and the meaning behind the materials they choose.

Why It Matters

In a world where imitation pieces are common, the Palace of the Governors portal stands out as a place where authenticity and connection take center stage. Here, every piece of jewelry and craft carries the imprint of human hands, ancestral knowledge, and living culture.

For jewelry lovers and cultural explorers alike, visiting the portal is more than a sightseeing stop — it’s an opportunity to touch history, support tradition, and bring home a piece of the Southwest with a story.