Exhibit | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Curative Powers: New Mexico’s Hot Springs

On display through Sep 04, 2022 at the New Mexico History Museum

The New Mexico History Museum is pleased to present Curative Powers: New Mexico’s Hot Springs, a photographic history of our state’s many hot springs. This exhibition explores well-known resorts as well as lesser-known hot springs. Ponce de Leon, Montezuma, and Faywood are a few among many areas whose history will be addressed. The nearly 90 photographs range from the late 19th century through the 1980s and document the evolution of how many of these springs were used and developed. Museum visitors will also see the stark change in how people dressed (or not) when they visited and enjoyed these hot springs. New Mexico attracted many people seeking respite from tuberculosis and other ailments, and they typically frequented hot springs to aid in this relief. Opening Friday, March 18, the exhibition runs until September 4, 2022.

Alicia M. Romero, Curator of the exhibition and NMHM’s Curator of Nuevomexicano/a History, explains, “Exploring the history of New Mexico’s vast hot springs provides us an opportunity to explore how land ownership, capitalism, and health tourism helped shape this natural phenomenon into a burgeoning business venture.”

Also on exhibit at the New Mexico History Museum


New Mexico CulturePass

Your ticket to New Mexico's exceptional Museums and Historic Sites.
From Indian treasures to space exploration, world-class folk art to awesome dinosaurs—our museums and monuments celebrate the essence of New Mexico every day.
More Info »

The wallet size version of the CulturePass showing the $30 price
An animated image of a cell phone showing various topics presented in the Encounter Culture podcast

Encounter Culture

Take a look inside the museums and historic sites of New Mexico without leaving home. Join host Charlotte Jusinski, and a variety of guest curators, artists, and exhibitors in exploring the art and culture of the state in Encounter Culture, a new podcast from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

Logo and Link to Google Podcasts Logo and Link to Apple Podcasts Logo and Link to Spotify Podcasts

Featured DCA Exhibitions

A photo featuring items representing the John P. Stapp Air & Space Park exhibition

John P. Stapp Air & Space Park

Named after International Space Hall of Fame Inductee and aeromedical pioneer Dr. John P. Stapp, the Air and Space Park
more »

A photo featuring items representing the New Mexico Colonial Home - Circa 1815 exhibition

New Mexico Colonial Home - Circa 1815

The Spanish colonial home (la casa) gives visitors an idea of what a home from the time around 1815 would have looked
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Michael Naranjo Touching Beauty Exhibit exhibition

Michael Naranjo Touching Beauty Exhibit

On display in the Bataan Building Atrium Gallery: Touching Beauty Now, sculpture by Santa Clara Pueblo’s Michael
more »

A photo featuring items representing the La Cartonería Mexicana / The Mexican Art of Paper and Paste exhibition

La Cartonería Mexicana / The Mexican Art of Paper and Paste

Mexican cartonería is an artform that expresses human imagination, emotion, and tradition using the
more »