Looking Back
Reflecting on Collections
On display through Oct 17, 2021 at the New Mexico History Museum
How does a museum acquire its collections? Are they purchased or donated? Where is everything stored, and how are things maintained? Why does the New Mexico History Museum have objects and photographs from faraway places? Looking Back: Reflecting on Collections explores these questions and many more as we delve into our museum’s collecting history since the late 19th century. We invite you to view more than 300 intriguing photographs, documents, and objects from the New Mexico History Museum’s collections and explore the backstories and challenges of maintaining thousands of objects and millions of photographs.
From the earliest objects acquired at the Palace of the Governors to souvenirs of the Southwest, and from archaeological digs in Latin America to our vast holdings of contemporary fine art photography, we ask the public to consider what it means to collect in the 21st century. Looking Back challenges the viewer to consider questions regarding ethical collecting practices, repatriation of culturally sensitive objects, and other issues that many museums currently face.
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 »
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.
Featured DCA Exhibitions
Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection
Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection features objects that were selected by members of the Museum of
more »
Michael Naranjo Touching Beauty Exhibit
On display in the Bataan Building Atrium Gallery: Touching Beauty Now, sculpture by Santa Clara Pueblo’s Michael
more »
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 »