Coronado Historic Site | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Coronado Historic Site

Kiva ladder at Coronado.

More than 700 years ago, on the fertile west bank of the Rio Grande just north of Albuquerque, the Tiwa people settled Kuaua Pueblo. Coronado Historic Site is named after the Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who camped near here with his soldiers in 1540. Kuaua, which means “evergreen,” was abandoned during the late 16th century.

A square kiva, excavated in 1935, revealed mural paintings now deemed the finest precontact mural art in North America. Visitors, accompanied by a ranger or docent, may descend into this sacred site. Reconstructed adobe walls echo the original pueblo.

The Visitor’s Center, which was designed by architect John Gaw Meem, features 14 original murals on display along with artifacts and information. An interpretive trail winds through the ruins, and ranger-led tours are available.

Buy Tickets Online

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 Yōkai: Ghosts & Demons of Japan exhibition

Yōkai: Ghosts & Demons of Japan

Vivid in Japanese art and imagination are creatures that are at once ghastly and comical. Yōkai is a catchall word
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Working on the Railroad exhibition

Working on the Railroad

Working on the Railroad pays tribute to the people who moved the rail industry throughout New Mexico. Using nearly
more »

A photo featuring items representing the The Santos of New Mexico exhibition

The Santos of New Mexico

As part of our Highlights from the Collection: The Larry and Alyce Frank Collection of Santos (saints), in the Palace
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Honoring Tradition and Innovation: 100-Years of Santa Fe’s Indian Market 1922-2022 exhibition

Honoring Tradition and Innovation: 100-Years of Santa Fe’s Indian Market 1922-2022

The New Mexico History Museum as we present an exhibition that commemorates a century of Santa Fe’s Indian
more »