I’ve lived in New Mexico for many years and have spent a great deal of time in Santa Fe. You know – The City Different – the place that gives all of us a different perspective on New Mexico. A travel Mecca for people around the world. And a place that most of us who live here take for granted — as a result, we have our favorite places to visit and therefore we miss a lot.
Recently, I visited the State Capitol building for the first time. My wife, Janine, had been invited by Governor Richardson to meet with him about Travel Guide NEW MEXICO and in-state travel in general. Since I wasn’t on the invite list, I tagged along and started to look around the inside of the Capitol Building while Janine was in her meeting. After a couple minutes I asked one of the guards if it was possible to take a tour and he said, “Sure, this is the people’s building … feel free to go wherever you would like and be sure and check out the great art we have here.”
Art? In the Capitol Building? Feel free to walk around? Unescorted? Go wherever you want to go? You’ve got to be kidding! So I started off walking into the visitor’s gallery of the House of Representatives and the Senate, located on opposite sides of the building. I sat and looked in amazement at our seat of government and in awe of the fact that I could just walk around and check things out.
The art is magnificent and you are even allowed to walk into the reception area of the Governor’s suite and check out the art there. Wander the hallways and there is nothing short of a great art collection at every turn in every hallway.
New Mexico’s State Capitol was built in 1966 and from the air looks like a giant Zia sign. There is no dome … the only capitol building in the country without one! The atrium on the main floor is awe-inspiring. Just walk in and look up and you’ll see what I mean. Take in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors … walk up the steps or take the elevator. It is one building that you need to see if art is your love. Or, if you are just interested in how government works.
Martin Leger, the Advertising Manager for the New Mexico State Tourism Department, has great stories to tell of his father’s days as a state senator and I look forward to talking with him more about his Dad’s time in the “Roundhouse”, as it is called by those who work there.
If you prefer, you can arrange for a guided tour. Call first (505/986-4589) to make arrangements for a once in a lifetime tour of a building where laws are made and art is king! Janine and I have promised that everyone who comes to visit us will be treated to a tour of OUR State Capitol. A building open year-round for all of us to see and enjoy! Make sure you add it to your list of places to visit while in Santa Fe. It’s an easy two minute walk from the Plaza … so you have no excuse for not stopping by!
