Harwood Museum of Art

Since its founding in 1916 by Burt and Lucy Harwood, the Harwood Museum of Art has stood as a cultural cornerstone in Taos, New Mexico, deeply rooted in the community’s artistic spirit. As the second oldest museum in the state, it has long been a place where history, tradition, and innovation come together. Over the decades, the Harwood has transformed from a modest foundation into a premier regional museum, with expansions such as the John Gaw Meem addition in 1938, the iconic Agnes Martin Gallery, and the Arthur Bell Auditorium, all contributing to its unique character.

While best known for its collections of Southwestern painting and Hispanic folk art, the Harwood has also fostered an important and growing photography collection. This body of work captures not only the evolving landscape of Taos and Northern New Mexico but also the broader cultural and social currents that have shaped the region. Historic black-and-white images document the rugged terrain, adobe architecture, and daily lives of Taos residents, serving as invaluable records of community memory. At the same time, modern and contemporary photographers explore the interplay of light, land, and identity, offering fresh perspectives on the environment and its people.

The museum’s photography holdings highlight the role of the medium as both art and document, reflecting New Mexico’s rich photographic legacy. Figures such as Paul Strand and Laura Gilpin, who famously captured the American Southwest, resonate strongly within the Harwood’s mission, while contemporary photographers continue to push boundaries, using the medium to explore themes of culture, heritage, and change.

Today, the Harwood integrates photography into its exhibitions and educational programming, allowing visitors to see the region through diverse lenses. In doing so, it honors Taos’s long tradition as an artists’ haven while embracing photography as a vital and evolving art form central to its story.