New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe

Famed for both its striking facade and its impressive contents, the New Mexico Museum of Art showcases work by New Mexican artists. Built in 1917, it's an exquisite example of Pueblo Revival architecture, originally designed as the New Mexico pavilion for a world expo in San Diego, California, two years earlier. The curvaceous stucco building features elements from iconic pueblo mission churches—the bell towers, for example, mimic those at San Felipe.

Inside, you'll find Gerald Cassidy's oil painting "Cui Bono?"—on display since the museum's opening in 1917—which questions the benefits of pueblo tourism and remains relevant today. Also, don't miss the excellent collection of Awa Tsireh's meticulous watercolors of ceremonial dances at San Ildefonso Pueblo, along with works by other local American Indian artists.

Before you leave, check out the adjacent Saint Francis Auditorium. The walls are adorned with Art Nouveau murals by three artists, depicting the life of Santa Fe's patron saint. It's unique to see this secular style—typically reserved for languorous ladies in flowing togas—used to depict scenes like the apotheosis of Saint Francis and Santa Clara's renunciation, and the effect is truly beautiful.