The Picuris Visitor's Center and Museum

The Picuris Pueblo Visitor’s Center includes the Picuris Tribal Museum and Gift Shop. In front of the Center is a picturesque well stocked fishing pond, with campground and picnic areas to relax, fish and enjoy the natural beauty.  The Pueblo also maintains historic pueblo ruins, mission church, scalp house, and several restored kivas. Open 7 days a week, generally from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m, but hours may vary with the season.  Permits for fishing, photography, or self guided or guided tours are all sold at the Visitor’s Center  Visitor information is available here as well.

The Picuris Tribal Museum was designed to look like a kiva, a pueblo word for their round underground ceremonial chamber which is used by the men for spiritual purposes. With beautiful handpainted designs on the walls, visitors can experience a sense of entering a kiva.  The people of Picuris have a rich cultural history.  Their ancestors migrated to their present location approximately 750 years ago, around 1250 AD, from a larger pueblo in the Pot Creek area, which had a population of nearly 5,000.  Displays include prehistoric artifacts from these earlier times, as well as archival photographs and written information of local historical interest.  Contemporary arts and crafts from local artists are also on display and available for purchase, including the sparkling micaceous pottery, beadwork, and original paintings. Museum admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help sustain the Museum.