Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe – Her Life and Art
If you’re a fan of art – and even if you’re not – you’ve probably heard of Georgia O’Keeffe. Her iconic art has been shown in museums across the world, and it’s known for its vibrant colors and artistry showcase the power of the female body. However, there’s so much more to her than just her art, as we learned when we visited the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe.
Sometimes I do visit attractions because they are popular, but this Georgia O’Keeffe Museum was a true pleasure to learn more about her art. And it was so visually pleasing.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe
Georgia O’Keeffe was a pioneer and trailblazer in the art world famous for her colorful depictions of the natural forms, flowers, and desert landscapes of her surroundings in New Mexico.
Called the “Mother of American Modernism”, her art was vibrant, full of movement and color, and often reflected the female anatomy in the flowers and landscapes that she produced.
I’ve been a fan of hers since I saw one of her paintings decades ago, so I was excited to visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. It’s devoted to the life of Georgia O’Keeffe, not just her art. I find that fascinating because I love to learn about the people behind the great art of the USA and the world. Like they say – everyone has a story.
Through artworks and exhibits, the museum galleries tell the story of O’Keeffe’s contributions to the art world, beginning with her earliest watercolor works as a student and teacher to her groundbreaking paintings from her time living on the East Coast and later, in New Mexico. However, the museum doesn’t stop at her art. Through the exhibits, the museum also tells the story of her life, beginning with her days as a student at the University of Virginia, then moving through her teaching years at Teachers College, Columbia University, her years in New York, and on through her remaining years in New Mexico.
In addition to showcasing her art and telling her story, the Museum’s Library & Archive also serves the public by collecting information about Georgia O’Keeffe, archiving it, and sharing it with the public both as education to the public at large and as a research partner to those taking on academic endeavors related to Georgia O’Keeffe.
For a more intimate view of her life and works, visitors can enjoy a tour of O’Keeffe’s home and studio about 50 miles north of Santa Fe in Abiquiu. The 5,000-square-foot compound reflects a blend of Native American and Spanish Colonial styles, and everywhere you look gives you a sense of how it and the surrounding landscape inspired her art. Stepping into the home is like stepping back in time. It’s a snapshot of how O’Keeffe lived and how that life inspired her. While you’ll find no paintings – those are at the museum – you will find the lighting, decor, and scenery that must have made what her art was.
Georgia O’Keeffe Artwork
Just a few of my favorites, and showing the variety of art she did. Everyone associates her with more floral, but you find she loved landscapes, the cities, and even the sea.
She learned skills such as sewing as a necessity, but was a very minimal type dresser.
Her Gaucho Hat was a signature style.
Lovely Photographs
A few photographs of Georgia O’Keeffe.
Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
If you’re an art-lover, you should visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. Through her artwork and available tours of her home and studio, the museum tells the story of this amazing woman’s life and artistry. As one of the most iconic American artists in history, Georgia O’Keeffe brought so much to the artistic table, and the museum continues that legacy today. So, if you’re in the Santa Fe area, stop by and learn more about this amazing artist and woman.
Check out the hours and admission prices. I suggest you purchase tickets online prior to your visit. We were there on a week day, and it was very busy. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Stay at The La Fonda on the Plaza
The only hotel located around the plaza is The La Fonda. This was perfect for us walking around to all of the must visit places around Santa Fe. Why should you stay at The La Fonda on the Plaza?
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Happy Travels,
Rosemary
Another art museum to visit. A totlally different style of facilities for east coast art fans to visit
You would love this. Maybe you can time in Santa Fe next time for more sightseeing.
Such beautiful art work! Definitely worth making the trip for.
I love these types of museums where you really learn about a person’s life, instead of just looking at paintings and sculptures.
What a fabulous way to learn more about Geogia O’Keeffe’s life, as well as getting to see some of her beautiful artworks. What an amazing lady! I especially love the photos!
She had the minimal wardrobe down before it was a thing. It was beautiful to see.
I’ll be visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico on my next trip and already have this museum on my list. Your post got me hyped to see Georgia’s art in person.
Santa Fe is wonderful. If you have time, visit her home and studio in ABIQUIÚ. Also, make sure to check out La Fonda on the Square. There are free tours.
I was just at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe earlier this month. It is undergoing renovations, so I didn’t get the full experience. However, I hope to go back once the renovations are complete to enjoy more of her art.
Beautiful artwork! The Above the Clouds one really captivated me. Santa Fe is definitely on my list to visit soon.
We were there for 3 days and would have loved another 3. Plus so much in New Mexico to see.