The Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos is dedicated to the celebration of the arts and cultures of the Southwest. Established in 1956 as a memorial to Millicent Rogers, whose abject fascination with the region led her to collect more than 7000 objects pertaining its arts and cultures, the Millicent Rogers Museum offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn more about the diverse heritage of the American Southwest.
History
Granddaughter of Henry Huttleston Rogers, founder of the Standard Oil Company, Millicent Rogers (1902-1953) was a great entertainer, fashionista, and larger-than-life character. She settled in Taos in New Mexico for health reasons and became obsessed with learning about the arts and cultures of the American Southwest. On her death, she left her incredible collection of clothing, jewelry, objects, materials and papers to her son, Paul Peralta-Ramos, who devoted himself to building a world-class collection of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo arts.
Located in the historic town of Taos in New Mexico, the Museum is housed in a beautiful 1920s Spanish-style hacienda which has been enlarged over time by new wings being added to house the ever-growing collection. Boasting spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the Museum features rotating collections and exhibitions which are housed in 20 galleries and intimate exhibit spaces throughout the building.
Collections and Exhibitions
The Millicent Rogers Museum features a variety of outstanding collections that showcase Native American, Hispanic and Anglo arts from the American Southwest. The collection includes more than 1000 pieces of pottery dating back to prehistoric times and represents every major pottery-making center in the region, including examples of Hispanic Santos, one of the few truly American folk arts.
The museum’s collection of Hispanic Santos pottery and ceramics includes pieces from Antonio Molleno, Jose Aragon, and Jose Rafael Aragon – the great master carvers of the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as contemporary artists like Sabanita Lopez-Ortiz, and Victor Goler.
Other significant collections include Apache baskets, katsinas, Plains beadwork and Peyote-cult materials, as well as a range of beautiful southwestern textiles, such as Navajo Chief’s blankets, and Hispanic weavings from the Rio Grande Valley.
The display of the 7,000 object-strong permanent collections can be viewed in 10 galleries in the Museum, which are complemented by temporary or loan exhibitions, as well as contemporary accomplishments by artists. A particular highlight of the Millicent Rogers Museum is the spectacular collection of turquoise jewelry once owned by Millicent Rogers herself and includes the famous ‘Tab Necklace’ that she bought for $5,000 in the 1940s.
Another outstanding display which should not be missed is the permanent exhibition of materials donated by the family of famed San Ildefonso Pueblo potter, Maria Martinez, who was the first Native American potter of the 20th century. This fascinating exhibit explores the history of Pueblo pottery making and shows some magnificent examples of the trade.
1504 Millicent Rogers Road, Taos, NM 87571, Phone: 575-758-2462
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