Located on the historic Armory Campus in Santa Fe, the building was originally constructed in the 1930s. SFCM was founded by four local educators who perceived a need for learning opportunities in the community that would be distinctly different from those provided in school or home settings.
Convinced that experiential learning is a necessary complement to traditional education, the founders sought to create a dynamic, hands-on, exploratory environment that included opportunities for family engagement.
The Santa Fe Children’s Museum Board of Directors and Administration, Museum staff- acknowledge that the land upon which the Museum occupies is located on Pueblo land.
We honor these Indigenous peoples and their stewardship of this land, including the significant cultural impact within the current state of New Mexico and beyond. We further acknowledge that the historical genocides, broken treaties, and wars that scattered the Pueblo population cannot be undone. We dedicate ourselves towards constant learning about the history of the land on which we reside and their original peoples, and humbly recognize our shared history.
Today, SFCM remains the only organization of its kind in the region serving 60,000 children and families on an annual basis through dynamic exhibits, programs, and cultural events. Providing “Access for All,” SFCM works to reduce barriers to ensure accessibility, playing a vital role in the lives of countless children and families throughout New Mexico.
We honor the dedication, foresight, and commitment of the Santa Fe Children’s Museum’s founding members as we strive to continue following the mission they outlined.
Armory Campus
Today, the historic Armory Campus located off of Old Pecos Trail is home to the Santa Fe Children’s Museum, the Center for the Contemporary Arts, and the New Mexico Military Museum, all located in separate buildings.
The original armory buildings were built in the late 1930s to train National Guard units. The New Mexico Military Museum is located in the Old Santa Fe Armory which is included in the National Register of Historic Places (Ref. # 11000530). It was the second armory built in Santa Fe and became the home of Battery C of the 200th Coast Artillery which played a major role in the defense of the Philippines and was part of the Bataan Death March. This location also served as New Mexico’s induction center during World War II.
