Gallup Cultural Center

Gallup Cultural Center
Route 66 Gallup, New Mexico

Most of the time, when we visit Gallup, New Mexico, we only spend the night. Usually we arrive in Gallup in the evening. During our travels we visited several places, such as the Historic El Rancho Hotel, which we have had dinner several times. During our visits, there is one place that has always peeked our interest, The Gallup Cultural Center. This trip we decided to visit before leaving the town.

The Gallup Cultural Center is located in the Historic Santa Fe Depot, and the center was created in 1996 by the Southwest Indian Foundation. It was created to show the culture and history of Native American tribes near and in Gallup, New Mexico. The Cultural Center has a public square where people from the community, school children, and visitors can use it as a place for forums, lectures, and other different events.

The museum is located on the second floor of this historic building. The museum was quite impressive with many historical aspects and displays of the Native American culture from this area and neighboring areas. Looking through all the past and present photos, pottery, artwork, and sculptures was a great experience, and we both learned more about the culture and arts. There is also a small theater decorated with Route 66 motif. Here at the museum, you will also find exhibits on Gallup's Route 66 history. The museum itself is beautiful and easy to walk around to look at all the beautiful exhibits and artwork.

The Cultural Center also offers visitors a great place to dine, which is Angela's Cafe. Yes, the food was delicious and the service was fantastic. The center also offers a great bakery called The Juniper Bakery. The desserts were delicious, especially the Blue Corn Cookies and macaroons. We also met the owner, and she was great, and so were the other staff members. If you want a delicious lunch that is light, fresh, and flavorful, then I would definitely suggest Angela's Cafe. We had a fantastic experience at both the cafe and bakery.

Every staff member we met was all friendly and informative. This shows excellent guest service to their visitors.

This cultural center is a place where visitors to Gallup should visit. It's a beautiful place with a great museum, a fantastic cafe, and a wonderful bakery. We learned so much about the heritage, culture, and arts of Native Americans. I will admit we both have been fascinated by culture and history. We definitely will visit again when we are in Gallup, New Mexico.

Wonderfully laid out and beautiful displays. Looking forward to coming back!

What a great place! The former El Navaho Hotel and Santa Fe Railway Station is still a working Amtrak station but also houses a wonderful museum upstairs. We learned so much about the Gallup region! The museum is free, but donations are appreciated. Angela's Cafe, a nice place to get a sandwich for lunch, is downstairs.

Cultural Center and museum in Gallup is free but I always suggest making donation for the museum and it's upkeep

We were honored to learn the history of Gallup and the Navajo culture with Terrie at the Gallup Cultural Center. Her commitment and heart were so evident. If you are in the area you must stop by; you will be inspired. We returned in the evening to watch the Zuni Dance group perform!

This was a unique and wonderful experience to see all of the one of a kind historical artifacts and also the art pieces! If you're passing through or even if you're from the area, this place is worth it to check out!

Wanted to visit but the inside was temporarily closed but we enjoyed the statues out front. Next time we are out this way from Oklahoma we will hopefully get to visit.

Small museum with some interesting pieces/displays (located upstairs). It is worth the visit. It only takes 20-30 minutes to walk through. Would recommend to anyone, especially if you're new to the area and have an interest in learning a little bit about the native cultures around here. There is no entry fee to visit, but there are donation boxes located throughout. They sometimes host art from local youth art contests too.

Great display of code talkers.no entry fee but take donations.

The museum appears to be closed for renovation until April 2022. This information is based on asking the staff in the cafe below. The museum itself was locked and didn't have any signs listing when it would reopen. Hopefully we can see it next time!

Great stop for stretching legs. Only takes 15 to 20 minutes to view the small museum. It's upstairs (elevator) at train station. Easy to find. Lots of parking.

My 6 yr old daughter loved this museum. The man that works at the counter is super helpful and friendly. I recommend coming here if you visit New Mexico. Great place.

Very interesting museum. Loved reading about the way they use to make rugs the different colors used by the different plants.

The Code Talkers Museum upstairs is outstanding! Be sure and ask for the video to be played.

Was a great place to have our meeting. Lunch at the cafe was delicious...staff were wonderful

The Storyteller Museum and curators are great! Refurbished space and so informative.

Loved to see and hear about. Their past...their art work is wonderful and the sand script was intriqing..wish I could learned more.

I love this place the music teacher charlsie rocks and we love art therapy and music

Was a very.very nice to sharing those moments with ever one in the cultural center.lot of beautiful drowning and photos.AMEN.

Great place to learn about the local culture and some of the history of the most patriotic city in America!