Discover the Poeh Cultural Center at Pojoaque Pueblo: A Gateway to Authentic Pueblo Heritage
[blog_cta type="guide" text="Order My 2017 Santa Fe Travel Guide"]
Just north of Santa Fe lies the vibrant cultural landscape of Pueblo country, nestled along the lush Rio Grande Valley with sweeping mountain views. Visit The Poeh Cultural Center (Poeh) at the Pueblo of Pojoaque—known as the "water gathering place"—for an immersive, authentic Native American experience that will captivate your imagination.
Established as a vital initiative by the Pueblo of Pojoaque, the Poeh (meaning “pathway”) preserves and revitalizes Tewa traditions, arts, and culture following devastating impacts from 16th-century Spanish contact and a smallpox epidemic. The community prioritizes teaching its children history dating back to 500 A.D., including cultural traditions, dances, language, arts, and crafts. It also promotes education and understanding of Puebloan heritage for visitors worldwide.
Pueblo Architecture
Visitors enter the Roxanne Swentzell Tower Gallery at the Poeh
The Poeh Cultural Center's stunning complex embodies traditional Pueblo architecture, crafted from adobe brick and mud, then coated with mica-infused plaster that shimmers gold in sunlight—a technique echoed in ancient pottery.
The Poeh Cultural Center
Pueblo of Pojoaque Youth Hoop Dancers
The Poeh Museum showcases traditional and contemporary Native American art through rotating exhibitions, a permanent collection, guided tours, demonstrations, dances, art markets, classes, and workshops—narrating Northern Pueblo history in the community's own voice.
Kathleen Wall (Jemez Pueblo) Koshare Clay Sculpture with Corn
Renowned living Native artists have exhibited here, leading classes to share and preserve cultural knowledge. The iconic Roxanne Swentzell Tower Gallery—the tallest Pueblo structure in New Mexico—features a monumental clay sculpture by this esteemed Santa Clara Pueblo artist.
Guided tours explore exhibitions, the Tower Gallery, gardens, artist studios, outdoor sculptures, and more. The gift shop offers authentic handmade Native American jewelry, pottery, paintings, textiles, and crafts. For details and reservations, visit www.poehcenter.org.
Nah Poeh Meng Exhibition at the Cultural Center
More to Explore at Pojoaque Pueblo
On campus, the luxurious Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino boasts one of the world's premier Native American art collections, tracing the evolution of Southwest Indian art. Enjoy fine dining, spa services, golf, pools, and entertainment.
Experience a unique hayride tour of the buffalo range, where guides share the land's history while observing the sacred herd—central to Pueblo sustenance and traditions.
Red Turtle Dancers Performing the Buffalo Dance at the Poeh
Summer brings a weekly farmers market (Fridays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) with local produce and New Mexico chiles, plus a vibrant weekend flea market across from the resort for unique finds.
Enhance your Santa Fe visit with a quick 23-minute drive to Pojoaque. Order the 2017 Santa Fe Travel Guide and check Deals and Specials from local businesses.
This article was developed in partnership with TOURISM Santa Fe and Rima Krisst, Tribal Liaison. Photos courtesy of Rima Krisst and The Poeh Cultural Center.
Cover photo: The Poeh Cultural Center at Pueblo of Pojoaque.
Butterfly Dancer Lauren Chavez-Maestas (Ohkay Owingeh) at the Poeh
View more photography from Pojoaque in the slideshow below. [metaslider id=5415]
