Santa Fe's 2016 Anniversaries: Celebrate Milestones at the Opera, Historic Inns, Galleries & More
Each year brings fresh reasons to celebrate in Santa Fe, and 2016 was no exception—with the debut of Meow Wolf's immersive House of Eternal Return art collective and the launch of the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. Known as 'The City Different' for over a century, Santa Fe offered visitors a lineup of noteworthy anniversaries that year. Here are some highlights worth commemorating.
Santa Fe Opera Turns 60
From humble beginnings, the Santa Fe Opera grew into a world-renowned company. (Photo courtesy: The Guilds of the Santa Fe Opera, 1956)
The Santa Fe Opera has evolved dramatically since its early days, when audiences sat on open-air wooden benches at a former guest ranch. A 1957 Time magazine article on the Madame Butterfly opening described traffic on the Santa Fe–Taos highway as 'fender to fender.' This fervent support proved vital after a 1967 fire destroyed the original theater; performances continued in a school gym while a national rebuild campaign succeeded. By 1968, a enhanced venue reopened with Puccini's Butterfly.
In 2016, the Santa Fe Opera marked its 60th anniversary with five new productions, including two house premieres. The season, from July 1 to August 27, showcased powerful love stories: Puccini's La Fanciulla del West, a romantic frontier tale; Mozart's Don Giovanni; Barber's Vanessa; Strauss's Capriccio; and Gounod's Roméo et Juliette.
The Crosby Theatre, ranked Fodor's #2 Best Outdoor Venue and a Top Ten Outdoor Venue by USA Today 10Best Readers' Awards, has hosted 14 world premieres and 44 U.S. premieres.
Cover photo: Igor Stravinsky rehearsing The Rake's Progress. (Courtesy of Santa Fe Opera. Photo: Laura Gilpin, 1957)
El Rey Inn on Historic Route 66 Celebrates 80 Years
This Route 66 classic sits on five acres of gardens with patios, fountains, sculptures, and pathways. (Photo courtesy of El Rey Inn)
The historic El Rey Inn along original Route 66 turned 80 in 2016. Opening in 1936 with 12 adobe-style rooms, it expanded in the 1950s with more rooms, converted carports, and a swimming pool to rival newer hotels.
Today, amid Santa Fe's growth, the inn's serene grounds evoke a bygone era—perfect for retro enthusiasts.
The Compound Restaurant Marks 50 Years
Designer Alexander Girard shaped The Compound's distinctive look. (Photo courtesy of The Compound)
The Compound Restaurant has embodied style and elegance on Canyon Road since the 1960s, celebrating 50 years in 2016 under James Beard Award-winning Chef Mark Kiffin. Originally the McComb Compound's centerpiece adobe, it became a restaurant under Will and Barbara Houghton, with Alexander Girard's iconic design.
A 2015 OpenTable Diners' Choice winner, it offers lunch Monday–Saturday, dinner nightly, and bar seating with seasonal, regional dishes.
Turner Carroll Gallery Turns 25
Photo courtesy of USA Today
Turner Carroll Gallery marked 25 years in 2016, showcasing significant international contemporary art. Owners travel globally to curate historically relevant works from places like Romania, Ireland, France, Russia, and Mexico, pursuing museum placements and exhibitions. Anniversary events honored supportive organizations.
Pippin Contemporary's Fifth Birthday
The gallery features contemporary works by 18 artists. (Photo courtesy of Pippin Contemporary)
Founded by artist Aleta Pippin, Pippin Contemporary turned five in 2016 on iconic Canyon Road. It displays vibrant abstracts, stone, metal, glass, bronze, and kinetic sculptures for a sensory experience.
Nambé Reaches 65 Years
Nambé has three Santa Fe retail locations. (Photo courtesy of Nambé)
Founded in 1951 near Nambé Pueblo by Pauline Cable, Nambé earned awards for its serveware, barware, décor, and gifts, exhibited worldwide. Crafted from a tarnish-resistant, thermal-retentive alloy of eight metals, pieces suit daily use. Visit one of three Santa Fe stores.
Join the celebrations! Order the free 2016 Santa Fe travel guide and explore Deals and Specials for lodging, dining, and shopping offers.
