The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque, opened its doors to the public on August 28, 1976. The idea for a cultural center originated with the people, the Governors and the Tribal Councils of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. All 19 Pueblo communities saw the need for creating an institution that would help preserve our cultural inheritance and educate visitors from around the world about our way of life and living culture. Pueblo leaders envisioned a place to support Pueblo and Native American artists as well as the cultural, social, educational and economic needs of Pueblo communities. The center was built on land that was part of the Albuquerque Indian School, deeded to the 19 Pueblos by the US. Department of the Interior. The central building’s semi-circular shape was modeled after Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon, one of Pueblo people’s great architectural achievement. Since 1976 the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center has seen many expansions, and in 2016 the museum will unveil its new permanent exhibit We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story. Today the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center continues to be a leading artistic and cultural institution, a much-needed educational resource and a gathering place for Pueblo people and all tribes of the Southwest.
