Santa Fe, NM — July 21, 2026 — The Harwood Museum of Art, a Unit of the University of New Mexico (UNM), has acquired a property in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic and cultural district, strengthening ties between the University’s communities in Albuquerque and Taos.

The historic 19th century Spiegelberg House, located at 237 East Palace Avenue, was purchased with funds donated for the purpose of creating a home in Santa Fe for the Harwood Museum and UNM’s fine arts programs.

The property currently houses Peyton Wright Gallery, operated by gallerist John Wright Schaefer since 1998. It is the gallery’s third location in Santa Fe since the late 1980s.

The historic building is an adobe landmark celebrated for its elegant European architectural features and Territorial style. Recognized as one of Santa Fe’s most significant architectural sites, the building is situated close to the New Mexico Museum of Art. This site will soon become Harwood–Santa Fe, officially ushering in the museum’s presence in the city and enhancing its regional and national profile as a key repository of the Taos Moderns and contemporary artists.

Late last summer, Schaefer and two of his clients united around a bold vision, transforming inspiration into action. Their initiative has created a rare opportunity — one poised to deliver profound and lasting benefits for the Harwood Museum of Art, UNM, and the wider community. Thanks to their leadership, the building was acquired with the purchase completed late this spring. Approval came from the UNM Board of Regents in May, and conditional approval from the NM Higher Education Department on July 15. 

Although Harwood–Santa Fe is not expected to open for at least two years, the strong relationship between Schaefer and the University will continue.Peyton Wright Gallery will remain in the historic Spiegelberg House by leasing the building from the University.This arrangement will allow Schaefer to transition his business in the years ahead to a private gallery and warehouse while maintaining his established online presence. With decades of experience as a respected art dealer specializing in modern and historic art, he will continue to serve the community in this new capacity.

Harwood Executive Director Juniper Leherissey said, “We are so grateful for this extraordinary opportunity for our rural museum to become part of Santa Fe’s world class art scene. The chance to join so many exemplary arts institutions in the city will be truly transformational for the Harwood and UNM.”  

Harwood–Santa Fe will serve not only as a place to showcase the Harwood’s collections but also as a collaborative space with the University’s other art museums and academic departments. The specifics of utilizing the property will be worked out in the coming months, but both Leherissey and other UNM officials see innovative ways to engage students and faculty in programming and events. College of Fine Arts Dean Harris Smith shared, “This has the potential to develop into a site for impactful internships, particularly for students participating in our Museum Studies and Arts Leadership and Business programs which is designed to give students real-world experiences and connections needed to become successful leaders in arts-based fields locally and globally.” 

Schaefer commented that he believes this serendipitous development allows the property to serve a transcendent, meaningful purpose. “I’ve always thought this historic space could make a lasting impact. I hope its legacy will not only support arts education and community but also further enhance the Harwood Museum’s reputation as a well-known and respected arts destination in the Southwest.”

Harwood–Santa Fe will be the University of New Mexico’s first community and cultural destination in the city. This exceptional building and prime location will enhance the University’s fine arts offerings, with beautifully appointed, light-filled galleries for exhibitions, ample space for significant art storage, and the opportunity to create a gift shop featuring leading contemporary artists from Taos and beyond.

Details about a special celebration marking this exciting new venture will be shared soon.

 To learn more about Peyton Wright Gallery’s upcoming exhibitions and plans during the transition period, please contact John Wright Schaefer at jws@peytonwright.com or 505-989-9888.

About Harwood Museum of Art  

Harwood Museum of Art celebrates Taos’s artistic legacy, cultivates connections through art, and inspires a creative future. Harwood is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 238 Ledoux Street in downtown Taos, Harwood Museum of Art’s vision is to inspire a thriving creative community connected through excellence in the arts. For more information, call 575-758-9826 or visit harwoodmuseum.org. 

For information about supporting Harwood–Santa Fe and the broader mission of the Harwood Museum of Art, including exhibitions, education, collections care, and the stewardship of this historic property, please contact Tricia Soule, Director of Development at development@harwoodmuseum.org.

For press inquiries, please contact Lily Woodbury at lilywoodbury@unm.edu.