Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House)

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New MexicoMuseumRoadside Attraction

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If you’re looking to journey back in time, the Oldest House Museum on De Vargas Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a perfect stop. Often called the De Vargas Street House, this structure is thought to be one of the oldest buildings in the United States, dating back to the early 1600s. It’s a unique blend of history and architecture that lets visitors experience life in early Santa Fe.

Built with traditional adobe construction techniques pioneered by the Pueblo people, the house sits on land once part of “Ogapoge,” an Indigenous Pueblo community long before European settlers arrived. When the Spanish established Santa Fe, this building became part of the Barrio de Analco, one of the city’s earliest neighborhoods. Over the centuries, it became a melting pot where Spanish, Puebloan, Mexican, and American influences all left their mark on the area.

Inside, the Oldest House Museum keeps a rustic feel with original adobe walls, wooden beams, and kiva fireplaces. Period artifacts and furnishings show what life was like for past residents. Each room, with its rough textures and preserved details, offers a glimpse of how people lived within these walls. The museum staff and historians add another layer to the experience, sharing stories and answering questions to help visitors connect with the house’s long history.

The Oldest House Museum also highlights the roots of Santa Fe’s architectural heritage, showing how these centuries-old adobe techniques have stood the test of time. In a city famous for its Pueblo Revival architecture, this museum offers an authentic view of where these building traditions began.

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Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House)

5 based on 1 reviews

Address:

215 E De Vargas St, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Hours:

10:00am - 5:00pm (Daily)

Cost:

Free, Donations Accepted

Phone Number:

(505) 988-2488

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Photos of the Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, here are some things to know before you go.

What is the Oldest House Museum?

The Oldest House Museum, also known as the De Vargas Street House, is one of Santa Fe’s most famous historic landmarks. Located in the historic Barrio de Analco neighborhood, the adobe structure is often promoted as one of the oldest surviving homes in the United States. While its exact age remains the subject of debate, portions of the building are believed to date to the Spanish colonial period, and some lower wall sections may even incorporate pre-Spanish Pueblo construction techniques.

Where is the Oldest House Museum located?

The museum is located at 215 E. De Vargas Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico, directly across from the historic San Miguel Chapel and just a few blocks south of Santa Fe Plaza. It sits within the historic Barrio de Analco district, one of the oldest European-established neighborhoods in the United States.

Where can you park?

For parking around Santa Fe Plaza, look for metered street parking, garages, and lots.

Where to Stay Near the Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House)

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these Santa Fe hotels near Route 66.

La Fonda on the Plaza

The only hotel located on the Historic Santa Fe Plaza, La Fonda on the Plaza offers a luxurious stay in a convenient location. The 1922 hotel features Southwest-style rooms and suites with hand-painted furniture, original artwork, Nespresso machines, WiFi, and flat screen TVs. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, rooftop hot tub, gym, on-site restaurant, and spa.

El Rey Court

El Rey Court is a boutique Santa Fe hotel that blends vintage charm with modern amenities packaged in a hip adobe roadside motor court. The 1936 motel is located on 5 acres of beautiful gardens, with plenty of spaces to relax and rejuvenate. Save room in your travel itinerary to visit the on-site cocktail bar and chill at the best outdoor pool in Santa Fe (seasonal).

The Mystic Santa Fe (Silver Saddle Motel)

Opened in 1958 the Silver Saddle Motel was a Route 66 institution, offering rooms with Old-West style decor. The property has now been renovated and reimagined as The Mystic Santa Fe. The decor went from kitschy to witchy with new furnishings described as a “magical refuge.” Rooms include complimentary WiFi, bedside USB outlets, 50-inch smart TVs, vintage-style refrigerators, Beekman bath products, and blackout blinds.

Enhance your visit to Santa Fe with a tour! Whether you love walking tours, history, the arts, or a unique experience (like Meow Wolf), there are plenty of options for everyone.

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Attractions Near the Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) on Route 66

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Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Reviews & Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

1 Review of Oldest House Museum (De Vargas Street House) in Santa Fe, New Mexico

  1. Neat little museum and artifact! Stop in while exploring everything around Santa Fe Plaza for a step back in time! It’s a quick stop – be sure to leave a donation!

    Reply

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