New Mexico has no shortage of man-made wonders and stunning architecture. However, we also have our share of quirky buildings, some of them strange enough to make traffic grind to a halt while people gawp. Here are the 13 weirdest buildings that are simultaneously among the most beautiful places for architecture in New Mexico.
It's amazing what you can do with old shipping containers! For instance, at Green Jeans Farmery they were used to construct a unique food market and gathering place. There are almost a dozen vendors here serving up everything from pizza to sandwiches, Mexican fare, beer, and more.
3600 Cutler Ave NE
Green Jeans Farmery, 3600 Cutler Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, USA
The Lensic Performing Arts Center looks out of place because it’s surrounded by some of Santa Fe's oldest and most traditional architecture. While this theater could certainly be considered appealing (I happen to like it), the Moorish touches put it in the kooky category.
211 West San Francisco Street
Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
This is one of the most fun-looking buildings in Albuquerque. Books and booze, what's not to like? You've really got to see it for yourself to believe it!
312 Central Avenue SW
The Library Bar & Grill, 312 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
The Snake House is definitely among the best architecture in New Mexico. It was designed by Bart Prince, an Albuquerque architect known for designing truly unique homes. The original name of the property was the Fu Residence but most people just refer to it as The Snake House.
The same people who were responsible for the Lensic Performing Arts Center – the Boiler Brothers - designed this theatre. The building is constructed in the Art Deco-Pueblo Revival style, one of the many architectural styles dotted around the state. It’s fascinating, unique, and quirky. And oh yeah, it’s supposedly haunted!
423 Central Avenue NW
Kimo Theatre, 423 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
Welcome to this castle in Las Vegas (New Mexico that is!) Once a 90,000-square foot hotel it iis known to have hosted numerous presidents. The castle was built in 1886 by an architectural firm out of Chicago (Burnham and Root) and now this bizarre structure is owned by the United World College.
This isn’t just one building; it’s a whole compound owned by the Church of Scientology that’s located in Northern New Mexico. From an aerial perspective, it looks… deliberate? Odd? You decide. It allegedly contains the works of founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
It should come as no surprise that Bart Prince’s own home is as individual as his projects for other clients. The curved portion of the structure is the architect’s home, while the tower is used as a library and storage area. This is on private property but you can cruise past and glimpse it from the road.
Earthships may look a little strange but if you ever taken a tour of one, you’ll be amazed at the way in which these structures maximize resources and minimizes people’s impact on the earth. Not too far from Taos in Tres Piedras you can visit the Earthship Biotecture, and not be surprised if you find otherworldly beings there as well!
2 Earthship Way
Earthship Biotecture, 2 Earthship Way, Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA
A McDonald's Restaurant in the shape of a spaceship? Well of course you’ll find this building in Roswell, which has always carried its own government conspiracy and secrecy tales.
720 N. Main Street
The La Posta de Mesilla Restaurant is a historic former stage coach stop that has been transformed into a delicious eatery serving up authentic Mexican fare. Inside the building you'll find 10,000 square foot of space crammed with kitsch and oddities galore. You certainly won't be bored dining at this restaurant.
2410 Calle de San Albino
La Posta De Mesilla, 2410 Calle De San Albino, Mesilla, NM 88046, USA
In your opinion, what’s the most unusual or strange building in the Land of Enchantment? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there as well.
If you’re interested in exploring more of New Mexico, perhaps you’s like to can embark upon an exciting train ride adventure!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Architecture in New Mexico
June 24, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
I hear that the New Mexico State Capitol Building is among the best architecture in New Mexico.
It absolutely is, and arguably the most beautiful capitol building in the country. What makes it unique is that it is also an art museum. All over the building you will find a wide array of sculptures, paintings, photographs, handmade textiles, and other art forms representative of the many cultures that call New Mexico home. You could literally spend hours here, there is so much to see.
Besides pueblo style homes, are there other prominent architectural styles in New Mexico?
One of the things that makes New Mexico unique is its wide range of architectural styles. From pueblo style homes to Gothic, New Mexico Territorial revival, Romanesque, and others, you will find it here. One example of the latter is the Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla, a beautiful Catholic church that possesses a wealth of history.
Are there any manmade wonders in New Mexico?
Yes! There are numerous manmade wonders that live up to the state’s nickname as “The Land of Enchantment.” For example, only about a 15-minute drive from Taos you’ll find the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. It is magnificent and holds the title as the second-tallest suspension bridge in the country. There’s also the Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque. The views from this 10,378-foot-high peak are spectacular and not to be missed.
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