8/05: Museum Hill: Santa Fe is known as a city of quality museums; with 16 major and minor museums in town it is a well-deserved reputation. Now the Museum of New Mexico (MNM) and the City of Santa Fe bus system, Santa Fe Trails, have collaborated to provide not only simple direct access to some of Santa Fe's most popular museums but have thrown in a free day as well. The 'M' line provides quick dedicated service to get from historic downtown to Museum Hill, site of 4 remarkable museums. They are the Museum of International Folk Art containing the largest collection of folk art in the world, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. Museum Hill is the name for this group of museums set around a wonderful one acre outdoor area, Milner Plaza, and includes the Museum Hill Cafe. All but the Wheelwright, which is admission by donation, are part of MNM multi-day, multi-museum pass system which allows entrance to all of the MNM facilities, including the Museum of Fine Arts and Palace of the Governors history museum downtown, for four days at a cost of $15. The bus itself is highly decorative wrapped in photo quality images of outstanding pieces from each of the museums. The bus will run on a regular daily schedule from 7:15 AM to 8:15 PM weekdays, 10 AM to 5 PM on weekends. Sundays are Free on the M line while other daily fares are $1.00. Public Contact - Museum of New Mexico, 800-495-4846.

Downtown Museums Free on Fridays: Santa Fe visitors in the know can take advantage of free admission to three of the city's finest museums. Every Friday evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM admission is free to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of the Governors history museum. Each is within easy walking distance of the other in historic downtown Santa Fe and each museum has its own view of the Southwest. The remarkable interpretations of Georgia O'Keeffe portray the striated landscapes of her beloved home in Abiquiu in Northern New Mexico. The Museum of Fine Arts' collection contains works from some of the Southwest's best known masters and the works of Santa Fe's own Cinco Pintores in addition to a world-class schedule of changing exhibitions. The Palace of the Governors is a must-see for any Santa Fe visitor interested in understanding Santa Fe's fascinating and extensive history. What better way to spend a Friday evening? Public Contact - Museum of New Mexico, 800-495-4846.