4 Best Sights in Albuquerque, New Mexico

World-class contemporary art dominates the changing shows at this multilevel nonprofit that holds a special place in the New Mexico art scene. Visually compelling collaborations with an international set of museums and artists cross media boundaries, and often explore issues that are not only dear to the hearts and minds of this multicultural, environmentally diverse state, but resonate globally. The installations here are always top-notch, the works displayed are of the highest quality, the ideas—whether expressed in video, prints, sculpture, diodes, or paint—provocative.

A stellar roster of artists with an international following (many New Mexico--based) show at this airy gallery that would be right at home on either coast. Its clean lines are perfect for displaying important contemporary pieces from photographers (Natsumi Hayashi, Hiroshi Sugimoto), multimedia artists (Mary Tsiongas, Eric Tillinghast, John Baldessari), metal-work sculptors (Emi Ozawa), and printmakers (Alex Katz, Ed Ruscha), as well as works from global initiatives like ISEA 2012: Machine Wilderness and 2009's LAND/ART New Mexico.

On the fringe of Downtown and Old Town in the historic Sawmill/Wells Park neighborhood, Harwood Art Center is a remarkable city resource for its working-artist studios, classes, and as a gallery in its own right. Shows—predominantly of New Mexico–based artists working in nontraditional forms—take place in their historic brick school building and change monthly.

This world-famous institution played a major role in reviving the fine art of lithographic printing, which involves working with plates of traditional stone and modern metal. Tamarind certification is to a printer what a degree from Juilliard is to a musician. A small gallery within the modern facility exhibits prints and lithographs by well-known masters like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Jim Dine, Judy Chicago, Kiki Smith, and Ed Ruscha, as well as up-and-comers in the craft. Guided tours (reservations essential) are conducted the first Friday of every quarter at 1:30.