The Museum of Spanish Colonial Art exists for the collection, preservation, and exhibition of Spanish colonial art of New Mexico and beyond. It also works toward the education of the public on he related cultures and living traditions of the area. Spanish colonial arts and crafts have become a significant aspect of village life in New Mexico as well as Southern Colorado since the 16th century. When the 19th century came, these traditional arts were starting to decline since people were no longer practicing it like they used to. In order to keep the tradition alive, the Spanish Colonial Arts Society was founded in Santa Fe in 1925 to promote the appreciation for Spanish colonial arts and crafts and also for the education of the public about these traditional art forms, designs, and techniques.

The Museum boasts of more than 3,000 objects, making it the most comprehensive collection of Spanish Colonial art of its kind. The Collection encompasses centuries of art, place, and time. These include santos or painted and sculpted images of saints, tinwork, textiles, goldwork, silverwork, ironwork, and many more.