Our History | United States | Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn

The Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn (Circa 1938)

Albuquerque Arts, History and Culture!TM

The Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn is located just three blocks from the Albuquerque Old Town Historic District. We are listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the New Mexico "State Register of Cultural Properties".

Our fabulous compound was built in 1938 by famed New Mexican artist and photographer, Joseph Roy (J.R.) Willis. This compound served as J.R.'s private residence, garden apartments, and his working art studio, that was open to the public. From the beginning, the La Miradora house and apartments were recognized as a uniquely New Mexico artist colony. Frequented by visiting artists, a great deal of them friends of J.R. Wills, many who were following in the footsteps of New Mexico’s greats such as Georgia O'Keefe, Ansel Adams, and our own J.R. Willis. The Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn continues to host visiting artists, as well as annual art seminars for the New Mexico Art League, and other local, and out of town artists seeking the undeniable magic of the Casas de Suenos compound.

"Road through the Aspens" J.R. WIllis

The Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn Art Gallery

We continue the legacy of J.R. Willis at the Casas de Suenos today, with our displays of original artwork, metal sculptures, architectural art, and many works of art by the founder himself. Our main lobby and garden sunroom was orginally J.R. Willis' private Art Studio, and we continue this legacy with our very own Casas de Suenos Art Gallery.

Our gardens include a one-of-a-kind Gazebo hand built by local artist and craftsman, Leslie Feurbourne. There are also numerous metal sculptures by Leslie Feurbourne as well as other artists. Our unique entrance known as the Nautilus, was designed by well-known architect Bart Prince. We invite you to stop in for a visit, and enjoy a taste of New Mexico's Arts, History, & Culture as presented by the Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn.

The Casas de Suenos Art Gallery is presently hosting the works of Amado Pena, one of today's most prolific New Mexican Artists. Amado is a frequent visitor and guest at the Casas de Suenos and has been since the 1980's. Our gallery displays a multitude of Amado's originals, lithographs, serigraphs, and mixed media. Many of these pieces date back to the 1980's and are available for purchase by our hotel guests and visitors to the Historic Inn and gallery.