06/05/2026
If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience this remarkable exhibition yet, make plans to visit Miramont Castle this summer. The exhibition highlights the life and legacy of Adolph Bandelier, who shared a close friendship with Father Jean Baptiste Francolon, the priest who built Miramont Castle between 1895 and 1897.
Discover the fascinating story of Bandelier and his lasting impact on the history, archaeology, and cultural understanding of the American Southwest.
The Adolph Bandelier: History of the Southwest Exhibition – Phase II features a rare collection of Bandelier’s illustrations from the Vatican archives, along with a bronze bust of Bandelier on loan from the New Mexico Museum of Art. The bust was sculpted by Gutzon Borglum, best known for creating Mount Rushmore.
This exhibition displays a curated selection of Bandelier’s illustrations that were presented to Pope Leo XIII as a gift for his Golden Jubilee celebration on December 31, 1887. Bandelier personally delivered a 1,400-page manuscript containing more than 500 illustrations documenting his archaeological discoveries throughout the American Southwest and northern Mexico.
Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view pieces sourced directly from the Vatican archives, including 13 works that had never been seen by the public prior to this exhibition.
Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to explore a unique chapter of American and Colorado history at Miramont Castle.
