Taos' historic Martinez Hall to resume operations under the stewardship of Heritage organization
The historic Old Martinez Hall in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, is set for a new lease of life under the ownership of Heritage Cos., a New Mexico real estate giant. This iconic property, located across the street from the historic San Francisco de Asis church, has been a gathering place for centuries and is one of the latest additions to Heritage's portfolio of culturally significant properties.
Heritage Cos. plans to reopen the dance hall, restaurant, and bar in the fall of 2025, with a focus on minimal renovations. The renovations will primarily aim at improving acoustics and maximizing outdoor seating, ensuring the preservation of the venue's historic charm.
Taos chef Cristina Martinez, a professional cook with over 25 years of experience and a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, will manage the Old Martinez Hall as partner operator and executive chef. Martinez aims to honor the community and the building's history through the hall's restaurant and bar offerings, featuring New Mexican food paired with local beers.
The Old Martinez Hall, which can host up to 600 people, has been a venue for weddings, parties, quinceaneras, and music nights for centuries. Under Heritage's management, it is expected to continue hosting various cultural events while maintaining its historical significance.
In addition to the Old Martinez Hall, Heritage Cos. also owns two Taos hotels, the Palacio de Marquesa and El Monte Sagrado. The company's acquisition of the Old Martinez Hall is part of a series of historically and culturally significant properties it has bought in recent months.
Traditional free music events will be held on Sundays at the Old Martinez Hall, with special music events coordinated by Grammy-winning Taos Pueblo artist Robert Mirabal throughout the year. Martina Gebhardt, the German investor who purchased the property in 2010 and reopened it as Old Martina's Hall in 2012 after significant renovation, has left the property in superb condition, providing a solid foundation for Heritage's restoration efforts.
The Old Martinez Hall will undoubtedly continue to be an iconic property in Taos, offering a warm, inviting, and energetic atmosphere that reflects Northern New Mexico. It will host dance performances, art shows, and be available for local reservations, similar to its past use. Exciting times lie ahead for this historic dance hall, as it prepares to welcome the community once again.
[1] Source: Taos News, July 19-27, 2025.
- Heritage Cos., a real estate giant in New Mexico, will revive the Old Martinez Hall, a cultural property in Ranchos de Taos, by reopening its dance hall, restaurant, and bar in the fall of 2025.
- The Old Martinez Hall, under the management of Taos chef Cristina Martinez, will honor the community and the building's history through its restaurant and bar offerings, featuring New Mexican food paired with local beers.
- With a focus on minimal renovations, the Old Martinez Hall's renovations will aim at improving acoustics and maximizing outdoor seating, preserving its historic charm while catering to modern needs.
- Following its revival, the iconic property, housing up to 600 people, will maintain its historical significance by hosting various cultural events, including traditional music events on Sundays and special events coordinated by Robert Mirabal, a Grammy-winning Taos Pueblo artist.
- Beyond the Old Martinez Hall, Heritage Cos. owns two Taos hotels, the Palacio de Marquesa and El Monte Sagrado, making the acquisition of the historic property part of a series of historically and culturally significant properties the company has purchased recently.
