Santa Fe’s Pink Mystery: The Scottish Rite Temple

Every visitor to Santa Fe eventually pauses at the corner of Bishop’s Lodge Road and Paseo de Peralta and wonders: what on earth is that pink building? The striking structure is the Scottish Rite Temple—and yes, its sherbet hue is as intentional as it is unforgettable.

Despite its name, the temple has nothing to do with Scotland. It belongs to the Scottish Rite, a branch of Freemasonry, one of the world’s oldest fraternal traditions. Think of it less as a “temple” in the religious sense and more as a ceremonial and educational center where members gather for meetings, theatrical rituals, and community events.

So why Santa Fe—and why so big? In the early 20th century, Santa Fe was reinventing itself as a cultural and architectural destination. Leaders of the Scottish Rite saw an opportunity to create their national headquarters here, drawn by the region’s mystique and the city’s embrace of distinctive architecture. Completed in 1912, the building became—and remains—the headquarters of the Scottish Rite’s Southern Jurisdiction in the United States.

As for that color: the vivid pink stucco reflects a stylized interpretation of Pueblo Revival architecture, blending local tradition with the organization’s own symbolic flair. In a city famous for earth tones, the temple’s rosy façade makes it stand out—intentionally so.

If curiosity gets the better of you, step inside. Visitors are welcome on guided tours, where ornate interiors, grand murals, and a surprisingly theatrical atmosphere reveal that Santa Fe’s pink mystery is far more than meets the eye.