Hello and welcome to Denver, Colorado! Denver is not only known for its beautiful mountains and outdoor recreation, but also for its vibrant art, history, and culture scene. Visitors to Denver have plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s top museums and galleries. Whether you are interested in contemporary art, western history, or ethnic heritage, Denver has something for everyone. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top museums in Denver that offer fascinating insights into the city’s artistic and cultural richness. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into the diverse and exciting Denver museum scene!
The Best Museums to Visit in Denver
Denver boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a wide range of museums perfect for visitors from all over the world. In this article, we highlight the top museums to visit in Denver, each with its unique charm and offerings.
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is a top-rated museum in Denver that features an impressive collection of art from around the world. It has a reputation for an extensive Native American art collection, which is considered to be the best in the world. If you are interested in the American West, there are some classic paintings that depict stories related to the American West that are remarkable. Suppose you love Spanish art forms, including the Spanish Colonial collection that includes impressive pieces from paintings to sculptures, textiles, etc. The museum boasts over 70,000 works of art on display, so there is something to interest everyone.
The Denver Art Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase contemporary art and artists worldwide, sometimes in collaboration with other museums or institutions. The museum located in the heart of Denver in the Civic Center Cultural Complex, and visitors can take a scenic walk to take in the stunning buildings and architecture that surround the museum.
Museum of Nature & Science
The Museum of Nature & Science is the perfect museum for those who have a keen interest in science and nature. The museum features exhibits on everything from fossils to outer space and boasts some of the best hands-on exhibits in Denver, making it a fun experience for both children and adults alike.
The museum has a planetarium and an IMAX theater that plays educational and entertaining movies to deeply immerse you in the world of science. Visitors will also find the teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles exhibit to see how our favorite animated characters evolved from comic books to animations. Colorado has an extensive dinosaur history, and the Denver Museum shows interesting hands-on science, technology exhibits, on paleontology, mineralogy, zoology, anthropology, etc.
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is a small gem with exceptional and one of the best history of decorative and fine arts in the country. The museum houses an extensive collection of art, furniture, and decorative objects by Colorado and regional artists. It features the works by Vance Kirkland, Edith Barrett, and many others.
The Kirkland Museum has a unique focus on local artists, and it is only here where you will find their finest works. The museum’s building is a piece of art in itself, designed by architect Jim Olson as a backdrop to the artworks, making it a fantastic experience while visiting.
Overall, Denver offers an extensive range of museums to explore, from world-class art museums to a world of fauna and flora science exhibit museums. No matter what your interests, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Denver’s museums. Plan your visit today to explore Denver’s cultural scene!
Family-Friendly Museums in Denver
Denver is a great place to visit for families with children as there are plenty of family-friendly museums to explore. From interactive exhibits to educational programs and hands-on activities, these museums offer something for everyone. In this section, we take a look at some of the popular family-friendly museums in Denver.
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is a must-visit destination for families with children. The museum is focused on providing interactive exhibits and educational programs that are designed to engage and inspire children. The museum features exhibits like the Art Studio, The Assembly Plant, and Outside, which offer children an opportunity to explore and learn in a fun and playful way.
At the Art Studio, children can create their own masterpieces using a variety of materials like paint, clay, and paper. The Assembly Plant is a hands-on exhibit that allows children to build, disassemble, and learn about machines and tools. Outside is an outdoor adventure exhibit that lets children explore and play in a safe and stimulating environment. With so much to see and do, the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is a perfect place to spend a day with your family.
The Denver Firefighters Museum
The Denver Firefighters Museum is a unique museum that explores the history of firefighting in Denver. The museum features a collection of antique fire engines, uniforms, and equipment that offers visitors a fascinating insight into the evolution of firefighting technology over the years. Visitors can also participate in hands-on activities like climbing into a fire engine or dressing up in a firefighter’s uniform.
The museum offers guided tours that are informative and engaging. You can learn about the heroism and bravery of firefighters in the past, as well as the challenges and dangers they face today. The Denver Firefighters Museum is a great place to visit with children who are interested in firefighting or just curious about how firefighters do their jobs.
Molly Brown House Museum
The Molly Brown House Museum is a historic museum that offers visitors a chance to explore the life of the famous “Unsinkable” Molly Brown. The museum features guided tours that take you through the rooms of her beautiful Victorian home and offer insight into her life and the history of Denver in the early 20th century.
You can explore the interactive exhibits that showcase the Victorian era and learn about the daily life of the Brown family. The museum also offers educational programs and events that are designed for children and families. The Molly Brown House Museum is a perfect blend of history and interactive exhibits, making it an ideal place to visit for families and anyone who is interested in learning more about Denver’s rich history.
Denver offers a host of family-friendly museums that cater to different interests and age groups. Whether you want to explore the history of firefighting, experience interactive exhibits or learn about a famous personality or era, Denver has something to offer for everyone. So why wait? Plan your visit to these museums and create some unforgettable memories with your family.
Offbeat Museums in Denver
Denver is home to a variety of museums, ranging from the traditional to the offbeat.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, also known as MCA Denver, is a popular destination for those interested in modern art. The museum is housed in a minimalist building that was designed by the renowned architect, David Adjaye.
One of the museums most notable features is its innovative exhibitions, which showcase the work of both established and emerging artists. Some recent exhibitions have included installations that use light and sound to create immersive experiences for visitors.
In addition to its exhibits, the museum also has a cool rooftop café that offers stunning views of downtown Denver. Visitors can enjoy coffee or cocktails while taking in the scenery.
Forney Museum of Transportation
The Forney Museum of Transportation is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of transportation in America. The museum houses an extensive collection of antique cars, trains, planes, and other vehicles.
One of the most impressive exhibits at the museum is the collection of antique cars, which includes rare vehicles like a 1921 Voisin C-5 Limousine and a 1916 Detroit Electric Model 60.
The museum also features exhibits that showcase the history of transportation in America. These exhibits explore everything from the development of the automobile to the first flights by the Wright Brothers.
Molly Brown House Museum
The Molly Brown House Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Margaret “Molly” Brown, who is best known for surviving the sinking of the Titanic.
The museum is housed in Brown’s former home, which was built in 1887. Visitors can take guided tours of the house, which has been restored to look the way it did when Brown lived there. The tours feature exhibits that highlight Brown’s life and the history of Denver.
In addition to its tours, the museum also features interactive exhibits on Victorian life. Visitors can try on period clothing or learn how to play Victorian-era games.
If you’re looking for a unique museum experience in Denver, these offbeat options are definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re interested in modern art, transportation history, or the life of a Titanic survivor, there’s something for everyone.
Free Museums to Visit in Denver
Denver is a city that boasts an impressive art and culture scene, with a variety of free museums to explore. If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to spend your day, check out these free museums in Denver.
Clyfford Still Museum
The Clyfford Still Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the Abstract Expressionist movement. The museum houses a collection of works by Clyfford Still, a prominent figure in the movement. Here, visitors can enjoy a stunning display of Still’s paintings and sculptures, which showcase his unique and powerful style.
The Clyfford Still Museum promises an intimate and immersive experience, with displays of Still’s works arranged chronologically, allowing visitors to explore the artist’s creative development. The museum offers a comprehensive view of Still’s oeuvre, which ranges from his early figurative works to his later large-scale abstract paintings.
Among the highlights of the Clyfford Still Museum are Still’s signature abstract paintings, which are characterized by bold brushstrokes and striking colors. The museum’s collection also includes several sculptures, which showcase Still’s impressive skill with materials like bronze, wood, and plaster.
If you’re planning a visit to the Clyfford Still Museum, be sure to check out the museum’s admission policy. Entry is free on Fridays, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the western United States, with a collection that spans a variety of cultures and periods. The museum is renowned for its impressive collection of Native American art, which is one of the largest in the world.
The Denver Art Museum’s collection includes over 70,000 works, ranging from Asian art and European painting to contemporary art and photography. Visitors can enjoy works by 19th-century landscape painters, like Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt, as well as modern and contemporary art by the likes of Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, and Robert Rauschenberg.
In addition to its impressive permanent collection, the Denver Art Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The museum also offers a range of educational programs and activities, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
Admission to the Denver Art Museum is free to visitors under 18, making it an excellent option for families looking for a fun and educational day out.
History Colorado Center
The History Colorado Center is an interactive museum that explores the rich and complex history of Colorado. The museum’s exhibits take visitors on a journey through the state’s past, from its early Indigenous history to modern times.
One of the highlights of the History Colorado Center is its interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to experience history firsthand. Visitors can pan for gold, take part in a virtual cattle drive, and explore a replica of a pioneer kitchen. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and tours.
The History Colorado Center’s exhibits are organized thematically, with topics ranging from the Colorado gold rush to the state’s cultural diversity. Visitors can learn about the state’s military history, explore the lives of Indigenous people, and discover the stories of influential Colorado women and men.
If you’re planning a visit to the History Colorado Center, be sure to mark your calendar for the first Saturday of each month, when admission is free. The museum also offers discounted admission to students, seniors, and military personnel.
Denver is home to a variety of free museums that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or culture, these museums are sure to provide an immersive and educational experience.