28 Ways to Explore the Denver Art Museum
We could all use a little more beauty in our lives—which, we imagine, is part of what’s keeping you in Colorado. But there’s soooooo much more to Denver’s looks than what you can hike, bike, and camp.
One of our favorite Denver beauties? The Denver Art Museum!
All About the DAM
The DAM (as in, “Damn! That’s a great museum!”) is one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast. Founded in 1893, the DAM has had a number of homes—from libraries to mansions. Currently, this Denver must-see resides in the Hamilton and Martin Buildings in the center of the Golden Triangle neighborhood.
The DAM boasts more than 70,000 works of art from a broad spectrum of artists, mediums, and influences. While 10 permanent collections are enough to make any art enthusiast swoon, they also offer special, limited-time exhibits. In the past, they’ve shown everything from Frida Kahlo to musical, woven rocking chairs.
The Logistics
Here’s virtually everything you need to start planning your visit, but you should also check out the DAM’s website for updated information and to explore special exhibits.
Location
100 W 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
Contact
720-865-5000 | https://www.denverartmuseum.org/
You can also find the DAM on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Directions
You can get to the DAM by car, train, bus, or bike. You can also park anywhere in the area and take the free MallRide hop-on-hop-off shuttle! Get directions from the DAM’s site.
Parking
You’ll find a variety of parking options near the DAM: paid garages, street parking, and metered parking. We recommend parking in the Cultural Center Complex Garage. Or, if you’re getting there by bike or scooter you can lock up right outside the museum plaza.
Admission
$10 gets you access to the museum, which is open seven days a week, year-round (with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas). There are also plenty of discounts for seniors, students, and military service members. And kids under 18 get in free. (Hello, field trip!)
The Fun Stuff
The DAM has something for everyone. In fact, there’s so much to do and see it can feel a little overwhelming. We’ve got you!
If you’ve got plenty of time for an in-person visit…
1. Visit all of the international influences showcased in the DAM’s collection. From Africa to Asia, and from ancient to modern.
2. Stick closer to home with one of the largest Indigenous arts collections in the country.
3. Veer away from your traditional mediums and explore collections on architecture and design, photography, or textile art and fashion.
If you’re artsy but also kind of a homebody...
4. Browse the museum’s online collection, with beautifully photographed pieces you can view from the comfort of your favorite recliner.
5. Take a virtual tour to explore current and recent exhibits at the DAM.
If you have kids…
6. Take advantage of the free admission for any kiddo 18 and under. Nothing beats seeing the DAM up close and personal! Check out these tips for exploring art with kiddos.
7. Download their collection of games and coloring sheets to bust out when the kids are starting to get stir-crazy.
8. DIY your own artworks at home with the DAM’s Art Explorations feature.
If you’re an educator…
9. Use the DAM’s Web Quests, which merge collections of art, lesson plans, activities, and videos into the ultimate catalyst for classroom discussion.
10. Take advantage of the many lesson plans developed by local educators.
If you want to learn about the art…
11. The DAM has blogs that share the stories behind the artworks, from information about medium and technique to its inspiration and the artist.
12. Listen to the museum’s podcast or a specific artist’s interview.
13. Find a lecture or symposium to attend, whether in person or online.
If you’re interested in making art…
14. If you’re more of a words person, attend a free writing workshop through the Writing Drop-In program.
15. Practice your drawing skills (whatever level you are…we won’t judge!) with a Drawing Drop-In session.
If you need a moment of peace and quiet…
16. View one of the museum’s meditation videos, complete with beautiful landscapes featured in the collections.
17. Engage in a Mindful Looking event, a free, online program where you’re invited to take a pause and discuss all the minute and overlooked details of a single piece.
While You’re in the Neighborhood
The DAM isn’t the only worthwhile stop in the Golden Triangle. Check out these goodies!
If you’re the ultimate museum fan…
18. Visit the Clyfford Still Museum to see the world’s most intact public collection of any major artist.
19. Browse the Center for Colorado Women’s History, which connects local stories of scholarship to women’s history worldwide.
20. Walk to the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art to view beautiful international and local pieces.
21. If you’re a history buff, tour the Molly Brown House Museum to learn about a famous survivor of the Titanic. (Alexa, play “My Heart Will Go On” by Céline Dion.)
22. Travel back to the Wild Wild West by visiting the American Museum of Western Art.
23. Learn about the historic Denver Fire Department at the interactive Denver Firefighters Museum.
If you appreciate art in all forms…
24. See a show from a Tony Award-winning company at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
25. Check out a provocative, modern production at the Curious Theater Company.
26. Explore the handful of galleries across the neighborhood, and maybe bring a piece home for yourself!
If you need a delicious respite…
27. Enjoy the Denver Microbrew Tour to taste a variety of local craft beer while learning about Denver brewing history.
28. Take advantage of the wide selection of wining and dining options, especially if it involves our fave City O' City just a couple blocks away.
Heads up: You might fall in love with this neighborhood.
The Golden Triangle is a unique blend of contemporary meets old school. With a mix of townhomes, museums, shops, and galleries, this is a Denver neighborhood like no other.
If you do happen to fall in love, let’s talk about how to make the Golden Triangle your new home!
