Must-Visit Museums in Denver for Art and History Lovers

Denver is popularly known as an outdoor adventure destination, but the Mile High City has been dusting up on history and science too. Some of us prefer learning and art to snowboarding and rafting, and that’s why we’ve put together this list of Denver’s top ten museums. Use our list to find everything from southwestern art to new-age sculpture.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, USA

Phone: +1 303-370-6000

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The Museum of Nature and Science is perfect for both adults and children. The Museum houses exhibits on wildlife, biology, the human body, history, art, and much more. You can venture to Expedition Health to learn how your body works, observe gems and minerals from around the world, or look at animals of the past and present across the dozens of dioramas. Your children can venture to the Discovery Zone for hands-on science, or you can grab some popcorn and watch an exciting and informative film on the Museum’s IMAX. You can spend an entire day engaging with the fascinating exhibits and displays this expansive museum has to offer.

Denver Art Museum

Address: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, USA

Phone: +1 720-865-5000

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The Mile High City’s premier art museum, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) has been wowing patrons in one form or another since 1893 and has been in its current location since 1949. The DAM houses over 70,000 pieces from across the globe and boasts one of the top collections of American Indian art in the world. Visitors can explore a variety of artwork forms, including architecture, design, graphics, Asian art, contemporary pieces, and a full exhibition of photography and sculpture. The distinctive architecture of the Frederic C Hamilton Building enhances the art experience by allowing DAM to showcase art in unique settings.

Museum of Contemporary Art

If you’d rather spend more time exploring contemporary art, then Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) will be your best option. This museum, inaugurated in 1996, was specifically built to showcase contemporary and modern art, and it has become a vital part of the Mile High City’s cultural scene. The MCA has no permanent exhibitions, but rather features rotating displays of art and installations, allowing for continuous engagement and discovery.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Address: 7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230, USA

Phone: +1 303-360-5360

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Located in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum serves as the region’s premier aviation and space museum. The collection, which began on the Lowry Air Force Base, specializes in aircraft and equipment that once populated the area. The museum has expanded to include additional military branches’ artifacts, all housed within a repurposed airplane hangar surrounded by exhibits dedicated to radar, uniforms, and space navigation.

Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art

Address: 1201 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204, USA

Phone: +1 303-832-8576

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The Kirkland Museum, located in Denver’s Golden Triangle, opened in 2003, showcasing a unique blend of fine and decorative arts. The museum houses three distinct collections: the International Decorative Arts Collection, the Colorado/Regional Collection, and a retrospective of Vance Kirkland. Its innovative layout enriches the visitor experience by presenting pieces in unique contexts.

Children’s Museum of Denver

Address: 2121 Children’s Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211, USA

Phone: +1 303-433-7444

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If you have little ones in tow, the Children’s Museum of Denver provides an ideal space to engage children in learning through interactive exhibits. Located in downtown Denver, this museum features hands-on activities that teach kids about various subjects, including music, nature, and creativity. For older children, Adventure Forest offers a thrilling aerial adventure course, ensuring the whole family enjoys a fun and educational experience.

History Colorado Center

Address: 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203-2109, USA

Phone: +1 303-447-8679

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History buffs will appreciate the History Colorado Center, located in downtown Denver. Recently reopened in a state-of-the-art building in 2012, the center showcases multiple exhibits focused on Colorado’s rich history, including Living West, Destination Colorado, and the Dust Bowl. Technologically advanced, the history museum invites visitors to explore engaging stories intertwined with the state’s heritage.

The Art District on Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Arts District is home to a plethora of galleries that feature southwestern and Hispanic art styles. Walking through this nationally recognized neighborhood, you’ll find numerous institutions along Santa Fe Drive, including the Bitfactory Gallery, the Denver Art Society, and Museo de las Americas. Visiting during the first Friday of the month offers a unique experience due to the Santa Fe’s First Friday Art Walks that celebrate local and international artists.

American Museum of Western Art – Anschutz Collection

Address: 1727 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80202, USA

Phone: +1 303-293-2000

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Before Denver became the vibrant hub it is today, it was recognized as a classic western town. The American Museum of Western Art (AMWA) reflects this history and showcases the Anschutz Collection, which comprises paintings from the American West ranging from the early 1800s to modern times. Located in the historic Navarre Building, AMWA presents various western artistic styles, including Expressionism and American Regionalism, providing insights into the region’s past.

Forney Museum of Transportation

Address: 4303 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216-3704, USA

Phone: +1 303-297-1113

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The Forney Museum of Transportation, located a few miles north of downtown Denver, attracts motorhead enthusiasts from all over the country. Spanning 70,000 square feet, this museum features various transportation exhibits, from locomotives and aviation to motorcycles and cars, including the unique Amphicar. Tour the museum at your leisure or join a guided tour to learn about the rich history behind each exhibit.

Whether you are interested in aviation, history, expressionism, or native art, Denver has a museum tailored to your interests. For more exhibit information, consult each museum’s website and plan your visit. Many are drawn to Denver for extreme sports; however, the city’s rich cultural landscape also offers extreme art experiences.