6 Denver Museums You Don’t Want to Miss

| Jun 07, 2018 | Uncategorized

 

 

Though the cultural scene in Denver is often dominated by its more popular museums,  like the Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Art Museum, there are plenty of other great museums around the city that offer a unique sense of its history and culture. Here are 6 of the best lesser-known Denver museums that should be on your must-visit list:

 

Colorado Music Hall of Fame

If you’re looking for a musical history of Colorado, make sure you check out the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. Conveniently located on the Red Rocks campus in Morrison, this museum offers a multitude of historical artifacts as well as interactive exhibits. Here, you’ll get  a sense of the famous concert venue’s history while learning about some of the musical greats like John Denver, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Elvis Presley. All of this is within the Trading Post souvenir shop at Red Rocks. Admission is free, and, of course, you could pair your visit with one of the amazing shows offered at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

 

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

Artists and art enthusiasts in Denver know that the Denver Art Museum isn’t the only source of inspiration in the city. The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver opened its doors at its current location in 2007, and it’s the first museum in the city to dedicate itself to contemporary art. Expect to be surprised by the many quirky and thought-provoking exhibits which rotate frequently. They’re also kid and teen-friendly, with an interactive children’s section and events like teen drop-in nights. Adults will especially enjoy their rooftop deck where they host B-Side Friday Music Nights with live music by local bands all summer long. This LoDo museum is open to visitors Tuesday-Sunday as well as during their special calendar events and workshops. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students, and free for kids under 18.

 

The American Museum of Western Art

This museum of American Western art has certainly had some history in itself. The Navarre Building, which previously housed a girl’s school and then a brothel, now contains a collection of art and artifacts that highlight the American landscape. You can explore their Anschutz Collection of paintings that educate visitors about the history of the American West from early in the 19th century. With three floors of galleries to explore, this museum will leave you with a sense of the styles and subject matter from the classic American West through present day. They’re open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00am–4:30pm, with an admission of $5 for self-guided tours and $10 for guided tours.

 

Children’s Museum of Denver

If you’re looking for an interactive spot to bring your little ones, the Children’s Museum of Denver is a great choice. This museum has plenty of fun, interactive exhibits to promote learning and exploration for kids of all ages. This is a great place to check out on rainy days, but it’s even more exciting on sunny summer days when their outdoor exhibit, Joy Park, opens up. This summer of 2018, they’ll even be opening a new outdoor adventure course, “Adventure Forest”, within Joy Park. They’re open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am-4pm, Wednesday from 9am-7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Admission is $13 for visitors aged 2 and up and $11 for seniors and children under 2. Be sure to check their calendar for special free days and various events.

 

History Colorado Center

For a taste of Colorado’s history, visit the History Colorado Center located in Denver’s Golden Triangle Museum District. They offer both learning and entertainment through their many core and traveling exhibits as well as through their programs and events. They opened in 2012, and they focus on educating visitors of all ages about the exploration of Colorado and the many people and events that helped shape the area. They’re very kid friendly, with interactive exhibits that teach about the early days of Colorado. They’re open daily from 10am-5pm.

 

Colorado Railroad Museum

Just outside of Denver you’ll find the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, CO. This museum is a perfect place to take the kids on a weekend afternoon. The museum has a 15-Acre railyard with over 100 trains and passenger cars for you to explore. In addition to the trains themselves, you’ll also find interesting exhibits, an extensive library, and a great gift shop. Check out their website for a schedule of their many events and information about their summer camp offerings.

 

Denver is known for its diverse cultural scene. Museum-goers in the city have plenty of options to fit every interest and taste — from traditional and modern art, to history of the West, and even musical history. The Golden Triangle district is a hub for many of the museums in the city, making it a convenient area to spend a day museum-hopping. Whatever you’re looking for, the Mile High City’s thriving cultural scene is sure to please the whole family.