Interested in art, history or culture? Sometimes it’s worth a day trip north to explore Denver’s nearby cultural treasures. Head for these six to combine a multimuseum itinerary or to explore all day in each.
Denver Art Museum
Midcentury modern style is all the rage these days, and the DAM’s new exhibition, Serious Play, focuses on the bold, fun designs of 1950s and ’60s America. Included in general admission (free the first Saturday of each month) through Aug. 25.
100 W. 14th Avenue Pkwy., denverartmuseum.org
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
From dinosaur fossils and Egyptian mummies to a planetarium and IMAX theater, DMNS offers plenty on a permanent basis, but it’s worth checking out the temporary exhibitions as well, such as Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius through Aug. 25. Free general admission the evening of July 2, and daytime Aug. 26.
2001 Colorado Blvd., dmns.org
History Colorado Center
Learn all about Colorado history here. This summer in particular, walk through the pop-up installation Wildflowers, Wild Places, through Sept. 2, and learn the tale of Colorado’s ale in Beer Here!, through August 2020. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, kids 18 and younger receive free admission at all nine History Colorado museums statewide.
1200 Broadway, historycolorado.org
Clyfford Still Museum
Dedicated solely to the work of 20th century abstract expressionist Clyfford Still, the museum has exhibited his work and archives since 2011. This summer features an exhibit of Still’s pieces curated by Berlin-based painter Jonas Burgert. Visit for free June 18, July 17, Aug. 3 and Sept. 12.
1250 Bannock St., clyffordstillmuseum.org
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Featuring a massive collection of Colorado’s fine and decorative art with the estate of Vance Kirkland as its foundation, the Kirkland opened a brand-new facility in March 2018. More than 4,400 pieces are on view, with a yearlong celebration of the Bauhaus happening now. Note: Visitors must be at least 13.
1201 Bannock St., kirklandmuseum.org
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Focusing on the “art and culture of our time,” the MCA shows temporary exhibitions for two to four months, including this summer’s retrospective of Clark Richert. Children and teens (18 and younger) are always free., Admission is a penny for Colorado residents on July 6 and Aug. 3.
1485 Delgany St., mcadenver.org
Tips for Saving Money and Time
Consider purchasing a CityPass, which gives you seven days to visit the DAM, DMNS and History Colorado at a reduced rate.
Also, the DAM, Clyfford Still, Kirkland and History Colorado are all within walking distance. Park at the Cultural Center Complex Garage, 65 W. 12th Ave., or visit Parkopedia to find other nearby lots.
Read more about Colorado Springs museums, a Q&A with U.S. Olympic Museum CEO Christopher Liedel, the National Museum of World War II Aviation and the World of WearableArt.
