Denver Art Museum houses one of the most impressive collections of art between Chicago and the West Coast. Spread across two buildings, the museum’s holdings range from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary displays with such mediums as painting and sculpture represented.
The Denver Art Museum is a vibrant museum attracting acclaimed temporary exhibits and well-rounded programming that will cater to art practitioners and children alike.
What can we find in the permanent collection?
At the Denver Art Museum, there’s a bit of everything, including a huge array of Native American art, large-scale drawings, and interesting sculptures. The exhibition halls are divided by theme, so your best bet is to see what appeals (for example, you might prefer textile art and fashion over African art) and tackle a few rooms at a time.
Are there temporary exhibits, too?
The Denver Art Museum staff is experts at attracting top-notch temporary exhibitions, becoming one of the most famous art museums in the American West. More than 100 works by the French artist Edgar Degas and 70 original costumes from the Star Wars film series have been highlighted in the past.
In particular, the Hamilton building acts as an imaginative backdrop for special exhibits; sloping lines and geometric angles jut out in various directions, creating both giant halls and small corners where the art can be exhibited.
The exhibit also showcases a digitally transferred video of Frida and Diego at home. And there’s a very cool black and white photo from their second marriage in San Francisco.
Does it get crowded?
The Denver Art Museum is easily Denver’s most famous art museum, and crowds can be drawn by newly opened or temporary exhibits. But timed entrances and the sheer size of the museum help spread crowds out, and mobs seldom see the lesser-known artwork of the museum (such as the Oceanic or Pre-Columbian collections, for instance).
The Denver Art Museum is, above all, a vibrant and comfortable place, full of children exploring the learning areas of devoted children, art geeks closely admiring works, and novices appreciating the greatest hits.
On the practical tip, how were the facilities?
Wide staircases provide easy access to the museum’s second level from the entrance, but the elevators to the upper floors can be slow. The museum’s different wings and buildings are also confusing, so it’s best to hold on to your map.
What are your thoughts on the gift shop?
The gift shop on the first floor is a treasure trove of treats, including sparkly glass vases and geometric mobiles hanging. May we grab a bite to eat anywhere? The nearby rooftop restaurant at The ART, a hotel, is your best bet for a light lunch.
If our time is minimal, how can we make the most of our visit?
For short visits, start with whatever temporary exhibit is showing, then ask a member of staff for directions to the section of American Indian art and the collections of modern and contemporary art.
