The Denver Art Museum, or DAM for short, is a world-class art institution located in the heart of Denver, Colorado. With its stunning architecture and remarkable collection of over 70,000 works of art, the museum provides an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. This article will provide you with everything you need to know when planning your visit to this incredible cultural destination.
History
Founded in 1893, the Denver Art Museum has grown from a small, single-gallery space to a sprawling complex with multiple buildings. Throughout its history, the museum has seen significant expansions and renovations, including the iconic North Building, designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti and opened in 1971, and the striking Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind and completed in 2006. The DAM’s growth has allowed it to continually expand its collections and enhance its visitor experience.
Collections
The Denver Art Museum’s vast and diverse collection spans multiple continents and centuries, providing a comprehensive look at the global art world. The museum is organized into seven curatorial departments:
- African Art: Features artworks that span the continent, representing a variety of cultures and artistic traditions.
- American Indian Art: Showcases indigenous art from North, Central, and South America, with an emphasis on Native American art from the United States.
- Asian Art: Encompasses East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian art, including works from China, Japan, Korea, India, and Tibet.
- European and American Art: Highlights European and American painting and sculpture from the Renaissance to the mid-20th century.
- Modern and Contemporary Art: Showcases modern and contemporary artworks from around the world, with a strong focus on American art.
- Oceanic Art: Presents traditional art from the Pacific Islands, including Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia.
- Pre-Columbian Art: Features art from ancient Mesoamerican and Andean cultures, including the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations.
In addition to these departments, the DAM also boasts an impressive collection of Spanish Colonial Art and Western American Art. The museum is also home to the AIGA Design Archives, which showcase the best in American graphic design.
Visitor Information
The Denver Art Museum is located at 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours until 8:00 pm on Friday evenings. The museum is closed on Mondays.
General admission to the museum is $13 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $8 for college students with ID, and $6 for youth (6-18). Children 5 and under, and museum members, enjoy free admission. The museum also offers free general admission on the first Saturday of every month.
Accessibility
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals are welcome, and assistive listening devices are available for guided tours and lectures. Large print and braille materials are available for select exhibitions, and the museum also offers sensory-friendly programming for individuals with sensory processing sensitivities.
Dining and Shopping
Visitors can enjoy a meal at the museum’s on-site café, which offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as hot and cold beverages. The museum shop features an array of unique gifts, art books, and exhibition catalogs, as well as items inspired by the museum’s collections.
