Linnea

Cozied up beside the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum offers modern art lovers a chance to dive into the works of this abstract expressionist. In fact, it’s the only place in the world to see this much, if any, of Clyfford Still’s work as it holds approximately 93-percent of his portfolio.

The Museum hosts a rotating series of exhibitions, drawn from the collection and designed to enhance public understanding of Still’s significant role in the evolution of American art and to explore various aspects of Still’s life, career and creative output.

A gallery curated by kids for the museum. Photo by Linnea Covington

Denver is lucky to have this unique museum. When Still died in 1980, his will stipulated that his estate be given in its entirety to an American city willing to establish a permanent museum dedicated solely to his work.

Denver stepped up to the plate. Nearly a quarter of a century after Still’s death, the deal was sealed, and the Clyfford Still Museum was born in 2011.

Just as the art proves unique, so does the 28,500-square foot building, which was designed specifically for Still’s work, which spans the years between 1920 and 1980.

The collection as a whole features around 3,125 pieces, including 825 paintings, 2,351 works on paper, three sculptures and archives.

One of the top floor galleries filled with Still’s art. Photo by Linnea Covington

But while the venue holds all the works, not everything is displayed at once. That way, the museum is able to refresh the shows every six months and feature certain aspects of Still’s art, all while giving visitors another reason to come back.

The visitors of the museum have also had a hand in creating what you see when walking in. Two of the 2022 shows looked toward non professionals to help decide what should be hung on the walls, in this case children and Colorado residents.

Find benches around the galleries to take in the works. Photo by Linnea Covington

Take a seat in front of one of the larger masterpieces and ponder Still’s thought process when creating it.

And, if the room suddenly gets brighter or darker it doesn’t denote an epiphany, more a protective sun shade that automatically moves depending on how strong the sunlight is.

Create art on the second floor. Photo by Linnea Covington

Interaction is also a big part of the museum with conversation prompts for kids scattered about. There’s also a crafting area on the second floor where people of all ages can use materials such as pipe cleaners, beads, colored pencils, paper and other odds and ends to create a work of art, or two, or three.

There is no limit to what can be done, or how long you can spend there, as long as the museum is still open.

How to save at the Clyfford Still Museum

• Look out for FREE days
• Become a member and save 
• Ages 17 and under are FREE

Things To Know

• Photography for personal, noncommercial use is allowed in the galleries. Video recordings are permitted only on mobile phones or similarly small recording devices. The use of flash and tripods are not permitted.
• Free lockers are available to stow bags more than 11 inches by 14 inches.
• Food and drink are not permitted in the Museum.
• Sketching in notebooks is permitted in the galleries with pencil only.

Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St., Denver, 720-354-4880

Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.*

Closed on Monday.

Also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

*The museum closes the week between a new and old show, check the website for details

Admission Prices

Adults: $10

Seniors (65+): $8

College students (with ID): $6

Children & Teens 17 & under: Free

Members: Free

You don’t have to know about art to have a great time at the Denver Art Museum. Located on the southern boarder of Civic Center Park, the venue features not only an array of changing exhibits, but many permanent collection galleries, interactive art spots, and plenty for kids to see and experience throughout the museum.

Bonus, children 18 and younger are always FREE, and there are a handful of FREE days throughout the year.

Taking in some of the art. Photo by Linnea Covington

One of the main attributes the Denver Art Museum is known for is its collection of American Indian art, as well as an extensive showcase of pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial art objects, one of the finest collections in the world.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, the two-building museum has thousands of works to see, both in the permanent and visiting collections.

History plays a big part too. Though founded in 1893, the museum didn’t land in a set space until 1971 when it opened in what is now known as the Lanny & Sharon Martin Building.

It’s that castle-looking structure seen from the park, and one of only two buildings in North America designed by the Italian architect Gio Ponti.

The museum expanded with the opening of the Frederic C. Hamilton Building in 2006, right across the street from the original venue.

For a time the Martin Building was closed as the new structure, designed to resemble the mountain skyline by architect Daniel Libeskind, became the main hub.

The entrance of the Denver Art Museum. Photo by Linnea Covington

Due to the popularity of the art museum, the old building was renovated and reopened in 2021.

While the outside of the Martin Building looks the same, the eight-level interior now boasts a new design complete with expanded contemporary artist space, unique views of the city and mountains, a refreshed Northwest Coast and Alaska Native gallery, Asian art gallery, a new gallery of European Art dated before the 1800s, textile art and fashion gallery, and a dedicated photography gallery.

Also to note, the expansion made possible a complete display of all of the museum’s Western art collection for the first time ever.

Exhibits change all the time at this museum. Photo by Linnea Covington

Now there are 12 collections always on display, plus numerous special and traveling exhibits. Some of the special shows are international blockbusters, and others, quieter but equally amazing displays.

In fact, sometimes the Denver Art Museum gets first looks at exhibits before they travel on. Check out the informative docent tours to help enrich the visitor’s experience, which are included with admission.

Go to the top of the museum and look down for an artsy view. Photo by Linnea Covington

Another aspect to note is the Storytelling Studio, a great spot for all ages. Here, a featured artist is often at work and guests can come up to observe and ask questions about what they are doing and their process.

Aside from that, there’s a themed art project based on the artist’s work, and another craft kids and adults can do that pays homage to an exhibit at the museum.

There’s no limit to how many materials you can use or how long you can stay in the studio, just as long as the museum is open.

Do your own art at the Denver Art Museum. Photo by Linnea Covington

Other parts of the Denver Art Museum also cater to younger visitors, encouraging them to be part of the art and explore creativity. There’s the Thread Studio in the north building, a station to design a box inspired by Korean lacquer art in the Asian Art galleries, and more.

Also, keep an eye out for family labels throughout the European Art before 1800 galleries and the Western American Art galleries, they are meant to help you quiz little ones about what they see and start a conversation.

With so much to do, it’s easy to spend a day here. But if you get hungry, it’s okay to leave the space to eat outside or at a nearby restaurant and come back in when you’re done.

Look for art all over the museum, even when you’re not in a gallery. Photo by Linnea Covington

A good one to check out is the museum’s own, The Ponti, located on the north campus and named after the famed architect who designed the building.

Here, James Beard Award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski serves local, innovative American fare with a strong push of vegetables and fresh ingredients. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

One thing to keep in mind when visiting the museum, general admission tickets are available to purchase several weeks in advance. Tickets are timed to help stagger entry, though it’s possible to get tickets at the counter on most days.

For special exhibits it’s best to reserve early. While many of the shows at the Denver Art Museum are included in the ticket price, some cost extra to see.

From modern to ancient art, there’s something for everyone at the Denver Art Museum. Photo by Linnea Covington

Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, 720-913-0130

Museum Hours

Daily: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission Prices

Adults: $13/Colo. Resident; $18/Others

Seniors (65+) & Military (with ID): $10/Colo. Resident; $15 Others

College Student (with ID): $10/Colo. Resident; $15 Others

Kids 18 & Under: FREE

Denver Art Museum Members: FREE

The 23-acre Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street, just east of downtown Denver, is filled with more than 50 gardens providing year-round beauty, whether in the renaissance of spring, the dormancy of winter and seasons in between.

The Gardens is known for the diversity of plants from all around the world, and features thousands of plants of all genius and taxons. There’s a special emphasis on the flora of the American West, where arid and sometimes harsh climate conditions have created fascinating adaptations. In fact, the native plant collection alone boasts over 700 species.

Also visit the international-themed gardens including ones inspired by Japan, China and South Africa. In the center of the gardens visitors can find the exquisite water feature with a dedicated area inspired by Claude Monet’s paintings of his famous waterlily pond in Giverny, France.

The Japanese Garden. Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. © Scott Dressel-Martin

On cooler days, when the main gardens aren’t as lively, step into the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory. The towering greenhouse became a landmarked building in 1973 and houses exotic plants from tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Think of it as an indoor tropical forest, complete with a stunning corpse flower that blooms every few years.

No matter where it’s located, each plant is meticulously cataloged in the venue’s database. Not only does this system give visitors and in depth look at what can be found in the gardens and when, but allows the botanists to see how each plant really grows.

There’s a handy search function on the website so you can see if your favorite cactus, tree or flower is in the garden, and where it might be located.

The Children’s Garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. © Scott Dressel-Martin

Those with children should absolutely visit the 3-acre Mordecai Children’s Garden, which is only open March 1 through October 31. This special spot is across the street from the main gardens, accessible from the top of the elevator and stairwell in the parking garage.

As part of the Gardens of the West display, all the plants in the Children’s Garden thrive in Colorado’s arid climate. Kids can run around, explore with hands-on exhibits, splash about in the stream and dig in sand.

There are picnic tables here too, making it a great spot to have lunch while taking in the controlled wildness the venue offers.

Annuals Garden. Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. © Scott Dressel-Martin

Aside from gardens, visitors can also dip into the Science Pyramid to witness a world of plants through a scientific lens, complete with interactive technology. The beehive-inspired space features the exhibit, Welcome Home: Meet Your Habitat, which explores how our homes are not only part of human lives, but that of plants, animals, bugs, fungi and more. Find out how these living things intertwine through digital stories and artifacts.

The Helen Fowler Library by the conservatory showcases a large collection of botanical and horticultural materials centering on the Rocky Mountain region and similar areas around the world.

See the Monet-inspired waterlily pond. Photo by Linnea Covington

There are tomes for kids and adults, as well as special programs. Both the library and the Science Pyramid are especially great when you need to get a dose of air conditioning on a hot day.

While wandering the Gardens any day proves lovely, there are special events here too. During the summer months the Gardens hosts outdoor concerts, yoga, plant shows and the popular annual plant sale.

During October and December the annual light exhibits prove popular, and a great way to tip toe through the dormant tulips at night.

Blossoms of Light, the annual holiday light show at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Photo by Linnea Covington

All year long guests can add art to the visit with the ever-changing artist in residency program and shows. Finally, take a class on growing herbs, making bitters with plants, botanical drawing and more. There is a list of camps and courses for kids and adults to take, all with one thing in common–the great world of plants.

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver, 720-865-3501

How to save at the Denver Botanic Gardens

• Pack a lunch to eat in designated areas 
• Look out for free days
• Get a membership

Hours

Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check website for random early closures.

General Admission Prices

Currently, you MUST buy all tickets online in advance and reserve a day and time. 

Adults: $15

Seniors (65+) & Military (w/ID): $11.50

Children 3-15 & Students (w/ID): $11

Children 2 & under: Free

Members: Free

To learn more about about FREE DAY policies and reserving tickets, go here.

Tucked in between two buildings in the heart of Downtown Denver resides Fire Station One, a beautiful 1909 firehouse that’s been preserved and turned into the Denver Firefighters Museum. Once inside, follow the boot prints to each destination. Each highlights the history of fire fighting in Denver, complete with interactive features, photos and plenty of artifacts. [Read more…] about Denver Firefighters Museum