Denver Architecture Foundation will host Doors Open Denver from September 25 to 28, 2025 with a series of programming around the theme of “Architecture and Nature in Harmony,” spotlighting the powerful connection between Denver’s built environment and its natural surroundings with walking tours, open sites and special events. Most events are FREE to attend. All ticketed components are now on sale.
Photo: Denver Architecture Foundation
Highlight of the event is the chance to tour 16 buildings in the city for free. Here’s a list of Open Sites. You need to click on the ones of interest for days and times you can visit.
First launched in 2005, the annual Doors Open Denver will run for four days and include the following events:
Thursday, September 25
• Keynote Lecture at Denver Art Museum by acclaimed architect and landscape architect Susannah Drake, FAIA, FASLA, followed by a book signing and reception, at 2:30 to 5 p.m. (ticketed)
• A free celebration and opening reception honoring the winners of the Y/OUR Denver photography competition, co-hosted with the Colorado Photographic Arts Center at the Chancery, from 5 to 7 p.m. (free)
• A Toast to Preservation, honoring the life and work of Dana Crawford, at the Harry C. James Residence, 6 to 8 p.m. (ticketed)
Friday, September 26
• Guided insider tours of select architectural gems, including the Brown Palace, the University Club of Denver, a revamped 16th Street, and the sea lion habitat at the Denver Zoo (ticketed)
• Open Sites access to iconic buildings, including the governor’s residence at the Boettcher Mansion, Castle Marne, and the Denver Woman’s Press Club (free)
• On the Boards open houses at 22 top architectural firms throughout the city, who’ll showcase their current and future projects (free)
• An Evening of Elevation on the rooftop of One River North, 6 to 8:30 p.m. (ticketed)
Saturday, September 27
• Continued Insider Tours and Open Sites featuring Denver’s most notable buildings
• A thought-provoking lecture by Rowland + Broughton highlighting architectural projects inspired by or connected to the Rocky Mountains, at Walker Fine Art Gallery, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (ticketed)
• “Reimagining Speer Boulevard,” exploring how this key urban artery could expand green space, restore Cherry Creek’s biodiversity, and create new development opportunities,with Lilly Djaniants, Peter Park, and David Tryba, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. (ticketed)
Sunday, September 28
• Doors Open Denver wrap party and tours at Denver Museum of Nature & Science, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (ticketed)
Upcoming Events in the Denver Area
Look at our full events calendar, where you can type in any date, or check out what’s happening over the next few days right here:
Leave a Reply