Discover Colorado’s rich character, personality and history
These Colorado museums offer cultural activities, classes, workshops, special events, and exhibits that teach us about the State’s many unique characteristics. However, it would be difficult to list all the State has to offer. Here are 8 wonderful museums worth visiting.
Denver Art Museum-DAM
DAM, or The Denver Art Museum, is located in the Civic Center of downtown Denver, Colorado. Visit frequently as it is constantly growing and evolving with new exhibits of world-renowned artists and art. The museum is continually expanding as one of the most important Colorado museums. DAM has large and some well-respected collections of art and artifacts from Colorado as well as international pieces.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
For more than 100 years, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has been at the heart of Denver. Besides, this museum has been an important center for cultural, historical, natural, and human exploration.
While you are visiting one of the earliest Colorado Museums, you can explore the cosmos, uncover dazzling gems and minerals, watch an IMAX film and planetarium show. In fact, you can get up close and personal to a T-Rex and other prehistoric creatures.
The Museum is full of fun and engaging ways to introduce children to science while not being “just for kids.” Additionally, there are a lot of opportunities for adult learning as well!
Nature and Science offers a way of knowing and understanding our world. At DMNS, you will discover exceptional, historical, natural, and cultural exhibits. Visit dmns.org for all of their current offerings and information.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a premiere venue for you to view beautiful plant species. But that isn’t all; you can also enjoy visiting art exhibits, including bronze and glass sculpture, botanical illustrations, photography, and site-specific installations. Of course, if you are hosting that special occasion, why not consider this beautiful location as your venue.
The premier and most dazzling event at the Botanic Gardens is the holiday season “Blossoms of Light” with its ever-changing lights and colors. There is no doubt, you will be amazed when you experience this magical display. Finally, for 30 years this has been a hallmark family event that has become a tradition.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Hall of Fame
When you visit this newly opened museum in Colorado Springs, you will not question why it recently became No. 2 for things to do and the No. 1 for museums in Colorado Springs. According to TripAdvisor.
“The museum is dedicated to Olympic and Paralympic athletes and relates their compelling stories. It displays artifacts, media, and technology behind these athletes who make the United States proud.”
from the museum website
“This 60,000-square-foot museum focuses on the core values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements: friendship, respect, and excellence; determination, equality, inspiration, and courage“
Josh Barr
Tickets are on sale now to visit
State of the Art Media Experiences
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum gives visitors a fantastic media experience. As well, guests learn through interaction with ancient and modern artifacts and sports technology exhibits. Furthermore, these exhibits capture the spirit and history of the Olympic Games. Additionally, they relate the inspiring stories of America’s greatest athletes.
Quickly, you will find this to be a one of a kind museum. However, it is not only the newest but one of the most important Colorado museums. It is equally a Museum of National interest. Finally, this museum represents all athletes from the US and its territories, and as such, it means all of us. Therefore, we can experience what it represents with pride and support.
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
For over 100 years, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center has been the top cultural attraction of the Pikes Peak Region. Likewise, The Fine Arts Center offers world-class art, Excellent theatre, and arts education for all ages and abilities. Moreover, it is a valuable asset to the community for these same reasons. To be sure, when you visit, you will enjoy the stimulating and thought-provoking exhibits that are routinely changing. As well, you will discover CSFA’s wonderful, permanent art collection. Contact the Fine Art Center for current information.
Anasazi Heritage Center Museums
Five Museums of Mesa Verde Country are archaeological, cultural museums of indigenous Pueblo and Hunter-Gatherer cultures who resided in Colorado and the 4-corners region.
Not only that, these museums offer a mind-boggling array of artifacts and a wealth of knowledge of these early inhabitants.
Make sure when you are here to visit Mesa Verde, the only National Park dedicated to a people and culture. Also, make time to visit other historical sites.
https://www.blm.gov/office/canyons-ancients-visitor-center-and-museumcanyons-ancients-national-monument
American Museum of Western Art
The American Museum of Western Art, located in the historic Navarre Building, is the Anschutz Collection’s permanent home. Over 300 paintings by more than 180 artists are displayed in a salon-style, providing guests with a survey of Western art and a better understanding and appreciation of the history and beauty of the American West over time.
History of the Navarre Building
As well, the beautiful Navarre Building itself holds an interesting and colorful history. It was built in 1880 across the street from the historic Brown Palace. When it opened, it was Brinker Collegiate Institute. Upon Brinker’s death, it changed hands and opened as Hotel Richelieu. At that time, It became a bordello with claims of a tunnel joining it with The Brown Palace Hotel. The building was lost later in a card game and renamed The Navarre. Thus, It became a respectable dining club after gambling and prostitution were stopped in Denver in the early 1900s.
The Navarre reopens as a jazz club
After being closed, Peanuts Hucko, a prominent jazz clarinetist, reopened the Navarre for dining and entertainment in the late 1960s. This new owner had played with Big-Name Bands such as Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong. The Navarre quickly became the hottest jazz club in Denver.
Becoming a Western Art Museum
In the 1980s, William Foxley opened the building as The Museum of Western Art for his personal collection of western paintings and sculpture. As a note, this collection was not included in the later sale of the building. In 1997, The Anschutz Corporation acquired the building, restored it to its period decor, and again opened it as The American Museum of Western Art. This time it featured the Anschutz collection of western art.
Additionally, this building’s final use as a museum adds another important layer of culture and history through its incredible Americana display and art. It also contributes an important addition to Colorado museums.
The Edward C. Rochette Money Museum
Culture • Science • History • Art
THE AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION FOUNDED IN 1891 IS A NON PROFIT DEDICATED TO THE STUDY OF NUMISMATICS AND COIN COLLECTING
Money or means of exchange is rooted in all cultures and throughout all history. This museum is important in offering education about this topic.
LOCATION AND HOURS
818 N. Cascade Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903 adjacent to the Fine Arts Center
Revised Museum Hours During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Wednesdays through Fridays from 11am to 3pm.
Mission Statement
The American Numismatic Association is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The Association serves the academic community, collectors, and the general public with interest in numismatics.
The ANA helps all people discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of programs, including its education and outreach, museum, library, publications, conventions, and seminars.
Post by Danette Ulrich
