Denver’s relationship with art, science, and history runs much deeper than its postcard views of the Rocky Mountains. While the city is often celebrated for its outdoor adventures and craft beer scene, its indoor cultural landscape is equally compelling. For residents and visitors alike, the Mile High City offers a dense concentration of world-class institutions that cater to virtually every curiosity.
From interactive science experiments that delight children to quiet galleries housing Indigenous masterpieces, the museum scene here is remarkably diverse. The beauty of exploring Denver’s cultural institutions is that they provide a perfect counterbalance to the city’s active lifestyle. Whether you are seeking refuge from a snowy afternoon or a sunny escape from the heat, these spaces offer immersive learning experiences.
Many travelers are surprised to discover that Denver is home to one of the largest art museums in the country, as well as unique niche collections focused on everything from miniatures to firefighting. These institutions are not just tourist attractions; they are pillars of the local community. They host lectures, film screenings, and family days that keep the intellectual fabric of the city vibrant.
The geography of the museum district is particularly convenient for planning a full day of exploration. The Golden Triangle Creative District and City Park serve as anchors for many of the top venues, meaning you can often walk between several major attractions. This proximity allows visitors to maximize their time without spending hours in transit.
Understanding the breadth of options can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor trying to build an itinerary. You might be wondering which spots are worth the price of admission and which hidden gems offer free entry. The answer depends largely on whether you are traveling with children, are an art aficionado, or are a history buff.
To help you navigate the cultural riches of Colorado’s capital, we have curated a list of the most essential stops. This guide prioritizes quality, uniqueness, and the overall visitor experience to ensure your time is well spent. Here are the best places to explore:
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
| Address | 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 370-6000 |
We really enjoyed our visit overall! There were some great exhibits, and I especially loved seeing the dinosaurs and the wildlife exhibit. The mummies were also really cool and definitely one of my favorite parts of the museum.
My biggest complaint is the admission pricing and the way one of the main exhibits is handled. General admission is $27 per adult, so my husband and I paid $55 for the two of us. There is a large dinosaur exhibit that is not included with general admission, despite being advertised as the largest dinosaur exhibit. You have to pay an additional fee to access it.
Personally, I didn’t even notice an option to purchase a special ticket for that exhibit when I bought our admission tickets, so we didn’t get to experience it. I definitely would have liked the option to see it, especially considering the price of general admission.
Overall, there were some really great exhibits and we had a good time, but I think the additional charge for such a major exhibit should be made much clearer during the ticket-purchasing process. It was disappointing to find out afterward that we had missed a significant part of the dinosaur experience.
The panoramas here are absolutely phenomenal. The animals in thr collection look natural and thr displays look like the are the habitat. They also have a very cool space section. The planetarium was cool and the science of giant dinosaurs experience was also very well done. An exceptional way to spend time. I'm glad we added it to our Denver Trip
Such a great experience and you honestly learn so much. All the exhibits were so interesting and I’m already looking forward to going back for more.
💰 Price:
My friend has a membership and she invited me as her guest so I actually got in for free that day. Her membership allows a free guest to come with her which is a huge plus. General admission is usually $25.95 for adultsand $20.95 for kids. They do have military and student discounts too. Or you can always check out their next free day or night if you want to save some cash.
😁 Service:
It was a pretty easy experience. We only really encountered staff when we checked in for admission and for the Brick Planet exhibit. Everyone was helpful and getting in was a breeze.
☕️ Drinks:
We went to their coffee shop called Coffee Lab. I got a cold chai tea with coconut milk for $6 and it was a really good pick-up. They have hot chai too and plenty of other options if you aren't into coconut milk. They also had a sign saying their cafeteria on the main floor has drip coffee but I didn’t try that one this time.
Exhibits Section:
- 🧱 Brick Planet: This was so neat to see. They have all these animals made out of Legos and the facts about each one were so impressive. This exhibit is open until May 3rd.
- 💎 Gems and Minerals: These were really interesting. We saw some Colorado history and learned how aquamarine is made. It was cool to find out there is some in Colorado today that you can still find in certain locations.
- 👩🚀 Space Odyssey: My favorite part was the star room walkthrough. It was so peaceful and cute. They had some neat interactive activities throughout this whole section too.
🚘 Parking:
Parking is free which is nice. It was really packed the day we went so I had to park in the Zoo lot. It’s not a far walk at all if you park near the museum side.
✅ Overall:
I would highly recommend going here and coming back again if you don’t finish seeing everything. This place is great for both adults and kids. I didn't get to see everything this trip but I’ll be back for the Girls & Science night on March 6th. It’s free and another good day to explore from 4pm to 9pm.
I’ll be updating my review once I go back to see the rest, especially since they have a planetarium and an IMAX theater with a few different shows. Plus a new dinosaur exhibit called The World’s Largest Dinosaurs opens on March 20th. Before you leave, if the skies are clear, definitely check out the view of the mountains and the mammoth outside. It’s a really nice walk if it’s warm enough!
My wife and I love this museum. It's very well done with great signs so you can learn a lot. We recently went to see the Lego exhibit which was well worth it just for that! The Lego sculptures were very unique and fit well in the nature and science theme. We also always stop through the gem wing which is a must visit. It's a fun area to see because a lot of the gems and minerals come from Colorado mines so you learn some of the state history too.
I always learn something when I go to the museum. There is so much to see that it is hard to see it all in one day. The wildlife dioramas are always great to see, they look so realistic, like they might step right out of the display case. The gems, minerals and rocks are always neat too, so many beautiful ones. The special attractions that are changing are super also, makes it that there is some brand things to see and learn. To be able to walk in and look up at some of the fossils, they are big, and then go up and look down on the same is cool! There are some great fossils to see in the dinosaur section. This year's big dinosaurs display was wild, didn't realize just how big they would be. This museum is always clean and they are crews constantly cleaning to keep it sparkling. Even with lots of people you don't feel crowded. The staff is always very pleasant and willing to answer questions. Lots of interactive displays especially liked by kids (of all ages). The exhibit on the human body is amazing! It is a good day when you spend it at the museum.
Denver Art Museum
| Address | 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 865-5000 |
Absolutely stunning. I was only there for a short while which was a pity. One could spend days here. A day for each floor practically. The amount of art and history here is mind blowing. Prices weren't bad. Parking was a bit annoying but it's downtown Denver so what do you expect?
Absolutely go if you can. It's a glorious feat of human history.
The Denver Art Museum is absolutely stunning, starting right from the outside with that crazy, sharp building design. You could easily spend a whole afternoon here getting lost because the collection spans so many floors and different cultures—the Indigenous art and Western collections were personal highlights for me.
Everything is beautifully curated and laid out, so it never feels overwhelming or stuffy. Plus, they have plenty of cool, interactive spaces and spots to just sit and take it all in. If you're visiting Denver and looking for a bit of culture, this is a total must-visit.
The Denver Art Museum is located at 100 W.14th Avenue,Parkway,Denver,Colorado 80204. There are three buildings viz. Hamilton,Martin and The Kirkland. Hamilton Building has 4 levels whereas Martin Building has 7 levels. The Museum is closed on Wednesdays,Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. The Museum is open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm except on Tuesday when the timing is 10.00am to 8.00pm. This is the largest art museum between Chicago and the West Coast. The Museum contains more than 80000 works of Art. The main works of Art are African art,architecture,design, Ancient American Art,Asian Art,European and American Art before 1900,Latin American Art,Oceanic Art,Modern and Contemporary art,textile art and fashion,photography,North American indigenous arts,Western American arts, etc. The Denver Art Museum is really a wonderful place.There are many things to see and many things can be learnt.There are beautiful paintings and sculptures and many historical events could be learnt.We could not visit the third building. There are many exhibits and one finds the time insufficient.We only got to two of the buildings within 3 hours. Entire day is required to see all the works of Art.All the premises are clean and tidy. There are sufficient number of restrooms and clean hygienic drinking water is provided with on every floor.Staff is very friendly,helpful and very very courteous.
Great museum with tons of art from a wide variety of time periods and cultures. Could easily spend half a day here. Parking is super easy nearby at the cultural center garage. Nice gift shop.
Nice collection. Horrible building. It is one of those post modernist disasters that is designed not to have any central foyer with everything there so that you can find your way around. Few signs. Even the graphics for the loos suck.
I do have to mention though that the restaurant does a great burger!
Molly Brown House Museum
| Address | 1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 832-4092 |
I love the Titanic. This is a great home. I love Molly brown. Such amazing. Hero of the Titanic tragedy highly recommend everyone going to this place. This is such a historic event of a great hero.Great lady that saved people from the icy depths of the ocean
The guide was highly entertaining and told the story of Molly (not her real name) Brown in an engaging way. The rooms are packed full of period furniture and memorabilia. You will have a lot to look at as you go through the house. It is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
I'm a little torn on how to rate this attraction. On the positive side, the house is beautiful and well preserved. I enjoyed the guided tour and learned a lot. The price was very reasonable as was the gift shop. On the negative side, the area surrounding the house is sketchy. Walking there and back to my hotel was not a relaxing experience. The un-homed populace was large and unsettling. This is not the museums fault in any way. Just my observation.
Our bridal shower at the Molly Brown House Museum was absolutely wonderful. We chose the private tour and tea package, and it was the perfect blend of elegance and history.
A massive thank you goes to Mike Erickson, the Volunteer and Event Manager. From the initial planning stages to the day of the event, Mike was incredible. He was a prompt communicator, highly organized, and so thoughtful with every detail. It is clear he takes great pride in his work, and he truly went above and beyond to make the day special for our group.
Before tea, we had a private tour with Eli, who was outstanding. She was engaging and her passion for the house and its history really showed. She kept us all captivated with stories about Margaret Brown's life and legacy.
The museum itself is a true gem. It is immaculately cared for and beautifully curated to reflect the time period. We hosted our tea in the third-floor servant quarters, which is an inviting room full of character. It provided a unique atmosphere that made the event feel truly one-of-a-kind.
If you are looking for a venue with deep history and charm, this is not to be missed!
Beautiful house. Like a walk through the past. We learned so much more about Mrs. Molly Brown. She truly was an amazing individual. Also a great well of knowledge about Leadville Colorado.
Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station
| Address | 1338 1st St, Denver, CO 80204 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (866) 636-9969 |
Amazing experience with vibrant interactive art. Each room and level is a new experience field with ooh and wow with puzzles to solve... can you get into pizza room?
Download app before you go to get an overview. It will guide you on your quest. Stairs throughout with elevator access to each floor.
Parking is $15 for day use and location is easy to find.
Evan who worked in gift shop... amazing display of kindness with a rich laugh that complimented the journey. He was so extraverted highly energetic and will always be remembered.
Brandon also in gift shop was very outgoing and so kind. Hope he makes time to go back to California.
Thank you for family-friendly day and hiring such amazing people like this.
Was such a fun immersing experience! Every door is a portal to a new world! We had so much fun exploring and taking photos. Spent about 3 hours in this experience and could have definitely spent more if not for my personal time crunch.
Let me just say, Ive never experienced anything like this. I had no idea of what I was walking into. Truly amazing! The art, the staff, the immersion. Well done. 👏👏👏 Can be overstimulating, but so many break areas to step out of it for a break. We spent 4 hours and could have been there twice as long. Will be returning for an adults evening to enjoy the lounge. 👌
Wow! What an amazing experience. I think we could return several times and still feel like we have not seen it all. Highly recommend!!! Give yourself plenty of time because you WILL need it. One FYI- this is immersive and at times we did find it over stimulating so if you are sensitive to this, be prepared. There are some calm spaces to regroup, but aren't always easy to find.
This place was incredible. Me and my kids loved it. My son was invited to play a game by a character. When he won, he was given a code and vague instructions that lead to a secret room!!! He was so excited to find it! Oh the whimsy!!! We took so many pictures. I took so many selfies! We explored until we were exhausted but missed so much! If we lived closer we would have passes! I think I was captivated more then my kids. It felt like Studio Ghibli meets Willy Wonka plus so much more! We were exploring only to look up and find a character signing in ASL! I was blown away! I have so much to say and am speechless at the same time. We did not have this planned on our trip and it was an unexpected incredible bonus!
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
| Address | 7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 360-5360 |
I loved this place. They have a 1 of 4 B1A Plane on display, along with other Fighter Aircraft and a Helicopter, civilian and showplanes. They also had a TITAN IV engine, which was fascinating.
They have good displays and tributes to various fighter pilots, explorers and inventors.
Getting in was easy, tap your card and walk in, no hassle no taxes.
19.95 is a very reasonable price for the rarity and historical value of the aircrafts displayed. All the employees and volunteers are very nice too. I was able to speak to the curator and she was a delight.
Would recommend this place to anyone with an interest in avaiation, history, or warfare.
My wife and I spent a few hours at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum on Friday afternoon, and we absolutely loved it. If you have any interest in aviation, military history, space exploration, or just enjoy seeing some incredible aircraft up close, this is definitely a place worth visiting.
The location is excellent, and we found getting there very easy. There is also ample free parking, which makes the visit convenient from the moment you arrive.
What makes this museum especially interesting is that you're not simply visiting a modern museum building, you are walking into a genuine piece of Colorado and U.S. military history. Wings Over the Rockies is housed in Hangar 1 of the former Lowry Air Force Base, a facility that dates back to the World War II era. The hangar was completed in April 1941 and was originally designated Hangar 2 before the military changed the hangar numbering system in 1966.
Lowry played a significant role in American military history. Established in the late 1930s, the base became an important technical training center, preparing military personnel for World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War. Lowry also served as the temporary home of the U.S. Air Force Academy from 1955 to 1958, while the permanent campus was being constructed in Colorado Springs. President Dwight Eisenhower also used Lowry as his Summer White House during the 1950s.
The museum itself was established in 1994 following the closure of Lowry Air Force Base. A group of volunteers took over the historic hangar and began building what has become Colorado's official air and space museum. Today, the museum features an impressive collection of aircraft, spacecraft, military artifacts, uniforms and other pieces of aviation history.
Walking through that enormous historic hangar and seeing the aircraft displayed inside is an experience in itself. The scale of some of the aircraft is incredible, and there is a tremendous amount to see and learn. We spent several hours there and could easily have stayed longer.
One thing we really appreciated was that the museum appeals to more than just aviation enthusiasts. There is plenty of history and interesting information throughout the exhibits, making it a great destination for couples, families, veterans, military-history enthusiasts and anyone who is simply curious about how aviation and space exploration have evolved.
Overall, we had an awesome visit. The combination of an impressive collection, fascinating military history, the historic Lowry Air Force Base setting, convenient location and plenty of parking makes Wings Over the Rockies an easy recommendation. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon there, and we would definitely visit again.
If you're in the Denver area and looking for something different to do, I highly recommend putting Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum on your list. It is much more than a collection of airplanes, it's a great opportunity to step inside a piece of Colorado's military and aviation history.
This air and space museum was really fun, but I don't think it's for everyone. At 20 dollars, you really need to have a decent interest in either air or space, otherwise, this museum will bore you. The size of the artifacts can only wow you for so long before everything just looks like a big plane.
There are a few outlying artifacts like a life sized pod racer and x wing, but those are few and far between. There are also a few sample weapons that may appeal to you.
The museum itself is a good size. At a savoring pace, it may take you between 1-2 hours to get through it. We were a bit on the shorter end of that estimate.
Regardless, if you are looking for activities in Denver, I do recommend you come out and try it.
Check your local library to see if you can get free tickets to this exhibit like I was able to do. It was an impressive array of jets and other aircrafts in this huge hangar space. The people that work there are extremely knowledgeable and friendly and approachable. Some of the jets have ladders where you can get up close and personal in the cockpit. It’s a great place to get out of the heat or rain.
I've wanted to come here for a long time. You could say I'm a military aircraft nut..... okay, enthusiast. If you consider yourself the same, you have to come here. There was so much more than I was expecting. All of the aircraft were amazing! Mostly jet age stuff, including a F-4 Phantom, F-86 Sabre, F-101 Voodoo, F-14 Tomcat, and their new F-16D Thunderbird, as well as a Mig-23, and probably most impressive of all, a B-1 Lancer!
Not to mention the gigantic B-52 out front! Beyond just aircraft, there are tons of amazing displays, simulators, and a great gift shop. If you're in Colorado and love airplanes, this place has to be on your list! I'd even go so far to say it's nearly on par with the Air Force museum at Wright Patterson in Dayton, Ohio, and that's an amazing museum.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
| Address | 1485 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80202 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 298-7554 |
I quite enjoyed this museum!
It is far smaller than the Museum of Art but it offers some beautiful artwork from I haven’t experience yet.
$18 for non resident
$15 for residents
I came last year during their August rotation of art and just had the most splendid time. I came alone and had a snack on the upper floor at the cafe.
I don’t live here but I would come back here again and be a member to see what other art they come out with.
Really nice collection of contemporary art! I enjoyed the current exhibit. It has a nice variety of art mediums and unique pieces. The staff was friendly and helpful. My kids did a teen workshop and loved it! My very small complaints are: There were very few places to sit and study the art, and there is a Cafe that doesn't serve food (only drinks).
My buddy and I had a great time here using some library passes. (This is your PSA to get a local library card!) There was art from teens and other mainly (from what I could tell) locally based artists. Nice variety and the rooftop was cool. I did not realize until we went up there that the museum had a parking garage it coordinated with nearby for parking. I had parked half a mile down the road due to very little available street parking. The souvenir shop had several excellent things I would like to come back for.
Loved it. Pro tip: they have $5 entry after 5pm. They're open until 7 and 2h was plenty for me.
They had 3 exhibitions across 3 different floors. Each was introduced by the artists themselves in the form of a scannable audio tour. I was particularly touched by Sammy Swing-min Lee's expo about identity and the idea of motherland.
The rooftop section is very pleasant and the café is cute. Highly recommend the museum shop too! I left with some great gifts.
I went here for the first time yesterday and had a great time! I LOVED each of the exhibits, ESPECIALLY the Tulle-centered one- it took everything I had to not just doing a running jump from the corner of the room into these ginormous piles of Tulle-on-Tulle. So creative and fun! I’ll most definitely now be checking the museum’s website every couple months (at least) to see when they have a new exhibit!
Sexploratorium - Sex Museum & Education Center
| Address | 1800 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 7:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 923-7195 |
We loved the Sexploratorium , we came here for a D&D Burlesque and Drag show and had such a good time! The preforms where amazing and did such a great job, we loved every second of it. We walked the museum before and read all the great facts, and bought a few items in the gift shop. Such a fun, educational accepting place ❤️
Get here and get educated! This is a very thoughtful, professional, and enlightened completely hands-on exhibit. The creators are obviously experts in this field, and they present the information perfectly. It's playful but not cheeky. We had such a fun time here. I think it took us a good hour or so, and then another half hour in the gift shop. Wish we could have made it to a class or yoga session, but we didn't have time.😢 Maybe next time.
Very well put together and informative. You will likely spend 45 minutes to an hour here by my estimation. Not a bad price considering that it's not an experience you can find anywhere else. Worth a visit, the person at the counter was very friendly and kind.
This museum is AMAZING! The owner, Fawn, has a warm energy that makes everyone feel welcomed. Get ready to learn--the museum is going to teach EVERYONE something (no matter how much you think you might know about sex and sexuality). From the history of vibrators to how to properly check your bits for lumps, the interactive nature of your experience guarantees you won't just learn, you'll remember the education! Highly recommend.
My wife and I visited today. We enjoy little places like this. The museum part is small but EXTREMELY informative. It's a you get what you put into it museum. You put nothing into the questions and lessons then you will probably walk away upset.
Parking is easy and free, they offer a GREAT military discount, they have some drinks and desserts on-site.
Denver Botanic Gardens
| Address | 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 865-3500 |
It was a truly beautiful garden, with so much to see that they paid attention to every single corner. Everything was simply stunning, creating a calming atmosphere. As we entered, we were informed of the duration of our stay. We arrived around 12 p.m. and were told that we had until 3 p.m. to explore the garden. Initially, we were skeptical about staying for that long, but we ended up staying until 3 p.m. The garden was so captivating that we couldn’t resist admiring its natural beauty. It was truly the finest experience we’ve ever had. My daughter and I had a wonderful time there.
We went to Botanic Gardens recently and had such a good time. The flowers were all blooming and everything looked so colorful and alive. Everywhere we walked there was something beautiful to look at, and you could tell how much work and care goes into keeping the gardens looking that nice.
Even though it was packed with people, the whole place still felt really peaceful. One of our favorite parts was seeing little bunnies and birds just relaxing around everyone. It was honestly really wholesome seeing the animals so comfortable around people and enjoying the space too. It gave the gardens such a calm and happy feeling.
The customer service was amazing as well. Every staff member we came across was friendly, welcoming, and helpful even with how busy it was. Nobody seemed stressed or rude, and it made the experience even better.
What we liked most was just how relaxing everything felt. It was nice walking around, taking our time, and enjoying nature for a few hours away from all the noise of the city. There are so many beautiful spots to stop, sit, and take everything in.
Definitely recommend visiting during the blooming season because it makes the experience even more special. We’ll definitely be back again.
This is a wonderful botanic garden. All the plants are well-labelled, and they have areas that cover many different kinds of environments - from desert to mountains.
There is also a lot of art, as well as creative use of different types of edging and walks and path surfaces. This adds to the feeling you are walking through the forest or in a Japanese garden.
I highly recommend visiting if you love flowers, and especially if you are looking for gardening ideas.
It is $18.95 to enter, but there are senior and student discounts. There are several places to grab food as well as a lovely gift shop.
I'm impressed. Every square foot is meticulously taken care of here. And combination of high level of craftsmanship and artistic talent is amazing. I've seen quite a few botanic gardens, and this one is by the top, or rather simply the best. But, don't believe me; visit if you can, because photos can't convey true beauty.
We had a really great time visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens. It’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours walking around and enjoying nature. Everything was so green, well maintained, and peaceful, and there were so many lovely areas to explore. We really enjoyed just taking our time and walking through the gardens.
The only downside was that it was extremely crowded on the weekend, and parking was difficult to find. It would be great if tickets were limited to a certain amount per time slot to make the experience feel a little less packed and easier to enjoy.
Overall, it was a very nice visit and we truly liked it. Definitely worth seeing if you’re in the area!
History Colorado Center
| Address | 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 447-8679 |
I went out of my way to try to come here to see the 90s exhibit & the fossils that I had seen online, but they had neither. I saw the rest of the museum and it's just ok. It's pretty and clean, I just think it needs more exhibits. I do have to admit that my favorite thing here is the fact that kids can play here. They have a slide and everything. That was pretty great and refreshing. Most museums don't have that. The staff here was pretty great. Very friendly and informative 👌 thank you 😊
Everyone in Colorado should make a point to visit this museum! Great for ALL AGES! Even though I’ve lived here my entire life, I was surprised by how much I learned about our incredible state. It’s a fantastic experience for kids, but just as engaging and educational for adults.
Ryan, our guide, truly made the visit memorable—I can’t recommend him enough. He’s amazing with kids and has a way of explaining things that’s clear, engaging, and easy to understand.
I’ve been a couple of times now, both with kids and on my own, and each visit has been very different—I always walk away having learned something new. It’s the perfect spot to take out-of-town friends or just a great excuse to get out of the house and do something worthwhile!
We had tickets for the Freedom Plane exhibit and it was amazing to see those priceless documents. We had never been to History Colorado before and enjoyed all of the exhibits. We just wish we had allowed more time, definitely worth your time. All of the staff were friendly and helpful and we plan to visit again.
This is a truly fantastic museum that has a lot of great exhibits. Honestly anybody who likes the state or just wants to learn about it should definitely visit here. And it was really cool to see the three cards of George Washington Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr side by side. I know this is a temporary exhibit, but speaks to the quality of the museum for sure.
Definitely worth the visit. Also the woman at the front desk was sooo nice, I loved our little chat about a book I picked out at the shop. 4th floor were my favorite exhibits. The dust bowl reenactment was super cool too
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
| Address | 2121 Children's Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 433-7444 |
This such a fun museum for kids! We brought our son when he was 2 and most recently when he was 4. There are so many amazing things to do here! I highly recommend getting there EARLY since there are no advance purchase tickets.
We ended the hot day enjoying splash river outside and relaxing in the shade.
Love this place, there's something for everyone. The water play was so fun, especially for a hot day. The bubbles were awesome, love the quiet places for kids to draw when they're overstimulated, and the outdoor zip lining and rope climbing thing was fun even for adults. There's even a free outdoor playground for after the place is closed at 4, you can continue the fun for the kids. There were popsicles available in the cafe to enjoy for the hot day.
My great nephew and great niece (ages 4 and 7) had so much fun! Some of the areas could use some TLC, but overall the exhibits were in
"working order". The staff was friendly and knowledgeable!
We absolutely LOVED the Denver Children's Museum! It was hands down one of our favorite kid-friendly stop on our vacation. Every staff member we interacted with was incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful, and you could tell they genuinely love what they do.
The indoor climbing structure was fantastic. And the outdoor climbing structure was superb. It was a huge highlight for our group, we could have spent hours out there! Helpful hint given by one staff member was to do the outdoor structure shortly after arriving in the morning when it's cooler and less crowded. 1000 kudos to that lady and I hope her pillow is always cool on the other side.
We also stumbled into story time, which had a very cozy room and chill vibe. The staff member leading it was AMAZING. She was so engaging, animated, and wonderful with the kids. It ended up being one of our favorite memories from the visit. We even bought a copy of the book she read online afterwards because they enjoyed it so much.
I also really appreciated that tickets have to be purchased in person, not online. It helped the experience feel well-managed and kept things fair for everyone.
2nd tip: get there in the morning if you can. It did get noticeably more crowded in the afternoon. We were only able to spend a few hours there but you could stay all day. Either way it was absolutely worth the visit.
If you're visiting Denver with kids, don't miss this place.
Lots of fun , experimental things for kids. For all age of kids . They have a full size fire truck, bubbles room, water, air and fuel exhibitions plus a huge outdoor area with variety of structures, an old farm truck and sand area.
Forney Museum of Transportation
| Address | 4303 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 297-1113 |
My son and I visited the Forney Museum for an event there, and what an awesome surprise! There were so many cool vehicles there! We had so much fun reading the history around transportation and each vehicle's part in the transformation of how we travel. I didn't realize that they were making electric vehicles way back in the 1880's! Whaaaaat?! It was also really cool to see one of the largest locomotive trains. We had a blast!
Very fun museum to check out if you are in the area. Come for the Union Pacific Big Boy, stay to check out the other cool stuff! Make sure to see Amelia Earhart's yellow car!
If you enjoy trains there are a couple of extremely interesting ones here, an old big boy might be the highlight but another old deisel and another steam engine in addition to a snow plow and an old train derrick/crane all wonderful really cool to look at. Old cars excellent too even though I am more into trains. Nice staff and overall would recommend.
Pretty cool collection of everything that moves you. Definitely worth the visit
Nice collection of restored steam engines and train cars. Large collection of motorcycles and bicycles. Small collection of old cars and tiny collection of aircraft. Huge collection of Thunderbirds for its 70th anniversary. As a car museum I have seen better in Fairbanks, Alaska, but this is a very nice way to spent two hours. The biggest problem is the lighting blinking on and off.
American Museum of Western Art - The Anschutz Collection
| Address | 1727 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80202 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: Closed Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (303) 293-2000 |
What an amazing collection! Highly recommend this to any and all art fans. 3 floors of some of the most exquisite Western art you're going to see--O'Keefe and Hopper and more artists I'd never even heard of. Well worth the price of admission --only $5! This included a highly informative self guided audio tour. Would rate this 10 stars if I could!
First off, I am not an avid art goer, just someone that enjoys the beauty that others create. I booked the docent led tour and let me tell you, it's way worth spending the extra money (which should be a lot more for what you get). Docents, Gerda and John, were amazing and shared so much information on select pieces. I was able to go back after I grabbed some lunch and view the other pieces at my leisure.
Besides the art collection, the building is amazing as well. I 100% encourage you to attend if you can.
After getting priced out of the denver art museum (the student tickets are like 25 bucks…) this became the top choice. And a great choice it was!! Amazing, romantic art. My favorites include The water hole by gerald curtis delano, The elk hunter by bert geer phillips.. and many more whose names i wrote in my notes. It has three densely-packed floors, and admission is five dollars a person.
We saw so much beautiful art. The place is really well laid out, letting you journey through time a bit, and the museum itself has so many details, if you look for them. It was a really fun visit, and I feel inspired to paint! Wonderful, wonderful.
Ernest Martin Hennings, Harold Von Schmidt, NC Wyeth, and Frederick Remington were my favorites this time.
Worth stopping in to visit if you are interested in Western Art. Great value but felt a little more pious and stuffy than other museums we visited, mostly because of photography not being allowed. We also got a little too close to the paintings and we're politely asked to keep our distance. Understandable, but quite a change from the Denver Art Museum where we felt as though we had more freedom and less like we were being watched the whole time.
Hours and days are limited to 10:00am - 4:00pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only, so make sure to plan accordingly.
My 17 year old daughter and I stopped in here on a Wednesday in July 2024 and enjoyed our visit and liked learning more about the artists and their work, most of whom we had not heard of before. If this sort of art interests you, you definitely need to visit.
Clyfford Still Museum
| Address | 1250 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 354-4880 |
This museum is solely devoted to one American artist, Clyfford Still. The museum owns about 95 percent of this prolific artist's work. Only a small part is displayed at any time. The art is amazing. Abstact expressionism is the style. It is tastefully displayed in chronological order showing the artist's evolution in style and subject. I have been to thus museum several times and heartily recommend visiting.
Lovely museum with nice little gift shop. The art is all Still and it’s interesting to see his development as an artist chronologically
displayed. There’s also a hall with display cases with biographical and career information about him. He insisted his works go all together to a city that would build a museum and keep the works there. Denver did. The architecture is interesting with perforated cast cement ceilings letting in lots of natural light. Since it’s all his work there is a lack of variety but if you want to see one artist and his development you will like it.
One of my all time favorite museums. The way they showcase Clyfford Still's art is perfect: Simple. It allows you to focus in on the art and enjoy or ponder. The Building itself and all of the galleries within are Art in and of themselves. The concrete textures are amazing and how they placed them is fascinating. Ask a docent how they did it. There are little to no curved spaces within the gallery. It makes the paintings stand out so much more.
Also, if weather permits, check out the 2 outdoor atriums off of the galleries.
Exhibits and paintings change 2-3 times a year, so visit often. It's never the same thing twice.
My friend and I were just using library passes so we didn’t pay for a tour, but it might have helped us understand Still’s life and work better. The artwork was large and stimulating. There’s a small gift shop area in the front. Wish it had some magnets/stickers with the name of the museum on them. There are some quirky magnets and stickers but I’d love some more basic ones with the museum’s name. Street parking could be found.
This museum is fantastic! Such knowledgeable guides and a wealth of information and experience about Clifford Still; a father of abstract expressionism. They house over 95% of his lifetime of work and regularly change exhibits so that you can always go back to see more of his paintings. Such a wonderful experience. To eat, you must go outside even if you’ve packed your own food. No water allowed inside exhibit halls unless carefully stowed away (and not removed). You can’t get a sense of the enormity of what he did from photos alone. You must visit in person. The architecture was also a lovely experience. Make sure you get the brochure about that too. Enjoy!
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum
| Address | 1201 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (720) 865-5000 |
Really glad we were advised to include this in our plans! Very cool to see the different eras of furnishings, as well as Kirkland's studio and work.
We were told 20 minutes, but stayed over an hour.
Also, appreciated that they clearly labeled the benches that guests could sit on.
An amazing day in Denver’s Golden Triangle! It’s a total "pro tip" that the Denver Art Museum (DAM) and the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art officially merged, meaning one ticket now unlocks both experiences.
If you are visiting Denver, do not miss the Kirkland Museum! We had an incredible experience, and the best part is that one ticket gets you into both the Denver Art Museum and the Kirkland, as they are now part of the same campus. It is an unbeatable value for a full day of culture.
While the DAM is massive and impressive, the Kirkland is a total hidden gem for anyone who loves interior decor. The way they display the art is so unique—instead of cold, empty galleries, the pieces are arranged in "vignettes" that look like actual rooms. You’ll see world-class furniture, lamps, and ceramics paired with beautiful paintings, which gave me so much inspiration for my own home.
If you are looking to relocate, renovate, or just want fresh ideas for a new place, this museum is a goldmine for "real-world" design layouts. It feels more like walking through the home of a very wealthy, artistic friend than a traditional museum.
Tip, 🙂 Start at the Denver Art Museum to see the big exhibits, then take the short walk over to the Kirkland for a more intimate, cozy, and inspiring finish!
Great for people who like to stop and enjoy all the different pieces strewn around the rooms. Definitely a great spot for lovers of furniture. I liked the original studio space! Overall interesting museum - definitely not your typical art museum.
Such a niche museum building that was focusing on art deco. The glassware was beautiful and what drew us in to the msueum!
Super lovely museum with a unique collection. Greatly appreciated the mix of organizing by historical period with trends, by namesake artist, and by specific scenarios. A great museum to visit.
International Church of Cannabis
| Address | 400 S Logan St, Denver, CO 80209 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (303) 800-5644 |
If this was the church I went to every Sunday I feel like my entire life would be immensely better. Such a chill place. The light show was amazing and honestly resetting. They allow you ot lay down and enjoy and have plushes all around to lay on.
The main room just has so many things to do and chill including video games (old fashioned and 2 switches), coloring books, water color boards, chess, and more. I will be back any time I'm in Denver.
Image is attached of everything that comes in the swag bag if you get the VIP tickets (some are magnets some are stickers, some postcards)
I recommend going here. All the arts and crafts and games come with your ticket, so you can hang out & enjoy the patio as well. The laser show and guided meditation was awesome I appreciate that we were allowed to take off our shoes and lay down and get cozy on the pews with the Squishmallows
The show and meditation session was wonderful! And also there are many games that you can play and spend time. We had great time! Show time is 20 mins past the hour.
Extremely rad place!! Came here with my friends after looking for things to do on a rainy day of our vacation, and it's the kind of spot you could stay in for hours even before the light show. Would recommend whether you're a stoner or just someone into cool art and vibes.
Gorgeous facility! The artistry, the people running it, the third space charm, were all so magical! ❤️
I will be back, and can see myself being here pretty frequently if I were around. What a gem!
Tips for Visiting Denver Museums
To make the most of your cultural excursion, it helps to plan your logistics before you arrive. Denver’s museum landscape has specific rhythms, free days, and parking quirks that can significantly impact your experience. By utilizing a few local strategies, you can save money and avoid the largest crowds, allowing you to focus entirely on the exhibits.
Leverage the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Free Days. Many of Denver’s top institutions participate in the SCFD program, which funds free admission on select days throughout the year. These dates are usually scheduled for weekends but draw significant crowds. Check the specific museum’s calendar online before you go; if you are on a budget, this is the single best way to see premium exhibits without spending a dime.
Plan around the weather and location clusters. Denver’s altitude and sunshine can be draining if you try to do too much. Group museums by geography—such as spending a full day in the Golden Triangle for art and history, then a separate day in City Park for science and nature. This minimizes driving and allows you to enjoy the surrounding parks or cafes in between visits.
Book timed tickets in advance for special exhibits. While general admission often allows walk-ins, blockbuster traveling exhibitions frequently sell out, especially on weekends. Reserving your slot online not only guarantees entry but often allows you to skip the general ticket line. This is particularly crucial during peak tourist season in the summer and during the winter holiday break.
Don’t overlook the museum cafes and gift shops. While it might sound like a tourist trap, Denver’s museum restaurants are often operated by local catering companies and feature surprisingly good, locally sourced food. Eating on-site saves you the hassle of finding parking twice and allows you to recharge without cutting your visit short. The gift shops are also excellent places to find authentic Native American jewelry or local art books.
Utilize public transit or rideshare to avoid parking headaches. While most major museums have dedicated parking lots, fees can add up quickly, and lots fill up fast on free days. The Denver Art Museum and History Colorado Center are easily accessible via the light rail and bus systems. If you are staying downtown, a short rideshare is often cheaper and less stressful than navigating the one-way streets of the Golden Triangle.
The cultural institutions of Denver are more than just rainy-day activities; they are gateways to understanding the American West, the natural world, and the human imagination. Whether you find yourself mesmerized by a Claude Monet landscape or standing in awe of a towering dinosaur skeleton, these spaces leave a lasting impression. They offer a quiet space for reflection and a loud celebration of human achievement.
As you plan your trip, remember that the best museum experiences are often the ones where you slow down and engage deeply with a few collections rather than rushing through an entire building. Choose the spots that resonate most with your personal interests, and leave room in your schedule for a coffee break in one of the beautiful surrounding parks. Denver’s cultural scene is vibrant and waiting to be explored, promising a deeper understanding of this dynamic mountain metropolis.
