Discover the Denver Art Museum: Your Ultimate Guide to Exhibitions, Tickets, and Insider Tips
Locals and long-time fans lovingly refer to the Denver Art Museum as the DAM. One thing is for sure: you’ll be DAM impressed with its extensive collection of art from around the world, lineup of lectures and talks, and rotating diverse exhibitions. With so much to see and do, art lovers of all ages should plan to spend at least half a day admiring the art to get the full museum experience.
Denver Art Museum Ticket Prices
You can purchase tickets for the DAM online through its website, on-site, or even by phone by calling the museum. Admission prices for Colorado residents are slightly less expensive than those for out-of-state visitors.
If you’re looking to save some scratch while taking in other top attractions in Denver, look no further than CityPASS to buy your tickets. You’ll save up to on admission to all the best tourist spots in the city including Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and more.
Denver Art Museum Parking
The Denver Art Museum is a popular place, so it helps to know where to park before you go. The museum is located on 13th Avenue, between Broadway and Bannock Street. You may be able to score street parking, or find a spot at a meter within walking distance of the museum. If these spots are all taken, you can find unattended lots nearby or park at the Cultural Center Complex Garage on 12th and Broadway. Make sure to check out the map before you go so you’ll know how far you need to walk.
Denver Art Museum Collections
Along with continuously changing exhibitions, the DAM also boasts 14 unique collections of art and artifacts from around the globe. Pace yourself; with over 70,000 pieces, it’s going to require some serious stamina to experience all that’s on offer:
- Architecture, Design, & Graphics — Architectural drawings, screen prints, and classic rock ‘n’ roll posters await you in this section, along with a to-die-for silver collection and chairs crafted by artists whose original designs still influence furniture styles to this day.
- American Indian Art — Admire tribal relics and artistic works created thousands of years ago all the way to present day. Virtually every Native American tribe across the continent is represented here, and you’ll learn how each group uniquely channels its artistic expressions through different mediums.
- Textile Art & Fashion — You’ll find everything from ancient textiles to modern fiber art among the 5,000 pieces in this section of the museum. Appreciate Chinese accessories and court robes dating back to the Qing Dynasty and ecclesiastical garments fabricated during the days of Leonardo Da Vinci. Don’t miss the internationally recognized quilt collection, filled with over 300 American traditional quilts.
- Pre-Columbian Art — When Christopher Columbus "discovered" America, there were already thousands of residents who called it home. Take a peek at the wondrous masterworks forged out of ceramic, jade, gold, stone, and even textiles by the dominant cultures of South and Central America and Mesoamerica.
- Modern and Contemporary Art — This collection houses over 12,000 pieces of art that range from the early 1900s to present day, including works from the likes of Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Henri Matisse.
- Photography — Shutterbugs and photography novices alike will be inspired by DAM’s extensive collection of nineteenth-century photographs, especially those from the American West.
- Spanish Colonial Art — This collection exhibits art created by the diverse peoples of South and Central America and the southwestern United States who were conquered by the Spaniards. It boasts art spanning over 300 years (from late 15th to mid 19th centuries) and possesses a wide-ranging diversity in subject and style.
- Asian Art — Works of art that have survived over six millennia are on display here, demonstrating the mastery achieved by both Chinese and Japanese cultures, even in ancient times.
- Oceanic Art — Marvel at historic sculptures and wood carvings by South Polynesian artisans, as well as those by more modern artists like Laben Sakale and Mathias Kauage.
- Petrie Institute of Western American Art — 200 years of Wild West artistry comes alive in a vibrant collection filled with sculptures, paintings, and paper-based art.
- African Art — A wealth of artistic treasures from across the continent can be found in this well-regarded exhibit. Admire the exquisite jewelry, textiles, prints, paintings and more from ancient to modern times.
- European & American Art — Featuring such esteemed artists as Claude Monet, Winslow Homer, and Camille Pissarro, this collection will leave you breathless with respect for the talented masters whose work is on display. It boasts classic European art before 1900 and American art before 1945, including the Berger Collection, an assortment of mostly British work dating all the way back to medieval times.
Denver Art Museum Programs
The DAM offers a variety of lectures and classes for those interested in the arts. The Logan Lecture Series has brought over 100 contemporary artists to discuss their work since 2007 and is one of the most popular events hosted at the Denver Art Museum. If modern art isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of other options including special lectures given by experts in their respective artistic fields, the Anderman Photography Lecture Series, and even Insight, a program that brings together curious visitors and museum staff for an inside look into what makes the DAM tick. For aspiring writers and artists, the museum offers monthly drop-in writing and drawing classes supervised by local experts.
Denver Art Museum Exhibitions
The rotating exhibitions at the DAM are a major draw for seasoned fans and new visitors alike. Guests can expect to be wowed by collections featuring everything from the works of a single prolific artist to themed exhibits filled with items from around the world. From interactive art installations to ancient Japanese samurai armor, there’s always something buzzworthy worth delving into. Make sure to check the website to see the schedule of current and upcoming exhibitions.
When to Visit the Denver Art Museum
For current hours of operation, please refer to the attraction's website.
The Denver Art Museum hosts a fabulous compendium of varied works from around the world and virtually every era of human existence. It is the perfect place to while away a day immersed in the extraordinary works that have sprung from the depths of the human imagination.
Nearby Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Denver, we recommend finding lodging near Denver's top attractions like the Denver Art Museum. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.comVisit the Denver Art Museum for Less With CityPASS
Now that you know about all the fantastic artwork and exhibits in the museum, it’s time to plan your visit. Whether you’re a local or you’re planning a trip to Denver, you can save on some of the city’s most popular attractions with CityPASS. Score discounted tickets to family-friendly locations such as the Downtown Aquarium, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Denver Botanic Gardens. CityPASS can help you do the things you want to do and experience new places for less!
Header photo courtesy of Denver Art Museum
