Art Museums in Denver: How to Choose Where to Go

The Denver Art Museum’s campus includes the Hamilton Building, Martin Building, and The Kirkland. One general-admission ticket covers all three, though separately ticketed exhibitions are not included. That makes this the broadest option of the three for a visit that moves between varied collections and spaces.

Designed by Daniel Libeskind, the 146,000-square-foot Hamilton Building has four floors of collection art, temporary exhibitions, learning spaces, and Sharp Auditorium.

The 210,000-square-foot Martin Building, designed by Gio Ponti, has eight stories of collection art, temporary exhibitions, learning spaces, and the Sie Welcome Center. The Kirkland features international decorative arts, Colorado fine art, and a retrospective of painter Vance Kirkland’s work.

The museum is at 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. in the Golden Triangle neighborhood. If you arrive by RTD, the Free MallRide stop at Cleveland Place is followed by a walk south through Civic Center Park.

Nearby street and metered parking and several walkable lots are available; the Cultural Center Complex Garage at 12th Avenue and Broadway is another nearby option.

Public areas are wheelchair accessible. Free manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at welcome centers in the Hamilton and Martin buildings.

The Clyfford Still Museum keeps the focus on a single artist. Its collection includes approximately 3,125 works, representing more than 93% of Clyfford Still’s lifetime output: approximately 830 paintings and more than 2,300 works on paper and sculpture.

Still lived from 1904 to 1980 and was among the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists. His collection was gifted to the City and County of Denver.

Most visitors spend around one hour exploring. Exhibitions rotate several times each year, and a public Beyond the Canvas tour is available four times each month. The museum is at 1250 Bannock Street, at 13th Avenue and Bannock Street, in the Golden Triangle Creative District. RTD bus route 52 stops outside on Bannock Street.

The entrance is wheelchair accessible by ramp, and an elevator serves the second-floor galleries. Free manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online ticket buyers and program registrants can receive 50% off hourly and daily rates at specified nearby Parkwell lots; the discount does not apply to onsite purchases or registrations.

The American Museum of Western Art presents more than 300 paintings and sculptures by more than 180 artists, ranging from the early 1800s to the present. The collection is permanently displayed, and the museum does not have special exhibitions. It occupies the historic Navarre Building at 1727 Tremont Place.

Allow approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes for the self-guided audio guide, or around 90 minutes for a docent-led tour. Self-guided visits do not require reservations. Guided tours are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; reservations can be made by email or phone.

The closest light-rail stop is 18th Street and California, about three blocks away. Nearby bus stops include 18th Street and Glenarm Place and 17th Street and Glenarm Place. The museum does not provide visitor parking or parking validation; nearby public lots, garages, and first-come, first-served meters are available.

The entrance is on the lower level, reached by a short flight of stairs or by an accessible ramp on the right side of the building. The museum does not specify other accessibility facilities. Children under eight are not admitted. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, with no more than four children per supervising adult.

For the Denver Art Museum, general admission is $22 or $25 for Colorado residents and $27 or $30 for nonresidents. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday admission uses peak pricing.

Seniors age 65 and older, students, teachers, active military, and veterans with ID pay $19 or $22 as Colorado residents and $24 or $27 as nonresidents. Youth 18 and younger and members receive free general admission.

The Clyfford Still Museum charges $15 for Colorado residents and $18 for nonresidents. Seniors age 65 and older pay $13 or $15; teachers and military visitors with valid ID pay $10. Visitors age 17 and under and members enter free. The museum encourages online ticket purchases; online general-admission tickets are refundable within 14 days of purchase.

At the American Museum of Western Art, self-guided admission is $5 per person. Docent-led admission is $10, or $7 for seniors age 62 and older, students with valid ID, and veterans.

Hours vary: the Denver Art Museum is open Sunday and Monday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; it is closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

The Clyfford Still Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and closed Monday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The American Museum of Western Art is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m.

Before you go: Hours and prices can change, so check the official site before you go. The Denver Art Museum’s general-admission tickets are valid only for the printed date.

Use the visit lengths to set the pace: the Clyfford Still Museum typically takes around an hour, while the American Museum of Western Art’s audio guide takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

A docent-led tour there takes around 90 minutes. The Denver Art Museum spans three buildings, so allow time to move between them; the facts here do not specify a typical visit length.

If you want to connect a museum visit with time outdoors, the Denver Art Museum’s RTD approach passes south through Civic Center Park. Check the relevant museum’s schedule first, especially if you are planning around a particular opening day or guided tour.