First Stop: The Denver Art Museum at 100 West 14th Ave. Pkwy.
(720)865-5000
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The Denver Art Museum is the largest art museum between Kansas City and the West Coast. Designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the new Hamilton Building is a work of art in itself. The Denver Art Museum contains a comprehensive collection numbering more than 55,000 works from around the world with eight curatorial departments: architecture, design & graphics, Asian art, modern and contemporary, native arts (American Indian, Oceanic, and African), New World (pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial), painting & sculpture (European and American), Western art, and textile art. Some of the featured artists whose works are on display include Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, O’Keefe, Warhol, Dine, Grooms, Samaras, Corot, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Russell, Rodin, di Suvero, and Remington. You could easily spend your entire time in Denver taking in the wonderful creations of the artists.
After you’ve taken in the Denver Art Museum, it’s time to explore the surrounding neighborhood
Next Stop: The Golden Triangle Museum in the neighborhood bordered by Lincoln St., Speer Blvd. and Colfax Ave.
(303)534-0771
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Here you’ll find a plethora of galleries and museums filled with an array of artistic expression. Some of the stops of particular interest include:
Gallery 1261: Dedicated to presenting excellent work reflecting the artists’ most creative side
Address: 1261 Delaware
Phone: 303.571.1261
Web: www.gallery1261.com
William Havu Gallery: A premiere contemporary Denver Gallery showcasing a wide assortment of media and styles from regionally, nationally and internationally known contemporary artists.
Address: 1040 Cherokee St.
Phone: 303.893.2360
Web: www.williamhavugallery.com
Walker Fine Art: A taste of New York City in downtown Denver, Walker Fine Art offers contemporary mixed media and sculpture in stone, bronze, steel and glass.
Address: 300 W. 11th Ave.
Phone: 303.355.8955
Web: www.walkerfineart.com
Native American Trading Company: One of the area’s leading sources for traditional American Indian Art.
Address: 213 W. 13th Ave.
Phone: 303.534.0771
Web: www.nativeamericantradingco.com
Byers-Evan House:
Camera Obscura Gallery: One of the nation’s oldest galleries devoted to photography featuring some of the world’s greatest photographers.
Address: 1309 Bannock St.
Phone: 303.623.4059
Glovinsy Gallery of Contemporary Art: Offers a collection of compelling contemporary art by award-winning artists.
Address: 313 W. 11th Ave
Phone: 303.587.4237
Web: www.GlovinskyGallery.com
Patrons Art Gallery: Subject matter from still life to regional landscapes, to urban scenes in oil and pastel paintings. Realism to impressionistic work.
Address: 127 W. 10th Ave.
Phone: 303.321.5585
Web: www.patronsart.com
There are many other galleries and museums in the area that will equally enthrall your artistic explorations. Once you’ve experienced a taste of the galleries within the Golden Triangle, head to your final destination of the day.
Next Stop: The Kirkland Museum at 1311 Pearl St.
(303)832-8576
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Take in the Kirkland Museum’s collection of 20th-century decorative arts. On display are more than 3,300 works of Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Glasgow Style, Wiener Werkstatte, De Stijl, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modern and Pop Art. Additionally, a major survey of Colorado art history is documented with over 170 artists represented by more than 700 works with a strong focus on the first thee quarters of the 20th Century. Also, be sure to view the retrospective of Colorado’s distinguished painter Vance Kirkland (1904-1981).
After a day of taking in art, time to take in some culinary art.
Last Stop: Zengo for dinner at 1610 Little Raven St. in the Riverfront neighborhood.
(720)904-0965
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This eclectic and energetic restaurant offers a vibrant, fun atmosphere and light cuisine. A menu offering Latin-Asian fusion fare includes such favorites as Won Ton Tacos, Smoked Salmon Tempura Roll, Chipotle Miso Salmon, Artichoke Marinated Chicken. It’s a perfect place to dine after spending a day looking at art.
First Stop: The Art District on Santa Fe located 1.6 miles south of downtown on Santa Fe Dr. between 5th and 11th Aves.
(303)292-3455
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You could spend an entire day walking around the Art District on Santa Fe as it features the largest concentration of art galleries in Colorado with more than 40 galleries, shops and restaurants. It is also home to First Friday Art Walks, where on the first Friday of every month, galleries open their doors to the public, attracting lively crowds. Art lovers can peruse everything from traditional to contemporary art including paintings, sculpture, photography, mixed media, graphic art and textiles. A number of restaurants in the area offer up authentic Mexican cuisine.
Next Stop: Dikeou Collection located near the DAM at 1615 California St., Suite 515.
(720)865-5000
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The Dikeou Collection is a private collection of contemporary art known for its installation art, photographs, drawings and sculptures. It has also become a venue for literary art in Denver with readings by such artists as Bin Ramke, Elizabeth Robinson, Maureen Owen, Jake Adam York, Noah Eli, Sasha Steensen, Jen Tynes and others.
Next Stop: The Lab located five miles west of downtown in Lakewood at 404 S. Upham St.
The Lab at Belmar is part art museum, part think tank and part public forum, offering exhibitions by leading regional, national and international contemporary artists. The 11,500-square-foot space was designed by L.A. architect Hagy Belzberg and also offers weekly lectures and creative, adult education programs.
That completes your two-day artist immersion tour. Of course, if you have more time on your hands, there are always more galleries and museums to visit.