Denver's art world is booming, and thanks to the city's walkability, visitors can experience some of the best artsy attractions on foot in a single day for less than $35. Take a day off and discover Denver art.

First Stop: Cutting Edge Art in a Cutting Edge Building

Museum of Contemporary Art | Denver (MCA)

www.mcadenver.org

1485 Delgany St., Denver

(303) 298-7554

Admission: General: $10, Seniors/Students: $5, Kids under 6: Free

This gem of a museum proves that contemporary art can be thought provoking and fun all at once.

MCA’s modern and elegant LEED-certified building (designed by renowned London architect David Adjaye) stands out amidst refurbished turn-of-the-century brick warehouses, and is easily recognizable thanks to the whimsical pierced heart sculpture (Toxic Schizophrenia by British artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster) that stands at the entrance atop a tall steel pole.

Once inside, note the uniquely warm natural lighting; more than 50 percent of the building’s exterior wall area is a double skin façade, with insulating tinted curtain walls and an interior of Monopan©, a translucent, honeycomb patterned material that allows natural light in without glare.

MCA | Denver features five galleries: Photography, Paper Works, Large Works, New Media, and Projects, each with rotating exhibits – guaranteeing that every visit to the museum offers a new experience. Make your way through the inviting stillness, taking time to linger if a piece catches your eye.

Afterwards, spend a little time relaxing on MCA | Denver’s rooftop deck, a hidden jewel boasting 360-degree views of the Denver skyline. The Garden, created by local landscape architect Karla Dakin, features several steel-framed plant and flower beds suspended in space, floating above a pool of water. The MCA Café on the rooftop offers beverages, organic and locally grown food and free WiFi.

Before heading to the next Denver art destination, stop in at Shop MCA, selling books, DVDs, clothing, and limited edition works of art – it’s a perfect spot for an offbeat gift for the art-lover in your family. 

Time Spent: 1.5 hours

Second Stop: Oversized Downtown Icons