Art District on Santa Fe

The Art District on Santa Fe is one of Colorado's designated Creative Districts, with more than 30 art galleries, studios and innovative businesses.

The neighborhood's traditionally Hispanic roots are evident around every corner, from colorful murals and the exhibitions at Museo de las Americas to the Latino influence on the neighborhood's restaurants.

The district features some of the most authentic Mexican culture in the city. It's also home to craft breweries and the Buckhorn Exchange, Denver's oldest dining establishment. First Friday Art Walks and Third Friday Collector's Previews attract both locals and visitors each month throughout the year. Art lovers can meet and mingle with artists and gallery owners while discovering contemporary, traditional and emerging art in unique and creative spaces.

Neighborhood Map

Explore Art District on Santa Fe

Cultural Attractions

Home to ambitious exhibitions of Latino art from all areas of Central and South America, Museo de las Americas is the only museum in the region dedicated exclusively to Latino culture. Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center is one of the only Latino theaters in the country. See the events calendar for performance schedules.

The Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC) is a favorite stop during First Friday Art Walks. The gallery also offers shows each month, featuring art exhibits and performances by local musicians, actors, dancers, writers and poets. Popular annual events include the Members Season Opener in January, Santos & Crosses in August, El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in November and Luminarias de la Guadalupe & Christmas Mercado in December.

The Center for Visual Art is an art center featuring exhibitions and learning opportunities, managed by Metropolitan State University of Denver. Admission is free. The Colorado Ballet has been presenting world-class ballet and dance performances for more than 50 years. The Colorado Ballet is located at the Armstrong Center for Dance on Santa Fe Drive.

Dining

Buckhorn Exchange is the oldest restaurant in Denver, a true original, decorated top to bottom in taxidermy and serving steak, rattlesnake, elk, alligator, buffalo and Rocky Mountain oysters. It's located just off of Santa Fe Drive.

Craft Beer & Spirits

Check out Black Sky Brewery where you find edgy music and pizza, as well as locally crafted libations. Stranahan's Whiskey is a favorite of the neighborhood. It's the first Colorado-born whiskey, dedicated to making the smoothest, most distinctively flavored whiskey on the market. Stop by for a tour and a taste!

Galleries & Boutique Shopping

There are tons of galleries where you'll find modern and contemporary pieces from local artists and artisans like Niza Knoll Gallery, SYNC Gallery, IndyInk / Abstract, Michael Warren Contemporary, D'Art Gallery and NKollectiv.

Green Lady Gardens is one of the most soothing spaces of the neighborhood where you'll find healthy and happy plants everywhere at this boutique. Plus, there's a large selection of colorful pottery, unique home decor items, handmade items from local and Latino artisans, and plant-related tools and accessories.

Stranahan's Whiskey

Locals Know

Experience the Art District in all its glory by attending First Friday events when galleries stay open late. If you want a more intimate version of First Friday, events held on Third Fridays allow art patrons to spend more time with artists and gallery owners.

Art District on Santa Fe

Special Events

First Friday Art Walks

All year round, rain or shine, the District comes alive on the first Friday of each month as thousands descend upon Santa Fe Drive for the First Friday Art Walks from 5:30-9:30 p.m. View art from hundreds of artists in galleries, studios, co-ops, upstairs, downstairs, in alleys, on the street—everywhere!

Dia de los Muertos

Celebrations, art exhibits, a parade, and more, all in honor of this Mexican holiday in early November.

See All Events

Art District on Santa Fe Map

Start your neighborhood adventure at this suggested spot! This is a centrally located position that you can input into your GPS to get started exploring.