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Public Art in Denver

Public art is one of the most obvious expressions of a city's culture and creativity — and there's no shortage of it in The Mile High City. From vibrant murals to our beloved Blue Bear, Denver's public art makes a stroll through the city a cultural experience all its own.

Plethodon

When visitors first arrive at Meow Wolf Denver, there's something truly unique to welcome them outside this artsy, mind-bending complex. You can't miss the Plethodon, a reptile-like sculpture. 

National Velvet

Situated at the foot of the Highland Bridge that connects Downtown Denver to the Highlands, this obelisk-like crimson sculpture was created by hometown artist John McEnroe. 

Man and Woman

Fernando Botero's portly bronze Man and Woman mingle with theatergoers outside the Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. 

The Evolution of the Ball

Baseball fans and art lovers can agree on one thing — Lonnie Hanzon's ceramic and steel archway offers the perfect entry to Coors Field. It's even topped with a giant purple Colorado Rockies baseball!

Scottish Angus Cow and Calf

This larger-than-life-size pair outside the Denver Art Museum harkens back to Colorado's ranching past and is a favorite among animal-loving youngsters (and adults).  

Lau Tzu

If abstract art is more up your alley, the Denver Art Museum is also home to this soaring 16-ton steel sculpture, which was constructed of industrial I-beams by award-winning artist Mark di Suvero. 

Cloudscape

Three puffy white clouds — constructed from steel by artist Christopher Lavery — originally greeted drivers along Pena Boulevard on the way to and from Denver International Airport. Now, they can be seen from I-25, where they grace the entrance to the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

Mustang 

No roundup of Denver's public art would be complete without mentioning one of the city's most iconic — and polarizing — pieces. Whatever your opinion of the gargantuan blue horse with glowing red eyes towering above Pena Boulevard near Denver International Airport, he's certainly hard to miss!

Denver's Commitment to Public Art  

Denver's commitment to public art runs deep. So deep, in fact, that it eventually made its way into law! Denver’s Arts & Venues Public Art Program was established in 1988 and directs that 1 percent of any capital improvement project over $1 million undertaken by the city be set aside for the inclusion of art in the design and construction of the project. Now, Denver's public art collection numbers more than 300 pieces, meaning that you'll likely encounter something to please the eye or challenge your aesthetic sensibilities around every corner. The collection includes artwork by both local artists and internationally recognized artists, acquainting Denver's citizens and visitors with traditional art forms as well as works of art considered to be cutting edge.

Denver International Airport also has gotten into the public art spirit and features its own collection. Throughout the airport, you'll see beautiful murals, captivating sculptures and whimsical installation pieces.

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