Colorado’s Front Range continually receives national and international attention for its natural beauty, appreciation for the arts, and dedication toward progress. Our Denver and Boulder museums are reflective of Colorado’s amalgamation of industry, ecology, and culture. For those interested in exploring our state’s myriad museums, schedule a visit on one of their numerous free days.
Museum of Boulder
Free days: 1/5, 2/2, 3/1, 4/5, 5/3, 6/7, 7/5, 8/2, 9/6, 10/4, 11/1
This history museum showcases our city’s past, present, and future with interesting and engaging exhibits. Rotating displays of photography, nature, and art means that there’s always something new to check out at the Museum of Boulder. Check out its list of current exhibits here.
Denver Zoo
Free days: 1/12, 1/18, 2/2, 4/9, 10/20, 11/10, 11/14
Colorado’s diverse ecology is one of unbridled beauty. The Denver Zoo prides itself on providing its animals with interactive and natural environments to better reflect the wild. From black bears to spotted giraffes, this animal sanctuary provides children and adults of all ages with a fascinating day trip that educates, inspires, and entertains.
Molly Brown House Museum
Free days: 2/23, 5/1, 8/1, 9/27, 11/12
Known as the unsinkable Molly Brown for her will to survive the Titanic sinking, her house in Denver has been well preserved and now boasts an interesting museum. As a late 1800’s home, the Molly Brown House showcases striking architecture both inside and out. The museum’s collections include clothing, furniture, books, and other items belonging to the Browns and reflective of turn-of-the-century culture.
Denver Art Museum
Free days: 1/4, 2/1, 3/7, 4/4/, 5/2, 6/6, 7/4, 8/1, 9/5, 10/3, 11/7, 12/5
Nestled in Denver’s bustling Golden Triangle neighborhood, the Denver Art Museum is both an architectural masterpiece and an acclaimed art museum. Its rotating exhibits have included Star Wars costumes, Rembrandt paintings, and fashion masterpieces by Dior, attracting enthusiasts of all types. Currently, DAM is displaying a Monet exhibit, among others. Learn more about its current exhibitions here.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Free days: 1/6, 1/26, 2/10, 2/23, 4/26, 5/31, 7/1, 8/12, 9/2, 9/21, 10/11, 12/6
A favorite among Colordans of all ages, DMNS offers fantastic exhibits that explore ancient Egypt, the expanses of space, and so much more. Its children’s Discovery Zone teaches guests about archaeology, hydroelectricity, and architecture in a fun and engaging way. Visit this Denver museum for an action-packed day.
Clyfford Still Museum
Free days: 1/23, 2/15, 3/24, 4/2, 4/26, 5/20, 6/16, 7/26, 8/12, 10/13, 11/19, 12/9
Noted as one of the first Abstract Expressionists, Clyfford Still painted thousands of pieces throughout his life. Fortunately for us, the majority are housed in a Denver museum specially built to display Still’s numerous works. In his abstract work, visitors may spy chaos, struggle, love, and beauty in the thick, intense lines and splashes that make up each painting. Spend hours ambling from room to room, taking in the masterpiece behind Still’s work.
Children’s Museum of Denver
Free days: 1/7, 2/4, 3/3, 4/7, 5/5, 6/2, 7/7, 8/4, 9/1, 10/6, 11/3, 12/1
Treat the kiddos to a day packed with action at the Children’s Museum of Denver. Children will delight in exploring the Adventure Forest or trekking up a ‘mountain’. They can experience a waterfall without getting wet or practice paddling down thrilling whitewater. There’s always something to do at this interactive educational center.
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Free days: Every Saturday, year-round, and Wednesdays during Farmers Market Season
This beloved Boulder museum is an essential piece of our city’s cultural fabric. Each Saturday, it opens its doors for free to give Boulder residents the opportunity to witness incredible contemporary art exhibits. From interactive displays, performance art, and paintings that offer social commentary on current events, BMoCA is a center for education and engagement.
Denver and Boulder boast numerous museums that excite and educate. From science to art to culture, each offers interesting exhibits on a rotating basis so no two visits will ever be the same. Plan your free visit today!