As Boulder and Denver continue to grow, so too do their cultural scenes and influences. Both cities are home to a variety of museums that showcase original art, western history, our state’s heritage, and so much more. In light of recent COVID-19 restrictions, the following museums have opened with limited occupancy, mask requirements, and adjusted hours.
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Hours: Wednesday – Friday, 1 – 7 pm; Sunday 12 – 5 pm
We’ve certainly missed the myriad cultural events and exhibit openings that fill each summer, but we are pleased that they’ve been able to open. The museum prides itself on providing the Boulder community access to art and recognizes that now, more than ever, we need sources of inspiration, hope, and beauty. BMoCA also offers virtual studio tours, an online art auction, and more off-premise events.
Museum of Boulder
Hours: Wednesday, 9 am – 5 pm; Friday, 12 – 8 pm; Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
As of July 12, this beloved Boulder museum reopened to welcome visitors to its eclectic exhibits. Currently, the Museum of Boulder boasts five exhibits ranging from tech-focused experiences to whimsical sensory immersions. Its “Since March” exhibit showcases how quickly our entire global existence has changed in the face of current events.
Clyfford Still Museum
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
Known for his abstract expressionist paintings, Clyfford Still was unwilling to compromise his artistic expression for fame, power, or money. His numerous large-scale works capture the human condition through dramatic brush strokes, intense shapes, and pops of color. The building itself that houses Still’s works is also a modern masterpiece that demands recognition. The Clyfford Still Museum consistently rotates Still’s work, so regardless how many times you may have visited, there’s always something new to see.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday 12 – 4 pm
Located at the former Lowry Air Force Base, this interesting museum showcases collections of space, aircraft, and rocketry-related machinery that captures our state’s history of exploration. Dozens of fighter jets, sailplanes, and helicopters sit in the spacious museum, giving visitors a picture of aeronautical adventure throughout the decades.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Hours: Saturday – Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm, Friday 9 am – 9 pm
A favorite among museum enthusiasts, DMNS has long been a favorite of children and adults alike. While the museum has implemented safety precautions for interacting with its hands-on activities, its exhibits don’t lack any of their luster and awe. Currently, the museum’s “Art of the Brick” exhibit features jaw-dropping masterpieces created out of LEGOs. Spend the entire day strolling from exhibit to exhibit, situated across this multi-story, massive museum.
The Molly Brown House Museum
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm
Known as the “unsinkable Molly Brown” for her courage and bravery aboard the Titanic, Molly Brown’s home is in the heart of Denver’s historic Capitol Hill neighborhood. Time-travel back to Victorian Era Denver and get a feel for the spirit of Western expansion and exploration. Brown was integral to the city’s development and the museum captures her passion for philanthropy and activism.
The dog days of summer are definitely upon us as temperatures touch the triple digits. Visit one of these inspiring museums in Boulder or Denver to shake up the routine and escape the heat. You may just learn a thing or two about a thing or two!