Spring and summer are great times to visit the Denver Art Museum and there is always something new to see and do at the museum. Each gallery has unique ways for families to engage with art, such as close-looking prompts, gallery games, hands-on creative activities, and more. As always, general admission is free to all youth aged 18 and under every day. Here are a few of the many things you can check out.
Bellco Free for Kids Program. All families are welcome and thanks to the Bellco Free for Kids program, all visitors 18 and under enjoy free general admission to the museum daily. Among other exhibitions, you can enjoy Speaking with Light: Contemporary Indigenous Photography, Near East to Far West: Fictions of French and American Colonialism, and coming July 9, Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion, an exploration of lowrider and skater art and culture. In May, newly installed galleries dedicated to modern and contemporary art, arts of Africa and arts of Oceania will also open.
The Creative Hub, located on level 1 of the Martin Building, is a 5,000+ square foot space intended for gathering, connection, and community-driven programming that celebrates local creativity. Families are encouraged to visit the hub to spark their imaginations through a variety of hands-on artmaking exercises and guided prompts.
Family Central. Then head one story up to check out Family Central on level 2 for some hands-on fun and play! Act out stories in colorful costumes, build sculptures with wooden blocks, and create artwork to fit in a miniature museum.
Landscape Studio. On level 1 of the Hamilton Building, the Landscape Studio (themes rotate annually) provides a place for families to spark their creativity, connect with Denver’s creative community, and gain a new perspective on the artistic process.
In addition to these ongoing opportunities, the museum also offers special programs.
Sensory-Friendly Mornings are an opportunity for kids with neurodiversity or sensory processing disorders and their families to visit the museum in a safe and fun way. The museum opens early at 9 am, dims the lights, and provides tools to guide a sensory-friendly experience for the whole family. Coming up on May 7 and June 23; free with reservation.
Create Playdate is a program for families with children ages 3-5 (though siblings are always welcome too!) that offers storytime, artmaking, and in-gallery activities at the museum. Coming up April 16 and May 12; included in general admission.
Dia del Nino. On Sunday, April 30, celebrate Dia del Nino (Day of the Child) with us! Everyone—kids and adults—receive free admission on this special day. Enjoy exhibitions, artmaking activities and a wide range of live music and dance performance. The Denver Preschool Program (DPP) will bring in celebrity guest readers to read How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen in both English and Spanish. Complimentary copies of the book in English and Spanish will be given to each child who attends the book reading while supplies last.
Sensory Garden. The fun isn’t only indoors! The Sensory Garden is a brand-new space to engage your senses and explore the link between creativity and nature in an environment that’s fun for adults and families alike. The best time to visit the garden is May through October. (The garden will close during inclement weather.)
Explore Outdoors. And don’t miss some of the outdoor sculptures—Big Sweep, Cow and Calf and the Deborah Butterfield horses, Willy, Argus and Lucky—and especially popular with the younger set.
For more information, visit www.denverartmuseum.org or call 720-865-5000.
Author: Mile High Mamas
