1485 Delgany St., Denver
303/298-7554
www.mcartdenver.org

HOURS: Tues.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.–10 p.m.,
Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

COST: $10 adult, $5 child, $5 senior

The latest significant arrival on Denver’s culture scene is the Museum of Contemporary Art|Denver, with a building designed by an internationally known architect.

The museum had humble beginnings in 1996 in a former fish market at downtown’s Sakura Square block. Incredible success clashed with space limitations and the museum had to relocate. After hiring London-based architect David Adjaye, the museum reopened in late 2007 in a black glass box of a building perched on the corner of 15th Street.

At first glance, the minimalist modern building itself can seem as challenging as contemporary art itself—and the hidden front door adds to this perplexity—but inside it is full of welcome surprises where couples can meet for a cultural date night and families can interact and be artistic.

Atop the Museum of Contemporary Art|Denver is a café inside a black glass cube and an outdoor bar. There is also a rooftop garden, which itself is a piece of artwork, designed by Colorado landscape architect Karla Dakin. Ceramic sculptures inside the café were made by Kim Dickey, also a Colorado artist.

Children and families will find a small library with a selection of art books and the “Idea Box,” where small tables and art supplies invite children of all ages to get creative. Or for a more laidback experience, simply lounge in an upper room full of bean bag chairs.

The Museum of Contemporary Art|Denver was designed as an environmentally sustainable building and strives to reduce its carbon footprint—from offering locally grown food and drinks in the café to encouraging volunteers and staff to commute to work in an eco-friendly manner.

Exhibit space in the museum was designed as individual galleries so that video installations, photography, painting, and other media are all displayed at once but separately. Past exhibitions have featured artists Jeff Starr and Chris Ofili and many other internationally recognized artists.