Denver’s annual Free Night at the Museums is a fantastic opportunity for cultural enthusiasts looking for a bargain. This year, there are 17 museums participating, offering free entry from 5 to 10 p.m. It’s a time-limited event, so visitors need to plan wisely to make the most of it.
Related: Mixing the past and present (and art and artifacts) to tell the story of Colorado
Aside from Free Night at the Museums, Denver Arts Week is a 10-day celebration starting on Nov. 1. The event includes First Friday Art Walks, showcasing gallery openings across different neighborhoods like Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, Westwood Creative District, and Olde Town Arvada.
Denver Arts Week also offers a variety of events from theater and dance to comedy and opera. Special performances like a tribute show to Shania Twain and Taylor Swift at the Grizzly Rose nightclub are also on the schedule. Additionally, the event website features discounts, two-for-one deals, and ticket lotteries.
While there are numerous cultural events to choose from, Free Night at the Museums remains a highlight. With five hours of free admission, visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits. Here are five recommendations for making the most of your time:
1. Museo de las Americas
Explore the Museo de las Americas on Santa Fe Drive and discover the special exhibition “Migrants: A Tale of Two Hearts.” Don’t miss the museum’s unique model of the ancient Temple at Uxmal in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
861 Santa Fe Drive. Info: 303-571-4401 or museo.org.
2. Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Visit the live-animal adventure exhibit “Animals of the Rainforest” at DMNS, where you can get up close with snakes, reptiles, and a sloth. Explore other exhibits like “Power of Poison” and “Discovering Teen Rex” for a fun and educational experience.
2001 Colorado Blvd. Info: 303-370-6000 or dmns.org.
3. History Colorado Center
Discover the history of the Upper Rio Grande region at the “De la Tierra” exhibition and explore Colorado’s past through “Zoom In.” Don’t miss the local exhibit “Owl Club of Denver: Legacies of Excellence,” featuring photos from Denver’s Black debutante ball.
1200 Broadway. Info: 303-447-8679 or historycolorado.org.
4. Denver Art Museum
At DAM, check out “Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas” and “Weaving a Foundation” for a diverse art experience. Don’t miss the interactive exhibit “Have a Seat: Mexican Chair Design Today” for a unique hands-on experience.
100 14th Ave. Info: 720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum.org.
5. Denver Botanic Gardens
Experience art and architecture at the Freyer–Newman Center for Science, Art & Education. Explore exhibitions like “Geography of Hope” and “Shadow and Light,” as well as interactive displays like “River’s Voice” by Alexandra Kehayoglou.
1007 York St. Info: 720-865-3500 or botanicgardens.org.
Ray Mark Rinaldi is a Denver-based freelancer specializing in fine arts.
