Denver Museums: 8 Attractions for Art, Culture and New Experiences

Ranked among the best U.S. cities for art and design, Denver features a rich cultural scene. One of the best ways to sample everything is visiting the top Denver museums. These attractions – and no two are the same – showcase what makes Denver and Colorado so special — while offering a glimpse into the past, present and future. Read more and pick some favorites.

Denver Museums: Where to Learn, Explore and Play

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Ideal for all ages, Denver Museum of Nature and Science works to empower the community while protecting and showcasing the natural world. The museum offers fun, interactive ways to teach guests to appreciate and love science.

Some exhibits change, however the museum has 10 permanent exhibits. Examples include Discovery Zone, Prehistoric Journey, Space Odyssey and Egyptian Mummies. Temporary exhibits have ranged from Cuba! and Mindbender Mansion to Leonardo da Vinci. In addition, guests enjoy attending IMAX movies and watching planetarium shows.

Forney Museum of Transportation

Celebrate the transportation industry at Forney Museum of Transportation. For over 60 years, the attraction has collected, preserved and showcased pieces that represent transportation’s continued innovations.

Browse more than 600 artifacts, including locomotives, buggies, motorcycles, aircraft and vintage apparel. Must-sees include a 1927 Rolls-Royce, Amelia Earheart’s Gold Bug Kissel and Union Pacific Big Boy Locomotive. Changing exhibits have included wax figures and antique clothing, rare motorcycles, and model trains.

Denver Art Museum

As one of the best Denver museums for art, this attraction aims to enrich the lives of visitors through encouraging artistic expression. Denver Art Museum features world-renown artists in several mediums, such as painting, sculpture, poetry and photography.

While visiting, see Rembrandt paintings, pieces from around the world, and special displays by local artists and Denver residents. Past exhibits have featured architecture, fashion, diverse culture and contemporary issues. Denver Art Museum also hosts tours, events and demonstrations on weekends.

Children’s Museum of Denver

Let young ones play at Children’s Museum of Denver, a must for families. Suited for children ages newborn through 8 years old, this attraction lets them play, learn and appreciate the world.

Exhibits help guests explore, imagine, investigate and create through 20 individual attractions. In the center for the young child, parents and kids under 3 years old can relax. Toddlers and school-age children enjoy the fire station, market, water world, DIY and outdoor Joy Park. Most visitors spend one to three hours at Children’s Museum of Denver, so plan a half-day of learning and fun.

History Colorado Center

The state of Colorado has history full of changes and important people. With a focus on community togetherness, History Colorado Center offers exhibits, public programs, events and educational opportunities.

Learn about Colorado’s culture and history while browsing current selections. A few options include Ute voices and history, local artists, the state’s sports scene, personal stories, and living west. Denver A to Z is another popular stop with 26 sections that showcase everything Denver.

Molly Brown House Museum

Molly Brown House Museum represents Denver’s identity by showcasing Margaret “Molly” Brown — a Titanic survivor, activist and philanthropist. The museum is located in a historic home dating to the 1880s.

Take a guided house museum tour and see 16 rooms on three floors. While touring, admire ceiling-to-floor bookcases, furniture, clothing, collected artwork and servant quarters. Each room houses a collection of Brown’s belongings, such as jewelry, furniture, paintings, photos, china and glassware. If visiting during the holiday season, book the Victorian Christmas Tour or Yuletide Teas.

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum

Love air and space? Head to Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. This interactive attraction showcases planes, rockets, space shuttles, U.S. military, Colorado heroes and art.

Start at the Spirit of America and Colorado Airports. Then get an up-close look at aviation at The Amelia Project, Harry combs, Civil Aviation Gallery and Uniform Room. Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum also has a virtual reality lounge with interactive simulators.

Colorado Music Hall of Fame

With one of the top outdoor music venues in the U.S. – Red Rocks Amphitheater – this attraction had to earn a spot among the best Denver museums. Colorado Music Hall of Fame celebrates music and musicians who call Colorado home.

Learn about different genres, decades and styles. Popular exhibits feature Grateful Dead, jazz masters, John Denver, luthiers and legends. See collections honoring Elvis, Patsy Cline, Lannie Garrett, Harry Tuft and Joe Walsh. While browsing, visit Red Rocks Amphitheater to see why it’s a music-lover’s must.

For a true local experience, stay in a Denver vacation home. Need more things to do? Don’t miss the Denver pro sports scene.