Denver, Colorado, is most famous for the Rocky Mountains, which create a stunning backdrop against America’s 19th-most-populous city. The capital of Colorado, Denver is also known by its nickname of “Mile High City” because this metropolis sits exactly 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) above sea level. This city was once the hub of America’s Old West and the gold-mining era and has a rich New World history of the wild wild west! Today, Denver is known for its effortless melding of nature and urban sophistication, with its numerous museums and galleries. If you are looking for a break from all the outdoorsy activities that abound in the city, visit Trip101’s recommendations for the top entry-free museums in Denver, Colorado, today.
1. The Money Museum
The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Denver Branch is a museum featuring educational exhibitions on the American currency through the years. Visitors can learn about the American economy through hands-on exhibitions that are suitable for all ages, even kids. At The Money Museum, you can find out how to chart your finances responsibly, check out what American money looked like in the 18th century, and even design your very own (not legal tender of course!) currency. Entry is free for all upon presentation of valid US-issued identity or passports for international visitors.
The Money Museum
Address: 1020 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, United States
Website: The Money Museum
Price: Free admission
Museums that are free on certain days
2. Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum or DAM is located in Denver’s civic district and has the distinction of being one of the largest and most diverse collections of art between the West Coast and Chicago. Besides travelling exhibitions that change regularly, the museum houses a vast permanent collection that ranges from African art, Asian art, Oceanic art, Native American art, and American art before the 1900s as well as modern American art. DAM opens its doors for free to those under 18 every day! For visitors who are a little older, you are not forgotten too. Check out the museum’s website under Free Days At The DAM.
Denver Art Museum
Address: 100 W 14th Ave Parkway, Denver, CO 80204, United States
Website: Denver Art Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 - 13 USD; free admission for children and youth aged 18 years old and below (daily); free admission for all on Free Days At The DAM
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3. Children's Museum of Denver
The Children’s Museum of Denver at Denver Marsico Campus is an interactive, hands-on children’s museum that first opened its doors in 1973. Operating out of a repurposed school bus initially, the museum has been creating experiential fun for kids ever since with their imaginative exhibitions that encourage children from newborns to eight years old to explore, imagine, investigate, and create. Popular exhibits include the Adventure Forest, where kids can roam about an outdoor adventure and immersive art course, the Big Backyard that helps its young visitors envisage being the size of a small woodland creature, and many more. The Children’s Museum of Denver welcomes visitors for free on the first Tuesday of every month from 4pm to 8pm so parents, note this down!
Children's Museum of Denver
Address: 2121 Children’s Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211, United States
Website: Children’s Museum of Denver
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 9am - 4pm (free admission on the first Tue of every month from 4pm - 8pm), Wed: 9am - 7pm; Thu - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm
Price: 12 - 14 USD; free admission on the first Tue of every month and for children aged under 1 year old
4. Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a natural history and science museum that prides itself on the use of the latest technology to help visitors learn about the universe. Through the dynamic permanent and travelling exhibitions that take visitors on a breath-taking journey through professional produced IMAX films, the museum touches on Colorado’s, America’s, and the world’s anthropology, geography, health sciences, palaeontology, space exploration sciences, and zoological studies. It is no wonder that Denver Museum of Nature & Science has more than a million objects in its collections and resources, making it one of the largest collections in North America. The museum offers free admissions (excluding IMAX and the Planetarium) on certain days; check out the details in their website!
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, United States
Website: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri: 9am - 10pm
Price: 16.95 - 19.95 USD; free admission on select days
5. Clyfford Still Museum
Clyfford Still Museum is dedicated to one of the forerunners of the minimalistic, Abstract Expressionist art movement - Clyfford Still. The works of this artist whose unique vision is preserved in this collection is exhibited across nine galleries that trace his artistic journey as well as historic photos and personal letters that give visitors a deeper insight into Clyfford Still. The museum welcomes all, from admirers of Clyfford Still’s works, students of the movement, and visitors of all ages. The Clyfford Still Museum not only displays his works but also sheds light on the massive conservation effort that goes into preparing art for viewing, hands-on creation studios for those inspired after viewing the museum’s galleries, and tranquil spots for contemplation. The museum can be enjoyed for free on selected days. Check out their website for more!
Clyfford Still Museum
Address: 1250 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204, United States
Website: Clyfford Still Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm
Price: 6 - 10 USD; 5 USD (on Fridays, 5pm - 8pm); free admission (for children and youth aged 17 years old and below); free admission on select days
Discover Denver's rich history and culture
Delve into Mile High City’s art and cultural scene with Trip101’s recommendations for the top entry-free museums in Denver, Colorado. From indigenous art to American history, there is something of interest for everyone. With a schedule of the best museums with selected free days for entry in hand, you will be able to make the most out of your visit to Denver!
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