Museum of Contemporary Art Denver: Exhibitions & Hours
Editorial Team · on 17 June 2026 · 5 min read · Last reviewed 17 June 2026
The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is a dynamic cultural institution dedicated to exhibiting, collecting, and preserving art from the late 20th and 21st centuries.
Think of it as a living room for cutting-edge ideas, where artworks are the guests, each bringing a different perspective on the world we live in.
Key facts
- The museum was founded in 1996 and moved to its current location in 2007.
- It houses over 7,000 square feet of exhibition space and presents over 25 exhibitions annually.
- The museum’s collection includes more than 700 works by artists from around the world.
- It is located in the Civic Center neighborhood of Denver, Colorado.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver: Exhibitions
The museum’s exhibitions are a mix of solo shows, group exhibitions, and site-specific installations. The exhibitions change frequently, ensuring that each visit offers a new experience. Recent exhibitions include works by artists like Cindy Sherman, Keith Haring, and Jenny Holzer.
The first time I really looked at the “NEXT” exhibition, I was struck by the raw energy of the emerging artists. The museum’s permanent collection includes works by artists such as , Robert Rauschenberg, and Claes Oldenburg. For those interested in the creative process, the museum offers “Studio Visits,” a series of programs that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the studios of local artists. These programs offer a unique opportunity to see how artists work and to learn about their creative processes.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver: Hours
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 pm to 7 pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The museum is also closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
The museum offers extended hours on the first Friday of every month, when it stays open until 9 pm. These extended hours are a great opportunity to visit the museum after work or to enjoy a night out in the city. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, it is open on most major holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
Special Events and Programs
The museum offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year. These events include artist talks, performances, film screenings, and family-friendly activities. The museum’s education department also offers a variety of programs for schools and community groups.
The museum’s “First Friday” program is a popular event that features live music, performances, and art-making activities. This program is held on the first Friday of every month and is free to attend. The museum also hosts a variety of workshops and classes for adults and children.
Plan Your Visit
The museum is located in the Civic Center neighborhood of Denver, at 1485 Delgany Street. The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus routes stopping nearby. The museum also offers free parking for visitors.
Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and free for children under 18. The museum also offers free admission on the first Saturday of every month, thanks to the support of its sponsors.
Accessibility
The museum is committed to making its exhibitions and programs accessible to all visitors. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for visitor use. The museum also offers large print labels and audio descriptions for visitors with visual impairments.
The museum’s education department offers a variety of programs for visitors with disabilities, including sensory-friendly tours and workshops. The museum also offers American Sign Language interpretation for select programs.
Membership and Support
The museum offers a variety of membership levels, starting at $50 per year. Membership benefits include free admission to the museum, discounts on special events and programs, and a subscription to the museum’s quarterly magazine.
The museum also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including gallery attendant, education assistant, and special events volunteer. Volunteers receive free admission to the museum, discounts in the museum store, and the opportunity to meet and work with other art enthusiasts.
Museum Shop
The museum shop offers a variety of unique gifts, books, and art supplies. The shop features works by local artists as well as items related to the museum’s current exhibitions. The shop is open during museum hours and can also be accessed online.
One of the shop’s standout offerings is its selection of artist-designed prints. These prints are created in collaboration with local artists and are available exclusively at the museum shop. The shop also offers a variety of art books, including exhibition catalogs and art history books.
Upcoming Exhibitions
The museum’s upcoming exhibitions include “Radical Women: Latin American Art, 1960-1985,” which features works by women artists from Latin America. This exhibition is organized by the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles and will be on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver from September 29, 2023, through January 14, 2024.
Another upcoming exhibition is “Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody,” which features works by the legendary artist Keith Haring. This exhibition is organized by the de Young Museum in San Francisco and will be on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver from February 2, 2024, through May 5, 2024.
Educational Programs
The museum offers a range of educational programs designed to engage visitors of all ages. The museum’s education department provides tours, workshops, and classes for schools, community groups, and the general public.
The museum’s “Art & About” program is a popular series of workshops for children and families. These workshops are held on weekends and school holidays and offer a hands-on introduction to contemporary art. The museum also offers a variety of classes for adults, including painting, drawing, and sculpture workshops.
Final Thoughts
Don’t miss the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden, which features large-scale works by artists like Louise Bourgeois and Sol LeWitt. The garden is open to the public and is a great place to enjoy a picnic or a quiet moment of reflection.
Frequently asked questions
What are the current exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver?
The museum currently features 'Black Women Artists for Black Lives Matter,' a powerful collection of works by Black female artists responding to social justice movements. Additionally, 'Denver Collects' showcases contemporary art from local private collections, including pieces by artists like Jenny Holzer and Keith Haring.
What are the visiting hours for the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver?
The museum is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 AM to 7 PM, Friday from 11 AM to 8 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's closed on Mondays, except for select holidays. The museum's last entry is always one hour before closing time.
How much does it cost to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver?
General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and free for members and children under 18. Discounts are available for students with a valid ID. The museum offers free admission every first Saturday of the month, thanks to support from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.
Does the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver offer guided tours?
Yes, the museum offers guided tours every Saturday and Sunday at 1 PM. Tours are led by knowledgeable docents and last approximately one hour. Special tours for groups can be arranged by contacting the museum's education department in advance. Private tours are also available for a fee.