Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA)
1750 13th St. Boulder
303-443-2122
bmoca.org
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art consistently brings innovative, thought-provoking art to Boulder. Featuring local, national and global artists, the museum hosts shows in multiple mediums exploring various themes. The building itself is a 1906 historic landmark of Boulder. Admission is just $1 for adults, seniors, students and educators, and free for members and children under the age of 12.
Butterfly Pavilion
6252 W. 104th Ave. Westminster
303-469-5441
butterflies.org
The Butterfly Pavilion is home to thousands of animals, not to mention 1,600 free-flying butterflies. A day at this place is sure to be a fun and educational event that the whole family will always remember. Plus, the Butterfly Pavilion hosts events all summer. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year round.
Carnegie Branch Library for Local History
1125 Pine St. Boulder
303-441-3110
boulderlibrary.org/locations/carnegie
This library dates back to 1906, built with funds donated by Andrew Carnegie. Since then, the library has become a great place to study and research local history. Amassing thousands of photographs, maps, historical interviews and more, the Carnegie branch is the perfect place to learn the details of Boulder’s past.
Children’s Museum of Denver
2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver
303-433-7444
mychildsmuseum.org
A museum just for kids! The Children’s Museum of Denver started in 1973 in a converted school bus. Now, the museum’s exhibits include a real firetruck, complete with gear and sirens. Its interactive playscapes, daily programming, story times and special events are geared for children up to age 8.
CU Art Museum Visual Arts Complex
1085 18th St. Boulder
303-492-8300
cuartmuseum.colorado.edu
These intriguing galleries feature both changing and permanent exhibitions. The CU Art Museum frequently exhibits the works of students, giving viewers a look into the future of art. The museum also features a permanent collection with more than 8,000 objects to deepen your appreciation for the arts.
Dairy Arts Center
2590 Walnut St. Boulder
303-440-7826
thedairy.org
The Dairy is the art hub of Boulder, featuring a packed schedule of music, visual art, lectures, performances and more. The Boedecker Theater plays independent, arthouse and foreign films all year long. Check the website for a full list of all offerings.
Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, Denver
720-865-5000
denverartmuseum.org
An architectural feat itself, the Denver Art Museum showcases collections of art from around the world. Its permanent collection and travelling exhibits feature both historically prominent artists and relevant contemporary players. Check the website for ongoing events that showcase current shows, including this summer’s highlights. Admission is free on the first Saturday of the month.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd. Denver
303-370-6000
dmns.org
Dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, Native American history, the human body, space and more — the Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers a plethora of galleries for people of all ages to explore the past, present and future. Get up close to gems and think big at the IMAX theater, or even bigger in the Gates Planetarium.
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St. Denver
720-337-1400
denverzoo.org
Lizards and sloths and zebras, oh my! The Denver Zoo is home to a few thousand animals representing hundreds of species from around the world. Through naturalistic habitats and conservation programming, the zoo is working to keep the world’s non-human inhabitants happy.
Fiske Planetarium
2414 Regent Drive, Boulder
303-492-5002
colorado.edu/fiske
Fiske Planetarium opened in 1975. Today the planetarium houses an 8K Sky-Skan projection system, capable of showing cutting-edge content in a truly immersive environment. The MegaStar projector shows 10 million stars and the Milky Way, creating a beautiful indoor sky. Fiske offers public shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, plus matinees on Saturday and Sunday, including live talks, concerts, full dome movies, laser and liquid sky shows and star shows.
Lafayette Miners’ Museum
108 E. Simpson St., Lafayette
303-665-7030
cityoflafayette.com
The Lafayette Miners’ Museum celebrates the city’s rich mining past. It serves to educate the public through artifacts that preserve Lafayette’s history. The museum is housed in the home of coal miner William E. Lewis, who offered his house up as a meeting place for miners during a strike in the early 1900s. The museum now preserves the pioneer heritage of Lafayette, including a “school room” with pictures, trophies and memorabilia of the town’s schools.
Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum
224 Mountain Ave., Berthoud
970-532-2147
berthoudhistoricalsociety.org/ltvpm/
Relics of Berthoud’s beginnings — and history as a booming agricultural town — are on display in the Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum, located in a historic blacksmith shop. Built in 1893, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
The Longmont Museum & Cultural Center
400 Quail Road, Longmont
303-651-8374
longmontcolorado.gov
The Longmont Museum & Cultural Center explores history, science and art, including its award-winning exhibit Front Range Rising, depicting the culture of the region. The museum offers educational and entertainment events for all ages. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
Louisville Historical Museum
1001 Main St., Louisville
303-335-4850
The multiple buildings dedicated to the Louisville Historical Museum are home to artifacts and photographs of the history of settlers and miners in Louisville. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lyons Redstone Museum
340 High St., Lyons
303-823-5271
lyonsredstonemuseum.com
Housed in an 1881 schoolhouse, the Lyons Redstone Museum displays old photographs, local history and genealogy. The museum is open daily.
Museum of Boulder (Formerly Boulder History Museum)
2205 Broadway, Boulder
303-449-3464
museumofboulder.org
Run by the Boulder Historical Society, the Museum of Boulder provides an in-depth look into the city and its neighboring regions with thousands of artifacts donated by Boulder families. Throughout the year, the museum hosts programs, lectures and exhibits for all community members. Free admission for members and children under the age of 5.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
1485 Delgany St., Denver
303-298-7554
mcadenver.org
The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver explores the art and culture of our time through rotating exhibitions and public educational programs. Featuring regional, national and international artists, MCA Denver offers a wide range of exhibitions promoting creative experimentation with art and ideas. Through adult and youth education programs and other creative events, the museum serves as an innovative forum for a culturally engaged community. Open Tuesday through Thursday, noon-7p.m., Friday noon- 9 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5p.m.
Nederland Mining Museum
200 N. Bridge St., Nederland
303-258-7332
Ore samples, machines and tools used in hard rock mining, the tungsten boom and more are on display at the Nederland Mining Museum. Open Fridays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., June through October. Admission is free.
University of Colorado Museum of Natural History
Henderson Building, 15th St. and Broadway, Boulder
303-492-6892
cumuseum.colorado.edu
In total, the museum houses five galleries full of natural and human history and interactive displays about topics across the board. The museum is a great place for all ages. Check out its website for more information on K-12 and adult educational programs and activities, including lectures, family days and guided tours. The exhibition galleries are open to the public seven days a week, free of charge.
University of Colorado Heritage Center
1600 Pleasant St., Boulder
303-492-6329
colorado.edu/alumni/hertiagecenter
Located on the third floor of the University of Colorado’s Old Main and operated by the CU Boulder Alumni Association, the CU Heritage Center features exhibits exploring the history of the university. Attractions include the President’s Room, Distinguished Alumni Gallery and the Athletics Room, which showcases trophies from CU’s many victories. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Walker Ranch
7701 Flagstaff Road, Boulder
303-678-6200
Located off of Flagstaff Road about 7.5 miles west of Boulder, Walker Ranch offers visitors a long list of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Purchased by James and Phoebe Walker in 1882, Walker Ranch is home to the restored homestead of the Walker family. While the homestead is closed to the public most of the year, visitors can tour the site and watch costumed volunteers demonstrate the daily life of pioneer ranchers during special events. For information, contact Boulder County Parks and Open Space.
Wow! (World Of Wonder) Museum
110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette,
303-604-2424,
wowchildrensmuseum.org
This nonprofit children’s museum features hands-on educational and art exhibits, classes, performances and workshops for children 12 and under. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
