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. Utilizing local, national and global artists, the museum is home to exhibits of various mediums, disciplines and themes. The building itself is a historic landmark of Boulder from 1906. Admission is just $2 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 hundreds of free-flying butterflies. A day at this place is sure to be fun and educational. And don’t miss your chance to hold Rosie the tarantula. Plus, check out the Butterfly Pavilion’s special events all summer. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year round.
CARNEGIE BRANCH LIBRARY FOR LOCAL HISTORYÂ
1125 Pine St., Boulder, 303-441-3110, boulderlibrary.org/locations/carnegie
This library dates back to 1906, built with a donation from Andrew Carnegie. Since then, the library has become a place for studying and researching local history. Amassing thousands of documents, photographs, oral narratives, maps, newspapers, 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
Move over adults, this is 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 clay studio, vet clinic, a box canyon and even a real fire truck. Its interactive playscapes, daily programming, story times and special events are geared to inspire young minds.
CU ART MUSEUM
Visual Arts Complex, 1085 18th St., Boulder, 303-492-8300, cuartmuseum.colorado.edu
These intriguing galleries feature work from established artists and historical images. Plus, the museum frequently displays the art of students, giving viewers a look into the future of art. It also boasts 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
Since 1992, The Dairy has been the art hub of Boulder, providing a packed schedule of music, visual art, lectures, performances and more. In addition, The Boedecker Theater plays independent, arthouse and foreign films all year long. Check the website for a full list of all the 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 globe. Its permanent collection and travelling exhibits feature both historically prominent artists and standout contemporary players. Check the website for a list of ongoing exhibits and the summer’s newest highlights. Admission is $10 for Colorado residents and 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, international cultures and more — the Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers myriad 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 penguins 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 hard 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 on its 65-foot diameter dome creating a truly immersive environment. The MegaStar projector displays 10 million stars and the Milky Way, all within the comforts of your planetarium seat. Fiske offers public shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, plus matinees on Saturday and Sunday, including live talks, concerts, full dome movies, environmental presentations 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’s founding families, including pictures, trophies and memorabilia of the town’s schools.
LITTLE THOMPSON VALLEY PIONEER MUSEUM
224 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, 970-532-2147, berthoudhistoricalsociety.org/ltvpm/
Learn about Berthoud’s history as a booming agricultural town through artifacts at 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 Wednesday through Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
THE LONGMONT MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER
400 Quail Road, Longmont, 303-651-8374, longmontcolorado.gov
The Longmont Museum & Cultural Center explores history, science, art and more, including an award-winning exhibit, Front Range Rising, depicting the rich 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 1-5 p.m.
LOUISVILLE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
1001 Main St., Louisville, 303-335-4850, louisvilleco.gov
The multiple buildings dedicated to the Louisville Historical Museum are home to relics and photographs of the historic settlers and miners of 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 providing research opportunities to the community. 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 on a plethora of topics 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 current day through rotating exhibitions and public educational programs. Featuring regional, national and international artists, MCA Denver offers a wide range of shows promoting creative innovation with art and ideas. Through adult and youth education programs and other creative events, the museum serves as a forum for a culturally engaged community.
NEDERLAND MINING MUSEUM
200 N. Bridge St., Nederland, 303-258-7332
Explore small-town mountain life with ore samples, machines and tools used in hard rock mining, the tungsten boom and more 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/heritagecenter
Located in University of Colorado’s historic Old Main and operated by the CU Boulder Alumni Association, the CU Heritage Center features exhibits exploring the history of the university and community. 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, bouldercounty.org
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. For information, contact Boulder County Parks and Open Space.
WOW! (WORLD OF WONDER) CHILDREN’S MUSEUMÂ
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 11 and under. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
