Of course, no art aficionado’s visit would be complete without a stop at MCA Denver, the city’s go-to destination for contemporary art. Unlike a traditional museum, MCA Denver has no permanent collection; instead, they offer a rotating lineup of exhibitions, each creating an entirely new and immersive experience. The best part? Visitors under 18 enjoy free admission to both the Denver Art Museum and MCA Denver, making them great destinations for families looking to inspire a lifelong love of the arts.

Home to an impressive array of art museums, public galleries, and private collections, Denver’s art scene is a true feast for the eyes. Art lovers should be sure to check out the Denver Art Museum, located just across from Civic Center Park. Here, you can explore an encyclopedic collection of over 70,000 pieces, including works by Henri Matisse, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Norval Morrisseau — known as the “Picasso of the North”.

Just a short stroll away on nearby Bannock Street, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art offers a unique visitor experience, with exhibits arranged salon-style in curated vignettes that evoke the styles of specific design periods. Named in honor of the prolific Colorado painter Vance Kirkland, the museum offers more than 4,000 works on view through a mixture of permanent collections and rotating exhibits.

For theater-lovers, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is another must-see. Founded in 1972, the organization workshops original plays and acts as a showcase for local theater productions — as well as being a regular stop for hit shows on the Broadway touring circuit.

There’s nothing quite like the magic of the stage to add that special touch to a night on the town. Thankfully, Denver’s premier performing arts institutions are conveniently located a short, 15-minute stroll from The Crawford Hotel within the Denver Performing Arts Complex. This sprawling, 12-acre campus is home to the critically acclaimed Colorado Symphony, the region’s only full-time professional orchestra. Audiences can enjoy a range of classical favorites and contemporary performances in the Boettcher Concert Hall, the orchestra’s breathtaking in-the-round symphony space.

Of course, nothing says “refined entertainment” like a night at the Colorado Ballet. The 36-member company and premier ballet-training institution in Colorado offers a number of classical and innovative dance performances. And with more than 50 shows each year to choose from, you can be sure to enjoy it no matter what time of year you visit.

With its wealth of great restaurants, charming boutiques, historic sites, and exciting attractions, it can be easy to forget that there’s more to the Mile High City than just our lively LoDo neighborhood. In fact, Denver is filled with unique, eclectic enclaves just waiting to be explored — including several world-class arts districts.

Once the industrial heart of Denver, the acclaimed RiNo Art District is now a modern urban village and creative hub, known for its inspired dining, independent shops, and cheerful, muralled streetscapes. Here, turn-of-the-century foundries, factories, and warehouses have been reimagined in creative new ways, in a striking example of civic renewal and adaptive reuse. Be sure to check out the district’s Summer Art Market on select dates throughout June, July, and August, where you can enjoy live music while you browse one-of-a-kind wares from local Colorado artists and makers.

Located between 38th and 46th Avenues in the city’s Berkeley neighborhood, the Tennyson Street Cultural District is another must-visit Denver destination. Known for its excellent restaurants and abundance of art galleries, the neighborhood is one of several to host a “doors open” event on the first Friday of every month, where visitors can stroll, shop, and gallery hop their way through one of the city’s funkiest neighborhoods from 6pm until 10pm. The Art District on Santa Fe hosts a similar First Friday Art Walk event. One of the first Certified Creative Districts in the state of Colorado, the neighborhood is home to hundreds of artists, galleries, studios, theaters, and creative businesses along Santa Fe Drive — the thriving hub of the Denver art scene.

On the hunt for that truly one-of-a-kind find? Head over to Dairy Block, a vibrant, walkable micro-district located just five minutes from The Crawford Hotel. Once home to the Windsor Dairy company, today the area is a hotspot for local artists, artisans, and makers, with nearly a dozen curated, independent shops offering handcrafted, small-batch, and heritage-brand wares — the perfect souvenir from your artful urban adventure.

Located in the heart of LoDo, The Crawford Hotel connects you to Denver’s living history, with one of the city’s top historic destinations right downstairs! Affectionately dubbed “the Crown Jewel of Denver”, historic Denver Union Station transports you back in time to the golden age of rail travel. This turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts landmark underwent a major restoration in 2014, helmed by the pioneering preservationist (and our hotel’s namesake) Dana Crawford. Today, the Station is known as a top destination for dining, drinks, shopping, and can’t-miss community events.

Just a short stroll away, nearby Larimer Square offers yet another glimpse of Denver’s storied past. Adorned with string lights and Colorado state flags, the stunningly preserved heritage block between 14th and 15th Streets is another Dana Crawford project and the city’s first designated local historic district. Here, charming, turn-of-the-century brick buildings have found new life as a lively public gathering place, home to curated shops, elevated eateries, and some of Denver’s best nightlife.

With a thriving arts and culture scene and so much to experience here in Denver, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. Thankfully, there are a number of guided and self-guided tours that immerse you in the city’s culture, creativity, and historic charm. Explore Denver’s beautiful built heritage and learn about its most significant heritage sites on a Historic Denver Walking Tour. Get a taste of the culinary creativity that’s been putting the Mile High City on the map with Delicious Denver Food Tour. Or sip your way through the celebrated craft beer scene on a self-guided tour of the Denver Beer Trail, and raise a glass to an urban adventure unlike any other. Cheers!

From world-class galleries and museums to acclaimed arts and historic districts, Colorado’s largest city abounds with creativity and culture — and The Crawford Hotel places you right at the heart of it all! Find the inspiration you need to plan your very own artful Denver getaway with our exclusive hotel packages and offers, and get ready to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant, living history and cosmopolitan culture.