Aspen Art Museum
637 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO, 81611
The Aspen Art Museum is an artist-founded institution famous for its thought-provoking exhibits that allow visitors to engage with contemporary and social issues on an approachable level. The museum is exhibition-focused and does not have a permanent collection. However, an all-ages interactive education workshop with books, games, and art activities is tailored for young children.
The basics
Aspen's downtown core is home to a building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban. The museum features exhibits by emerging and established contemporary artists and has a biennial Youth Art Expo with works from community children in grades K-12. Several educational programs are offered, including a drop-in art school, family workshops, and an art program for local high school students. Most Aspen walking tours pass by the museum.
Things to know before you go
The museum is closed on Mondays.
Admission is free, and street parking is available around the museum.
Swedish Hill Cafe on the museum's rooftop offers coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and alcoholic beverages.
A museum shop is on the street level, and there's a coat and bag check to the right of the shop. Strollers are required to be checked.
The museum is accessible to wheelchair users, and you can borrow wheelchairs.
Ski boots and cleated bike shoes are not allowed in the museum.
How to get there
The Aspen Art Museum is in downtown Aspen, near many restaurants and other points of interest. Metered parking is available, and the Rio Grande Parking Garage is nearby. Visitors can use the free Downtowner shuttle app to get a ride to the museum and elsewhere in Aspen's downtown core. Aspen is a bike-friendly town, and the museum has several bike racks near the entrance.
When to get there
The Aspen Art Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays. Midday tends to be the busiest time, with weekends being the most crowded. Visit on a weekday in the morning or late afternoon for the fewest crowds.
Aspen's art scene
If you want to see more art while in Aspen, you'll find many art galleries exhibiting local artists. In July, the city hosts its 3-day Downtown Aspen Art Festival. Following the festival is Aspen Art Week, which culminates in ArtCrush, the annual fundraising gala and auction for the Aspen Art Museum.
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