Aspen Art Museum - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Museums

About Aspen Art Museum

Aspen Art Museum is a must-see for art lovers visiting Pitkin County, Colorado. The museum features a variety of contemporary artworks, with something to appeal to everyone. The museum also has a commitment to education, with a range of programs and events that help to connect the community with the arts. With its stunning setting and rich program, Aspen Art Museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in contemporary art.

Hotels near Aspen Art Museum

Hotels to stay near Aspen Art Museum

Stars:

Guest rating:

Exceptional

Stars:

Guest rating:

Excellent

Stars:

Guest rating:

Exceptional

Things to Do at Aspen Art Museum

Aspen Art Museum is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art. It was founded in 1979 by a group of Aspen residents who wanted to bring the contemporary art scene to the area. The museum houses a permanent collection of over 5,000 works of art. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations by artists from around the world. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions typically feature work by a single artist or a small group of artists. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for both adults and children. These programs include gallery talks, lectures, and hands-on workshops. Visitors can also take advantage of the museum's cafe and gift shop.

Activities Around

History of Aspen Art Museum

Aspen Art Museum was founded in 1979 by a group of citizens who were committed to bringing art to the Aspen community. The Museum opened its doors in June of that year with a small exhibition of works by contemporary artists. Since then, the Museum has continued to grow and evolve, presenting a diverse array of exhibitions and public programs. Today, the Museum is recognized as one of the leading contemporary art museums in the United States. Located in the heart of downtown Aspen, the Museum is situated on a full city block and features a striking facade designed by award-winning Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. The Museum’s campus also includes a spacious sculpture garden and an outdoor cafe, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the scenic surroundings of Pitkin County while viewing some of the world’s most important contemporary art.

Best Time to Visit Aspen Art Museum

The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the days are long. During this time of year, the museum offers a wide variety of exhibitions and events, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring.

Tips for Visiting Aspen Art Museum

  1. Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. Plan to spend at least two hours at the museum so that you can see everything at a leisurely pace.
  2. Don't miss the rooftop deck! It offers stunning views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains.
  3. There are often special exhibitions on display in addition to the permanent collection, so be sure to check the website in advance to see what's on view.
  4. Guided tours are available for an additional fee, and they are a great way to learn more about the artwork on display.
  5. The museum shop has a great selection of books, jewelry, and other items for purchase.
  6. Photography is allowed in most areas, but be sure to check with staff before taking pictures of certain exhibits.
  7. Bring water and snacks. There are plenty of places to eat in Aspen, but the museum doesn’t have a cafe. So be sure to bring along some water and snacks to keep your energy up.
  8. Plan your visit around a special event. The museum often hosts special events, such as lectures and workshops. Check the schedule in advance so you can plan your visit accordingly.
  9. Shop in the museum store. The museum store has a great selection of books, gifts, and other items relating to art and culture. Be sure to browse before you leave!
     

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Aspen Art Museum

  1. The Aspen Art Museum was founded by a group of local residents who were passionate about bringing world-class art to their community.
  2. The Aspen Art Museum has an extensive collection of contemporary art, including works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko.
  3. The new building isLEED Gold certified and features solar panels, a green roof, and natural ventilation.
  4. The Aspen Art Museum hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including artist workshops, lectures, and film screenings.
  5. The museum also operates an outdoor sculpture garden that is open to the public year-round.
  6. In 2018, the Aspen Art Museum was named one of the "21 Best Small Museums" in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Aspen Art Museum

It takes about two hours to explore Aspen Art Museum at a leisurely pace. However, if you want to see everything the museum has to offer, you should plan on staying for at least three hours.

How to Reach Aspen Art Museum

The best way to reach it is by car. It is located about two and a half hours from Denver and about an hour and a half from Grand Junction. There are also multiple bus companies that offer service to Aspen Art Museum. Once you reach Aspen, you can either walk or take the free Aspen Art Bus to the museum. The bus runs every fifteen minutes and makes multiple stops throughout the town, so it is easy to find a stop near your location. 

Entrance Fee of Aspen Art Museum

There is no entrance fee to explore this beautiful museum. 

Opening Hours of Aspen Art Museum

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Attractions Near Aspen Art Museum

Silver Queen Gondola

Silver Queen Gondola

0.24km from Aspen Art Museum

The Silver Queen Gondola is a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. Sitting at an elevation of 11,212 feet, the gondola provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The gondola cars are large and comfortable, and the ride is smooth and relaxing. Visitors can choose to disembark at the top of Ajax Peak or at the Mid-Mountain Lodge, where they can enjoy a meal or a drink before heading back down.

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort

0.25km from Aspen Art Museum

John Denver Sanctuary

John Denver Sanctuary

0.46km from Aspen Art Museum

The John Denver Sanctuary is located in Pitkin County, near the town of Aspen. The sanctuary is a memorial to singer and songwriter John Denver, who died in a plane crash in 1997. The sanctuary is situated on a hillside overlooking the Rocky Mountains, and it consists of a grove of aspen trees and a granite monument inscribed with some of Denver's most famous lyrics. The sanctuary is open to the public year-round, and it is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching.

Smuggler Mine

Smuggler Mine

0.88km from Aspen Art Museum

The Smuggler Mine is a historic silver mine that was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Smuggler Mine is significant for its high-grade silver ore, which was some of the richest ore ever found in Colorado. The mine operated from 1879 to 1893, and produced over $20 million worth of silver during that time. The Smuggler Mine is now a popular tourist destination, and visitors can tour the old mine workings and see the equipment that was used to extract the silver.

Wheeler/Stallard Museum

Wheeler/Stallard Museum

1.24km from Aspen Art Museum

The Wheeler–Stallard Museum in Aspen, Colorado is a museum dedicated to the history of the American West. The museum was founded in 1977 by brothers John and Malcolm Wheeler, and houses a collection of artifacts and artworks relating to the subject. The museum is located in the former Wheeler Opera House, which was built in 1889. The building itself is a landmark, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

Smuggler Mountain Road

Smuggler Mountain Road

1.32km from Aspen Art Museum

Smuggler Mountain Road is a winding, mountainous road located in Pitkin County. The road is popular with tourists and locals alike, as it offers stunning views of the valley below. However, the road can be treacherous during winter weather, and it is not recommended for inexperienced drivers. The road is also home to a number of businesses, including a restaurant, a gas station, and a small grocery store. Despite its challenges, Smuggler Mountain Road is a beautiful and enjoyable drive.

Discover More Attractions in Pitkin County, Home of Aspen Art Museum

Pitkin County

Pitkin County

45 attractions

Pitkin County is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, just southwest of Aspen. The county is home to several ski resorts, as well as the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area. Tourism is a major industry in Pitkin County, and the area is popular for both winter and summer recreation. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, while in the summer they can hike, fish, and camp. The county is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the

Location of Aspen Art Museum

Comments

To view all hotels near Aspen Art Museum, visit: Hotels near Aspen Art Museum