If you’re Denver-bound for the American Alliance Museum’s 2023 Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, make sure to set aside some time to explore some of the city’s local historical sites, cultural charms, culinary gems, and outdoor adventures. We’ve put together just a few of the top attractions and experiences the Mile High City has to offer, most just a short stroll (or bike ride!) from this year’s conference site at the The Colorado Convention Center. So, if you find yourself with time to spare in between conference activities, go catch a Colorado Rockies game, walk the Mile High Trail in City Park, grab a craft microbrew on the Denver Beer Trail, or explore a few of the city’s eight vibrant neighborhood arts districts!
We hope you have a fantastic time at AAM 2023. See you there!
1. EMBARK ON A GLOBAL ART ODYSSEY AT THE ICONIC DENVER ART MUSEUM
Image courtesy of Denver Art Museum
Immerse yourself in the vast global art collection at Denver Art Museum! With diverse collections spanning from African art and ancient American art to modern and contemporary works, there's something for art lovers of every stripe. Don't miss the revamped Indigenous Arts of North America Galleries, and immerse yourself in the Sensory Garden, an interactive haven maintained by expert gardeners and volunteers. You can even grab some open studio time (Thursdays from 12-5pm) with the museum's Native Arts Artist-in-Residence, indigenous artist Viki Eagle (Sičháŋǧu Lakȟóta), and gain insights into her innovative multimedia project, Re(Mapping) a Rez Metal Sonic ReZistance.
2. Savor Downtown Denver’s Culinary Scene
Sample a craft beer at one of the 150 breweries and taprooms in the metro area
The Colorado Convention Center is in the heart of downtown Denver, surrounded by a vast selection of lunch spots, hip bars, fine dining and more. Get a rum cocktail and some ropa vieja with plantains at local favorite Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar, or experience what Eater calls “a rite of passage for Denver diners” with a smothered green chile burrito at James Beard Award-winning taqueria El Taco de Mexico. Enjoy creative pan-asian cuisine and cocktails while you play a game of table tennis at Ace Eat Serve or settle in for a tasty craft beer surrounded by science-themed decor at Cerebral Brewing.
3. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN CENTENNIAL STATE HISTORY
Image courtesy of History Colorado Center
History Colorado’s network of museums and historic sites extends across the state, including some must-see spots right in the heart of Denver. The History Colorado Center explores narratives of the American West through a rich mix of artifacts, narratives, and art. Its interactive exhibits include Rainbows & Revolutions, an exploration of the history of LGBTQ+ people and culture, and Return of the Corn Mothers, an extraordinary showcase of indigenous culture and tradition across the southwest. Visitors can also explore their creative side with hands-on experiences through the center’s History Colorado Makerspace. The Center for Colorado Women's History offers insights into women's history through lectures, tours, and exhibits.
Pro-Tip: For an extraordinary look at the historical contributions and legacy of women in Colorado, check out the Center for Colorado Women's History, which has lectures, tours and exhibits devoted to expanding the understanding and collective memory of the history of women in Colorado.
4. UNLEASH ADVENTURE AT THE DENVER ZOO
Image courtesy of Denver Zoo
Head to the Denver Zoo for some unforgettable animal adventures! Their 80-acre campus hosts over 3,000 animal residents, where you can march with the penguins at the brand new Pinnacol African Penguin Point, have an unhurried hang with 3-toed friends at the Sloth Tree, and get up close and personal with stingrays and bamboo sharks at the Baja Peninsula-inspired Stingray Cove. Download the free Denver Zoo app, made in partnership with Cuseum, to purchase advance tickets, enhance your exploration with a GPS-enabled in-app map, and unlock fascinating facts about the animal you’re looking at with the tap of a finger!
5. TAKE FLIGHT AT THE AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
A Boeing B-52B Stratofortress; Image courtesy of Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Take a journey through space and time at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, which boasts over 100,000 square feet of mesmerizing aviation and space history. Experience the captivating exhibits featuring historic aircraft, artifacts, and memorabilia – including a rare Model K Sea Plane propeller signed by Orville Wright and meticulously detailed Star Wars replicas –while also delving into the future of aviation and space travel with engaging events and thrillingly realistic flight simulators.
6. EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF LOCAL ART AT REDLINE CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER
RiNo Art Park; Image Courtesy of Redline Contemporary Art Center
Dip your toe into the thriving local art scene at RedLine Contemporary Art Center, a nonprofit arts organization devoted to fostering an accessible and supportive community for up and coming artists. Join them on Friday, May 19th from 5-9 pm for the opening reception of their annual Youth Arts Exhibition, a show celebrating art produced by participants in their Youth Art Mentoring and EPIC Arts programs; Catch Augmented Reality drawing workshops and 3D-Pen demonstrations at their Satellite Saturdays Summer ArtPark Program (Saturday, May 20th from 12-4 pm at RiNo Park), or just wander their extensive collection of exhibitions by contemporary artists across Colorado.
Bonus Points:
⭐ Rent a pedal boat for scenic sail at Smith Lake in Washington Park.
⭐ Check out iconic historic landmark Denver Union Station.
⭐ Enjoy a beignet breakfast at local favorite Lucile’s Creole Cafe.
The Big Blue Bear, by artist Laurence Argent, peeks inside the Colorado Convention Center
These are just a few fun places to check out in Denver! We hope you have a great time at AAM!
Headed to Denver and want to grab a coffee with a member of the Cuseum team? Connect with us!