American Museum of Western Art The Anschutz Collection
Discover the American West through a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, and furniture from the 1800s to today.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy quiet contemplation.
American Museum of Western Art The Anschutz Collection
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy quiet contemplation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the American West through a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, and furniture from the 1800s to today.
"A great value with a fantastic collection of Western art, though some find the staff a bit stern. "
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for deeper insights! Doug was a fantastic guide.
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Respect the rules; guards are vigilant about phones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Anschutz Collection
A stunning display of American West paintings from the 1800s to today. Immerse yourself in the frontier spirit.
Historic Building
Admire the beautiful architecture of the museum itself, adding to the overall experience.
Guided Tours
Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper insights into the art and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Limited Hours & Days
Photography Restrictions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for deeper insights! Doug was a fantastic guide.
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Respect the rules; guards are vigilant about phones.
American Museum of Western Art
What are the hidden gem activities to do? Things that are more unique and less touristy
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Only open Mon, Wed, Fri, 10 AM - 4 PM. Plan accordingly!
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Audio
Audio headsets offer interesting narration for a self-paced visit.
What's your favorite Denver museum?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for deeper insights! Doug was a fantastic guide.
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Respect the rules; guards are vigilant about phones.
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Only open Mon, Wed, Fri, 10 AM - 4 PM. Plan accordingly!
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Audio
Audio headsets offer interesting narration for a self-paced visit.
↔️ Keep Your Distance
Politely asked to step back from paintings; guards are watchful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the American Museum of Western Art for its 'incredible' collection of Western paintings and its 'great value' with 'really cheap' tickets. The historic building and well-done audio tours are also highlights. However, some reviewers found the staff 'unsmiling' and 'not that friendly,' and the strict no-photography policy, enforced by vigilant guards, detracted from the experience for a few. +2
"Very interesting art museum in a beautiful old building. I did a self guided tour with an audio headset. The narration was interesting and we'll done. The organization of the paintings was well thought it. I learned a lot about the a artists and the historical contexts. A very pleasant afternoon!"
Muriel Rand
"Worth stopping in to visit if you are interested in Western Art. Great value but felt a little more pious and stuffy than other museums we visited, mostly because of photography not being allowed. We also got a little too close to the paintings and we're politely asked to keep our distance. Understandable, but quite a change from the Denver Art Museum where we felt as though we had more freedom and less like we were being watched the whole time.
Hours and days are limited to 10:00am - 4:00pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only, so make sure to plan accordingly.
My 17 year old daughter and I stopped in here on a Wednesday in July 2024 and enjoyed our visit and liked learning more about the artists and their work, most of whom we had not heard of before. If this sort of art interests you, you definitely need to visit."
Chris Hanes
"This museum was incredible!! Paintings, sculptures, furniture and many other works of art. Photos, videos or any type of media was not allowed in the museum."
999 GGG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in a historic building. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's best to check local transit maps or ride-sharing options for the most convenient route to the museum's address.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce. Visitors often rely on street parking or nearby public lots. It's advisable to research parking options in the vicinity before your visit.
Details on accessibility are not extensively provided in reviews. It's recommended to contact the museum directly to inquire about wheelchair access and facilities.
Many visitors find it a pleasant stop, especially if interested in Western art. Consider combining it with other nearby attractions if you're exploring the area.
While not directly related to the museum's services, the surrounding area likely offers various accommodation options. Research hotels in the vicinity based on your travel plans.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum has limited hours, open only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Always double-check their official schedule before visiting.
Tickets are described as 'really cheap' and offering 'great value,' making it an affordable option for an afternoon of art and history.
It's generally possible to purchase tickets upon arrival, but given the limited opening days, it's wise to confirm this or consider booking in advance if an online option is available.
While specific discount programs aren't detailed, the reviews consistently mention the low ticket prices, suggesting it's already a budget-friendly experience.
No specific dress code is mentioned, but given the 'pious and stuffy' atmosphere described by some, dressing respectfully is advisable.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum showcases paintings, sculptures, furniture, and other artworks primarily focused on the American West, spanning from the early 1800s to the present day. +1
No, photography, videography, and any type of media recording are strictly prohibited inside the museum. Guards are vigilant about enforcing this rule. +1
Yes, a self-guided tour with an audio headset is available and well-regarded for its interesting and well-done narration.
Visitors describe it as a 'pleasant afternoon' or a 'fun way to spend the afternoon,' suggesting a visit of 2-3 hours is sufficient to enjoy the collection.
Some reviews mention the guards being 'unsmiling' and 'not that friendly,' and 'snotty staff' has been cited as a reason to reconsider visiting. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely not. Photography, videography, and any form of media capture are forbidden within the museum premises. +1
The exact reason isn't stated, but it's a strict policy enforced by the museum staff. Some speculate it's to protect the artwork or maintain a specific atmosphere.
You will likely be politely asked to stop by the guards. Reviews suggest they are vigilant about enforcing this rule.
Exterior photography is generally permitted for most public buildings. However, it's always best to be discreet and respectful of the property.
The main tip is to refrain from taking photos inside. Focus on experiencing the art directly and perhaps sketching if that's your interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, for families with older children or teenagers interested in art and history, it can be a rewarding visit. The 'really cheap' ticket prices make it an accessible outing. Consider the guided tour or audio headset to add an interactive element to the visit, making the art and history more digestible for younger minds.
💰 Budget Travelers
Given the limited opening hours, it's best to plan your visit strategically to maximize your time. The museum offers a substantial cultural experience without a hefty price tag, making it a smart addition to an itinerary focused on value.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a more formal viewing experience, with strict rules on photography. However, the quality and depth of the collection itself are likely to outweigh any minor inconveniences for true art aficionados.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Artists
Many visitors appreciate learning about the artists and their historical contexts, finding the organization of the paintings thoughtful and educational. While some artists may be unfamiliar to the general public, the museum provides an excellent opportunity to discover new talents and perspectives on Western art. The collection aims to be both historically significant and aesthetically engaging, making it a worthwhile visit for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
It's important to note that the museum's focus is specifically on Western American art, differentiating it from broader art institutions. This specialization allows for a deeper dive into a particular genre and historical period, offering a unique cultural experience.
Visitor Experience and Etiquette
Some visitors have described the staff as 'unsmiling,' 'not that friendly,' and even 'snotty,' which has deterred potential visitors. This contrasts with the 'cheap' ticket prices and 'great value' that many appreciate. The museum's organization of paintings is generally praised, and the historic building itself adds to the ambiance. However, the 'pious and stuffy' feeling, coupled with the strict rules, might not appeal to everyone seeking a more relaxed museum environment.
Key etiquette points to remember include respecting the no-photography rule, maintaining a polite distance from the artwork as instructed by guards, and being mindful of the limited opening hours. If you're looking for an in-depth exploration of Western art in a more traditional museum setting, this could be a great option, but be prepared for a more formal experience.
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