Animas Museum | Durango

Information

Landmark: Animas Museum
City: Durango
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America

Animas Museum, Durango, USA Colorado, North America

The Animas Museum is a local history museum situated in Durango, Colorado, USA.

It is housed within the former Durango Central School building.

Visual Characteristics

The museum building is a two-story brick structure constructed in the Classical Revival architectural style. It features a prominent central entrance with a stone portico and arched windows. The exterior brickwork is red, and the roof is composed of slate tiles. The building measures approximately 150 feet in length and 80 feet in width.

Location & Access Logistics

The Animas Museum is located at 3065 West 2nd Avenue in Durango, Colorado. It is approximately 2 miles west of the Durango city center. Access is via West 2nd Avenue, which connects to Main Avenue (US Highway 160). Parking is available in a dedicated lot adjacent to the museum, with space for approximately 30 vehicles. Public transport options include the Durango Transit Route 3 bus, which stops within a 0.2km walk of the museum entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was constructed in 1905 as Durango Central School. It served as an educational facility until 1975. The Animas Museum was established in 1981 and moved into the former school building in 1984. The original purpose of the building was to provide public education for the growing population of Durango.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits focus on the history of Durango and La Plata County. Specific displays include information on the railroad, mining, local Native American tribes, and early pioneer life. The museum offers self-guided tours of its permanent and temporary exhibits. Educational programs and workshops are conducted periodically.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on both floors of the museum. Limited shaded areas are present on the museum grounds. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the building. No on-site food vendors are present, but several restaurants are located within a 1km radius along Main Avenue.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round. For optimal lighting on exterior architectural details, late afternoon (3 PM - 5 PM) provides direct sunlight on the west-facing facade. The best months for visiting are typically May through October, when outdoor conditions are more favorable for travel to Durango.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity is that the school bell, which once signaled the start and end of classes, is still housed in its original belfry atop the building. A local tip for visitors is to look for the original chalkboards still present in some of the preserved classrooms.