Denver Firefighters Museum | Denver

The Denver Firefighters Museum, located at 1326 Tremont Place in downtown Denver, is a historical and educational institution housed within the original Fire Station No. 1, a building dating back to 1909. This museum serves both as a tribute to the history of Denver’s fire service and as an interactive fire safety learning center for visitors of all ages.

Building and Historical Significance

The museum occupies a fully preserved historic firehouse, designed in the Italianate style with red brick, arched windows, and a distinct firehouse tower. Originally home to one of Denver’s most important fire companies, it served as a working fire station until 1974, after which it was decommissioned and eventually transformed into a museum by 1978. The building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, contributing architectural authenticity and historical atmosphere to the museum experience.

The building retains many original features, such as:

Horse stalls where fire horses were once kept.

Pole holes and rails, originally used by firefighters for rapid descent.

Apparatus bays where early engines were stored.

Vintage architectural elements like tin ceilings, hardwood floors, and brass fittings.

Mission and Vision

The museum's mission centers around two goals:

To preserve and honor the history of the Denver Fire Department, one of the oldest professional departments in the western United States.

To educate the public about fire safety and prevention, with a focus on family-oriented learning and interactive engagement.

With a vast collection of over 30,000 artifacts, it combines historical preservation with practical fire education in a setting that is immersive and accessible.

Museum Layout and Exhibits

The museum is organized across two main levels and includes four galleries, each presenting a different theme in firefighting history and safety.

Main Floor Gallery

This level offers a chronological and thematic journey through firefighting:

Firefighting Tools and Equipment: Showcases the evolution of tools, including axes, lanterns, nozzles, and hoses from the 1800s to the present.

Fire Alarms and Communications: Features alarm systems from telegraph boxes to rotary phones, and includes examples of 9-1-1 call centers.

Protective Gear Display: Highlights the development of firefighter uniforms-leather helmets, heavy wool coats, turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and more.

Engines and Apparatus: A centerpiece exhibit features hand-pulled, horse-drawn, and early motorized fire engines, including restored examples from the early 20th century.

Life in the Station: Recreates daily life in the firehouse, including sleeping quarters, dining areas, and lockers used by past crews.

Second Floor Gallery

This section dives deeper into firefighter culture and operational history:

Major Fires of Denver: Chronicles significant events like the 1863 Denver fire and the 1904 Daniels & Fisher fire, with archival photos and survivor stories.

Firefighter Training and Drills: Includes mannequins, training props, and simulation displays showing how recruits learn emergency techniques.

Mock Fire Safety Home: A full-scale house setup where visitors can practice escape plans, identify hazards, and learn what to do in case of fire at home.

Living Quarters Replica: Recreates a vintage firehouse kitchen and dorm room, showing how firefighters lived during their long shifts.

Note: The second floor is only accessible via stairs; unfortunately, there is no elevator, but most interactive content for children is on the first level.

Children’s and Family Activities

A major appeal of the Denver Firefighters Museum is its highly interactive children’s section. Young visitors can:

Dress up in child-sized firefighter gear.

Slide down a small firepole.

Handle a real firehose connected to a safe water pump.

Make a 9-1-1 call at a simulation station.

Play in a puppet theater, participate in role-play as junior firefighters, and complete a scavenger hunt.

These exhibits emphasize fire safety education in a hands-on and engaging way, reinforcing critical messages like “stop, drop, and roll,” “check your smoke detector,” and “plan your escape route.”

Programs, Events, and Outreach

The museum regularly offers structured programs and special events, including:

“Squirt’s Fire Safety Class” – for toddlers and preschoolers, combining stories, games, and basic safety messages.

Junior Firefighter Academy – a day camp program where children learn about fire science, teamwork, and safety drills.

Field Trips and Group Visits – tailored tours for schools, scout troops, and community organizations, often ending in a badge ceremony.

Special Event Days – such as Fire Prevention Week, Teddy Bear Clinics (where kids bring stuffed animals to be “rescued” and bandaged), and summer community fairs.

Senior citizens are also welcomed with free admission on designated “Senior Saturdays.”

Visitor Information

Address: 1326 Tremont Place, Denver, CO 80204
Located directly across from Civic Center Park and the Denver City & County Building.

Hours:
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(Last admission at 3:30 PM)

Admission:
Adults: $9
Seniors/Students/Military: $8
Children (ages 2–12): $6
Under 2: Free

Accessibility:
The first floor is wheelchair accessible; however, there is no elevator to the second level.

Parking:
No on-site parking. Visitors must use nearby metered street parking or paid lots. The museum is easily accessible via RTD light rail and bus lines.

Atmosphere and Experience

Visitors typically spend 1 to 1.5 hours at the museum, depending on interest and whether children are in the group. The space is quiet, clean, and welcoming, with helpful staff and volunteers often available to answer questions. The museum blends authentic historical storytelling with immersive, hands-on learning, making it equally enjoyable for history enthusiasts, families with children, and school groups.

Summary

The Denver Firefighters Museum is more than just a showcase of old firetrucks-it's a deeply engaging educational space where the past meets public safety. With authentic historical artifacts, a warm and interactive environment for children, and a location in a preserved 1909 firehouse, it captures the bravery, discipline, and evolution of the firefighting profession while inspiring a sense of community safety awareness.