Forney Museum of Transportation | Denver

The Forney Museum of Transportation, located at 4303 Brighton Boulevard in Denver, is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of transportation across various modes. Established in 1961 from the extensive personal collection of J.D. Forney, founder of Forney Industries, the museum has grown into one of the largest transportation museums in the United States, boasting over 800 artifacts spread across approximately 70,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Museum History and Mission

The museum began as a private collection focused on antique automobiles and locomotives but quickly expanded to include a broad spectrum of transportation-related items. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and display artifacts of historical, artistic, and technological significance related to transportation, aiming to educate the public about the evolution of vehicles and convey the impact of transportation on society and industry.

Extensive Collections

The Forney Museum’s collections span multiple categories, including railroads, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, aircraft, carriages, and other unique vehicles, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the development of transportation technologies.

Railroad and Locomotives

The museum features one of the most impressive collections of railroad equipment in the region, including a Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive (#4005)-one of only eight remaining examples of this massive 4-8-8-4 steam engine, regarded as the largest steam locomotive ever built.

Additional rail artifacts include vintage passenger coaches, cabooses, rotary snowplows, and historic streetcars, providing insights into the golden age of rail travel.

The collection traces rail history from the early days of steam to the advent of diesel engines and modern rail innovations.

Automobiles and Motorcycles

The automotive collection showcases rare and historically significant vehicles such as a 1927 Rolls-Royce, a 1934 Pierce-Arrow, early electric cars like the Detroit Electric, and exotic European makes including Hispano-Suiza.

The motorcycle collection includes an extensive array of Indian motorcycles alongside other classic and vintage bikes, illustrating the evolution of two-wheeled transportation.

The displays explore automotive engineering advances, design aesthetics, and cultural trends linked to motor vehicles.

Other Transportation Modes and Artifacts

The museum houses early bicycles like the 1817 Draisine, considered one of the first two-wheeled vehicles.

It features a remarkable steam tractor from 1923, early fire engines, horse-drawn carriages, sleighs, and historic wagons.

Aircraft-related exhibits include vintage airplanes and aviation memorabilia, reflecting the broader theme of human mobility.

The museum also offers displays of transportation-related toys, models, and ephemera that enrich the narrative of technological and social history.

Exhibits and Visitor Experience

Visitors navigate through vast exhibition halls where vehicles and artifacts are displayed with detailed informational plaques, photographs, and multimedia presentations that tell their stories. The museum preserves the authenticity of its pieces, often showcasing the mechanical workings and craftsmanship in ways that fascinate both casual visitors and transportation enthusiasts.

The scale and diversity of the exhibits provide a chronological and thematic journey from the early days of human-powered transport to the industrial era’s mechanical marvels.

Vehicles are often presented in restored condition, some fully operational for demonstration during special events.

The museum offers hands-on learning opportunities such as model car workshops and model train layouts that engage families and younger visitors.

Programs and Events

The Forney Museum hosts numerous educational programs and special events throughout the year:

Model railroad displays by groups such as the Moffat Modelers provide detailed recreations of historic rail lines.

Family workshops like “Model Car Make & Take” teach children and teens about vehicle design and assembly.

Special thematic exhibitions, seasonal events, and celebrations spotlight aspects such as women in aviation, classic car shows, and holiday activities.

The museum also functions as an event venue, accommodating weddings, receptions, and corporate gatherings within its unique transportation-themed spaces.

Practical Information

The museum operates Thursday through Monday, typically from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Admission fees are modest, with discounts for seniors and children, and free parking is available on site.

Visitors should note the museum’s policy restricting bags and purses to protect exhibits, with lockers provided for convenience.

Located in Denver’s historic RiNo (River North) Art District, the museum is accessible via public transit and offers parking for cars and buses.

Summary

The Forney Museum of Transportation stands as a comprehensive, immersive destination for anyone interested in the history and technology of human mobility. Its remarkable collections-from colossal steam locomotives to delicate early bicycles-combined with engaging educational programs, make it a must-visit for families, historians, engineers, and enthusiasts. The museum not only preserves the artifacts but also celebrates the stories of innovation and progress that have shaped the world’s transportation landscape.