Information
Landmark: History Colorado CenterCity: Denver
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America
History Colorado Center, Denver, USA Colorado, North America
Overview
The History Colorado Center, located at 1200 Broadway in downtown Denver, is a modern, state-of-the-art museum dedicated to exploring and celebrating the rich and diverse history of Colorado.
Opened in 2012, it functions as the flagship facility for History Colorado, the state’s official historical society.
The center combines innovative technology, immersive exhibits, and engaging storytelling to provide visitors with a deep understanding of Colorado’s cultural, environmental, and social evolution from prehistoric times to the present day.<h3>Architecture and Building Design</h3>The building itself is a notable feature, designed by Tryba Architects with a focus on sustainability and reflecting Colorado’s natural landscapes.
The exterior and interior incorporate elements inspired by the Rocky Mountains, including skylights shaped like mountain peaks and an expansive terrazzo floor map of Colorado.
The center has earned LEED Gold certification, highlighting its environmentally conscious construction and operations.<h3>Permanent Exhibits</h3>The History Colorado Center presents a wide range of permanent exhibits that together form a comprehensive narrative of Colorado’s past and present:<strong>Living West</strong>: This expansive exhibit covers Colorado’s environmental history and the complex relationship between its people and the land.
It includes immersive sections on the ancient Ancestral Puebloans of Mesa Verde, the Dust Bowl’s impact on Colorado agriculture, and the ongoing challenges and beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Visitors can explore how Colorado’s environment shaped its cultures and economies.<strong>Colorado Stories</strong>: This exhibit highlights pivotal events, people, and movements that have defined the state’s history.
It covers a broad spectrum including Native American history, mining booms, the railroad’s impact, and the rise of cities like Denver and Boulder.
It emphasizes the diverse cultural heritage and contributions of various communities.<strong>Denver A-Z</strong>: An interactive and engaging exhibit that uses artifacts, stories, and multimedia to tell the history of Denver, one letter at a time.
This alphabetically organized display covers everything from architecture and arts to historic events and local personalities.<strong>Destination Colorado</strong>: A life-size recreation of a small Colorado town from the early 1900s, featuring a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, and a printing press.
This immersive environment allows visitors to step back in time and experience daily life as it was over a century ago.<strong>Time Machine</strong>: An interactive exhibit where visitors can virtually travel through different eras of Colorado history, exploring changes in culture, technology, and society over time.<strong>Denver Diorama</strong>: A detailed miniature model depicting Denver as it appeared in the late 19th century, offering a visual perspective on the city’s early development and urban landscape.<h3>Interactive and Educational Spaces</h3><strong>Makerspace</strong>: A hands-on creative area where visitors can participate in activities such as art-making, storytelling, and historical crafts tied to Colorado’s heritage.
It encourages active learning and creativity for visitors of all ages.<strong>Backstory: Western American Art in Context</strong>: This exhibit examines iconic Western American artworks, placing them in historical and cultural contexts.
It provides insight into how art reflects and shapes perceptions of the American West.<h3>Research and Collections</h3>The History Colorado Center houses the <strong>Stephen H.
Hart Library & Research Center</strong>, which contains over 15 million historical items including photographs, manuscripts, artifacts, and maps.
This extensive archive supports academic research, genealogical inquiries, and educational projects.
The center provides access to scholars and the public, preserving Colorado’s historical records and cultural memory.<h3>Community Engagement and Events</h3>The museum is deeply connected to the community through ongoing programs, lectures, and special events that celebrate Colorado’s heritage and promote cultural understanding.
Notable programs include:<strong>Bold Women.
Change History.</strong>: A series spotlighting influential Colorado women and their contributions to the state and nation.<strong>Stories Through Food</strong>: Events that explore Colorado’s culinary traditions, connecting food with history and culture.Rotating exhibits, workshops, film screenings, and family-friendly activities are regularly held to engage diverse audiences.<h3>Visitor Information and Amenities</h3><strong>Hours</strong>: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with closures on major holidays and early closing on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.<strong>Admission</strong>: Adults pay $15; children under 18 and members enter free, encouraging family visits and community involvement.<strong>Accessibility</strong>: The center is fully accessible, with accommodations for visitors with disabilities.<strong>Parking</strong>: Metered street parking and nearby lots, with discounted covered parking available at the nearby Art Garage.<strong>Amenities</strong>: Onsite café, museum store with history-themed merchandise, and spaces for community gatherings and educational programs.<h3>Significance</h3>The History Colorado Center stands out as a vibrant cultural institution that brings the state’s history to life through technology, narrative, and hands-on experiences.
It balances honoring the past—through artifacts and stories—with fostering an understanding of contemporary Colorado’s identity and challenges.
This museum serves as an essential destination for residents and visitors alike who seek to connect with the multifaceted history of Colorado in an engaging and meaningful way.
Opened in 2012, it functions as the flagship facility for History Colorado, the state’s official historical society.
The center combines innovative technology, immersive exhibits, and engaging storytelling to provide visitors with a deep understanding of Colorado’s cultural, environmental, and social evolution from prehistoric times to the present day.<h3>Architecture and Building Design</h3>The building itself is a notable feature, designed by Tryba Architects with a focus on sustainability and reflecting Colorado’s natural landscapes.
The exterior and interior incorporate elements inspired by the Rocky Mountains, including skylights shaped like mountain peaks and an expansive terrazzo floor map of Colorado.
The center has earned LEED Gold certification, highlighting its environmentally conscious construction and operations.<h3>Permanent Exhibits</h3>The History Colorado Center presents a wide range of permanent exhibits that together form a comprehensive narrative of Colorado’s past and present:<strong>Living West</strong>: This expansive exhibit covers Colorado’s environmental history and the complex relationship between its people and the land.
It includes immersive sections on the ancient Ancestral Puebloans of Mesa Verde, the Dust Bowl’s impact on Colorado agriculture, and the ongoing challenges and beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Visitors can explore how Colorado’s environment shaped its cultures and economies.<strong>Colorado Stories</strong>: This exhibit highlights pivotal events, people, and movements that have defined the state’s history.
It covers a broad spectrum including Native American history, mining booms, the railroad’s impact, and the rise of cities like Denver and Boulder.
It emphasizes the diverse cultural heritage and contributions of various communities.<strong>Denver A-Z</strong>: An interactive and engaging exhibit that uses artifacts, stories, and multimedia to tell the history of Denver, one letter at a time.
This alphabetically organized display covers everything from architecture and arts to historic events and local personalities.<strong>Destination Colorado</strong>: A life-size recreation of a small Colorado town from the early 1900s, featuring a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, and a printing press.
This immersive environment allows visitors to step back in time and experience daily life as it was over a century ago.<strong>Time Machine</strong>: An interactive exhibit where visitors can virtually travel through different eras of Colorado history, exploring changes in culture, technology, and society over time.<strong>Denver Diorama</strong>: A detailed miniature model depicting Denver as it appeared in the late 19th century, offering a visual perspective on the city’s early development and urban landscape.<h3>Interactive and Educational Spaces</h3><strong>Makerspace</strong>: A hands-on creative area where visitors can participate in activities such as art-making, storytelling, and historical crafts tied to Colorado’s heritage.
It encourages active learning and creativity for visitors of all ages.<strong>Backstory: Western American Art in Context</strong>: This exhibit examines iconic Western American artworks, placing them in historical and cultural contexts.
It provides insight into how art reflects and shapes perceptions of the American West.<h3>Research and Collections</h3>The History Colorado Center houses the <strong>Stephen H.
Hart Library & Research Center</strong>, which contains over 15 million historical items including photographs, manuscripts, artifacts, and maps.
This extensive archive supports academic research, genealogical inquiries, and educational projects.
The center provides access to scholars and the public, preserving Colorado’s historical records and cultural memory.<h3>Community Engagement and Events</h3>The museum is deeply connected to the community through ongoing programs, lectures, and special events that celebrate Colorado’s heritage and promote cultural understanding.
Notable programs include:<strong>Bold Women.
Change History.</strong>: A series spotlighting influential Colorado women and their contributions to the state and nation.<strong>Stories Through Food</strong>: Events that explore Colorado’s culinary traditions, connecting food with history and culture.Rotating exhibits, workshops, film screenings, and family-friendly activities are regularly held to engage diverse audiences.<h3>Visitor Information and Amenities</h3><strong>Hours</strong>: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with closures on major holidays and early closing on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.<strong>Admission</strong>: Adults pay $15; children under 18 and members enter free, encouraging family visits and community involvement.<strong>Accessibility</strong>: The center is fully accessible, with accommodations for visitors with disabilities.<strong>Parking</strong>: Metered street parking and nearby lots, with discounted covered parking available at the nearby Art Garage.<strong>Amenities</strong>: Onsite café, museum store with history-themed merchandise, and spaces for community gatherings and educational programs.<h3>Significance</h3>The History Colorado Center stands out as a vibrant cultural institution that brings the state’s history to life through technology, narrative, and hands-on experiences.
It balances honoring the past—through artifacts and stories—with fostering an understanding of contemporary Colorado’s identity and challenges.
This museum serves as an essential destination for residents and visitors alike who seek to connect with the multifaceted history of Colorado in an engaging and meaningful way.
