FAQ
General Visitor FAQs
Can I sketch in the museum?
Pack your pencils and get inspired in the galleries. Small notebooks (8 ½ by 11 inches or smaller) and pencils are welcome, but please leave colored pencils and pens at home.
Can I take pictures inside the museum?
Snap those pics! Photography is welcomed in all of the permanent galleries, but the flash must be off at all times. You will find a sign at the gallery door or on the object label, if photography is not allowed. If you're not sure, ask a security officer.
Can I carry bags in the museum?
Please use our free lockers on level one of both buildings to stow your bags, lunches, and packages.
Kids & Families FAQs
Thinking of making a trip with the family to the museum but need more details? We have the answers to commonly questions that will make your visit a breeze. Also, explore the Kids & Families page.
- Restrooms and water fountains: every level, both buildings
- Family restrooms: level one in North Building and lower level and levels one, two and three in Hamilton Building
- Strollers: level one in North Building and level one in Hamilton Building—free checkout at welcome center
- Eatin': snacks allowed on lower level and in Duncan Pavilion on level two in North Building, find snacks and coffee in the back of the Museum Shop in Hamilton Building, and a family-friendly menu is available at Mad Greens on Martin Plaza, across the Hamilton Building.
Things to Try in the Galleries
Ask questions:
- What is the first thing you see in the painting?
- Does this artwork remind you of any place you have been?
Don't be bashful—explore through movement and sound:
- Pose like the people, shapes, or lines you see.
- Make up a story.
- Imagine what you would hear, smell, or feel if you were in the art.
Remember:
- Let your children choose what interests them.
- Take time exploring. You don’t have to see the entire museum in one visit!
- It’s OK of you don’t know much about art—have fun figuring it out and imaging it together!
How do I remove the Seymour tattoo?
Has that Seymour tattoo been hanging around on your little one’s hand for days? Not to worry. Use any of these things on a paper towel (plus a little elbow grease) to get rid of that temporary tattoo.
- Goo Be Gone
- Olive Oil/
- Mouthwash with peroxide
- Baby Oil
- Nail Polish Remover
- Waterproof sunscreen lotion
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Baby Wipes
School & Teacher FAQs
Got questions about how to book a field trip? Not sure about where to park? Check out our FAQ and if you’re still wondering, contact the DAM by emailing mstanley@denverartmuseum.org. Also, visit the Schools & Teachers page to learn about all the teacher workshops, field trips, online resources, and more that we offer.
Reservations
How do I make a reservation for a field trip?
You must register at least three weeks in advance. First, choose a field trip type, date, and time, then call 720-913-0130. Our school tour reservation office is open Monday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm.
Are you taking reservations for the entire school year?
Yes, we currently are accepting reservations through May 24, 2013.
Can I schedule more than one tour for our students?
Yes, many teachers book two tours for their students on the same day.
To visit the museum but not go on a guided tour, do we still need a reservation?
Reservations for self-guided tours must be made at least one week in advance, depending on availability.
After we register, will we get verification that our field trip is booked?
Yes, we'll e-mail you a confirmation letter/invoice, plus a map showing you the bus drop-off location, bus parking, and the school entrance. If your tour is guided, one of the tour guides will call three to five days before your visit to confirm details about your tour(s).
Fees & Payment
Do we have to pay?
Yes, see field trip descriptions for fees. Chaperones are free. Some scholarships (free and reduced fees) are available, especially for Denver Public Schools.
When do I pay?
Payment is due upon arrival. Please collect the money ahead and pay for the whole group in one payment (credit card, check, or cash). We do not do refunds.
Planning Your Visit
Can we get a map of where to go?
We will e-mail a map to you along with your confirmation letter.
Where do we park?
Buses park on Lincoln and Broadway between 14th and Colfax in the far right lanes. Cars can park at meters, in lots south of the museum, or in the Civic Center Cultural Complex Garage on Broadway. Enter the garage from 12th Avenue, just west of Broadway. These locations are marked on the map that you'll receive with your confirmation letter. All parking requires fees.
What if we have more chaperones than required?
That’s fine, and we don’t charge for extra chaperones for most field trips. We expect chaperones to help keep the group together, facilitate students’ engagement with the art, and manage student discipline. Students must stay with their chaperones at all times.
Arriving for Your Field Trip
What time should we arrive?
Arrive 15 minutes before the start time. For Becoming Van Gogh, arrive 30 minutes before start time. If you arrive earlier, please wait outside.
Where do we go when we get to the DAM?
You will enter through the school entrance which is a orange gate along the wall of the North Building on 14th Avenue Parkway. You will receive a map with your confirmation letter that will show you the school entrance as well as bus drop-off and bus parking locations.
What should the teacher do when we arrive?
Check in with the Tour Receptionist, who will show you where to put your stuff and where to meet your museum guides. You can also take care of payment at this time.
Where can we put our stuff?
We have plastic bins for lunches and cloth bins for coats. Both bins will be labeled with your school's name for easy retrieval. If at all possible, please leave backpacks on the bus. The museum is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Take anything valuable with your or put it in a locker.
During Your Visit
Can we take pictures?
You may take pictures of objects that belong to the museum. You may not take pictures of objects in special exhibitions or on loan to the museum. No flash is permitted. Ask the museum guide or the officer giving the security talk for more information on photography. In the galleries any security officer can tell you if the museum owns an object or not.
Can we sketch?
You can sketch in most areas of the museum. You must use black graphite pencil and 8-1/2 x 11" paper. No pens or clipboards. We have strong cardboard to use as backing.
Where can we eat lunch?
Parks around the museum are great places for a picnic. Some groups may want to eat on the bus. The museum has no lunchroom for students.
Special Needs
What kind of accommodations do you have for kids with special needs?
All of our programs are available for all students. Please inform the reservationist of any special needs your students, chaperones, or teachers have.
Cancellations
What do we do if we need to cancel?
If you need to cancel on the day of your tour, call our security office at 720-865-5005. If it is before the day of your tour, call the school tour reservationist at 720-913-0130.
Artwork FAQs
I found a painting in my grandmother’s house. Is it real? What’s it worth?
The museum does not perform authentications or valuations. You can find a certified appraiser at www.appraisers.org. An auction resource like Christie’s or Sotheby’s—or even an online auction site like www.ebay.com or www.artprice.com—can help you learn more about the value of your object.
Where can I learn more about a specific artist or type of art?
You can research artists and art in many different ways. Start your search online at a site like www.artcyclopedia.com or www.askart.com. The Denver Art Museum Library is available by appointment for art researchers. You should also search your local library—librarians are great at getting hard-to-find information, so be sure to ask! The Denver Public Library’s librarians offer online assistance at www.askcolorado.org/info. For information about outdoor art in Denver, visit www.denvergov.org/publicart.
I'm a college student conducting research. How can I get information about an artwork in the galleries?
We’re glad that you are interested and will do our best to provide the information you seek in a timely manner. Please follow our guidelines for college students.
I'm an artist. Would the DAM consider me for a solo exhibition?
Solo exhibitions are extremely rare. Artists may send exhibition announcements of their work. We’ll happily review these announcements and, in some cases, may attend the show. Artists may send digital images or links to online portfolios to a curator through info@denverartmuseum.org.
How do I donate an artwork to the museum?
We appreciate your consideration and are happy to review the object with a curator to determine if the artwork fits our collection policies. Please send a photograph and a letter about the object to Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, CO 80204.
Does the museum buy art?
We do occasionally consider art for purchase and ask that you send us a photograph with a letter telling us about the object (include information on how you acquired the piece) and the terms of your sale. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words! Please do not bring it to the museum unless you already have an appointment.
May I talk to a curator?
Curators are often traveling or heavily scheduled, so an appointment is absolutely necessary. When making an appointment, it is important that you state the reason for your call. In most cases, questions can be answered with a little research on your part or by the department’s support staff.
I have an artwork that needs to be cleaned. Who should I call?
The museum cannot endorse specific conservators. Excellent information on selecting a conservator is available on the American Institute for Conservation website at http://www.conservation-us.org.
I need to move a large painting or sculpture. How do I do it?
There are a limited number of companies that specialize in fine art handling and shipping both locally and nationwide. For crating or shipping in Denver and the region, contact www.terrydowd.com or www.shipart.com. For crating or shipping outside the region, you can try www.usart.com, www.artexfas.com, or www.atelier4.com. The museum does not endorse any specific art handling and shipping companies.
I need to have a work of art framed. Can you recommend someone?
Matting and framing is done by many companies in our area. Some practice the most current conservation methods available. It’s up to you to request the level of care you want. The American Institute for Conservation can tell you what kinds of questions to ask; visit http://www.conservation-us.org/treasures.