Frequently Asked Questions

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 gallery host.

Can I carry a backpack or bag in the museum?

Average school sized backpacks (17 x 13 and 6 to 8 inches in depth) are allowed. Oversized bags are not allowed in gallery spaces (barring an exception for medical needs). Larger oversized bags can be stored in one of our lockers, located on level 1 and lower level of each building. Please consider leaving any unneeded bags or items at home during your visit.

Can I sketch inside the museum?

Pack your pencils and get inspired in the galleries. Small notebooks (11 x 14 inches or smaller) and pencils are welcome, but please leave colored pencils and pens at home.

Can I take videos inside the museum?

Personal videography is allowed in the museum (tag @denverartmuseum or use the hashtag #DenverArtMuseum if you're sharing the video on social media). If you are a representative of a corporation or the media and are looking to film onsite, please fill out a formal photography and filming request. The museum reviews all requests on a case-by-case basis. All corporate requests must be made 10 business days in advance of the desired filming/shooting date. All media requests must be made 5 business days in advance of the desired filming/shooting date.

Are service animals allowed inside the museum?

Service animals, defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as guide dogs and miniature horses, are welcome at the museum. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted inside the museum. If you have questions about this policy or need assistance planning your visit, please contact the museum at 720-913-0130 or email us at access@denverartmuseum.org.

How much is admission?

The cost of your general admission ticket depends on if you live in Colorado or elsewhere, and whether you're a student, senior, or veteran. Please refer to our ticketing chart for the most up-to-date information.

Admission is always free for members and youth 18 and under through our Free for Kids program.

When does the museum offer free admission?

Several times throughout the year, admission is free to all visitors through our Free Days at the DAM program. We encourage all visitors to reserve tickets in advance; however limited walk-in tickets will also be available. Find an upcoming free day.

Does a general admission ticket include access to special exhibitions?

A general admission ticket provides access to all of the museum's nonticketed galleries, exhibitions, and the Kirkland Museum. Occasionally a special exhibition will require an additional charge.

Do I need to purchase my ticket in advance?

We strongly recommend tickets be purchased in advance. However, tickets can always be purchased at the visitor services desk upon your arrival.

Do members need tickets?

No, members can simply show their physical or digital membership card at the visitor services desk upon arrival.

I am disabled, do you have any special visitation procedures I should be aware of?

The museum offers wheelchairs for free check out at the visitor services desk. Portable stools for use by visitors with mobility needs are available on every floor. All materials will be sanitized between uses. Please note that most onsite seating has been removed for public health reasons.

Where can I park for my visit to the Denver Art Museum?

The City of Denver’s Cultural Center Garage, on 12th Ave. between Broadway and Bannock streets, is open for access. Additional metered street parking and paid surface lot parking also is available in the Golden Triangle neighborhood. More information on the garage.

Will the cost of parking change?

The City of Denver is the owner of the Cultural Center Garage. For more information on parking and pricing, visit here.

Is there a designated drop-off area at the Denver Art Museum for those using shared ride services, Uber or Lyft?

Yes, a new designated drop off area for ride shares opened with the Martin Building. It is along 13th Ave. in front of the new Sie Welcome Center entrance.

Do you have any café or food options onsite?

Yes, The Ponti is our new full-service on-site restaurant. Through a collaboration with James Beard Award winner and celebrated Denver chef Jennifer Jasinski, the concept of The Ponti was born. As the restaurant’s consulting chef, Jasinski has developed menu concepts, as well as help select and train the restaurant’s culinary staff. Reservations for The Ponti are available via OpenTable from the restaurant website. In addition to The Ponti, quick-service casual dining is available at Café Gio, located just across the hall, during regular museum hours.

Is The Ponti open for dinner?

The Ponti is open for lunch daily, and for dinner on Tuesdays and Fridays. Visit The Ponti's website for complete hours of operation and to make a reservation.

I heard Kirkland Museum is merging with the Denver Art Museum?

Yes! We have begun a process that will take 12-18 months to merge our two vibrant cultural institutions into one! Our teams have been working closely to align our ticketing and infrastructures, and we now have one ticket that gets you into both institutions with ages 13-18 free.

While the process of merging will continue to unfold over the next year, we are working to preserve Kirkland Museum’s intimate atmosphere and distinctive vignette-style displays, remaining in the Jim Olson building on Bannock Street. Eventually we will align hours and all-ages access across all spaces. For the time being, Kirkland Museum remains closed Mondays and Tuesdays. This merger will ensure that Kirkland Museum’s legacy will be shepherded and preserved for generations to come. The alliance was born out of a shared commitment to enriching the cultural experience for visitors.

Can children visit the Kirkland Museum?

Visitors ages 13 to 18 are welcome and admission is free as of October 2, 2024, thanks to the Free for Kids program presented by Bellco Credit Union. Denver Art Museum’s access for all ages will include Kirkland Museum sometime in mid-2025.

How do I arrange for a group visit or tour of the Kirkland Museum?

Please visit the Groups and Tours page to learn more about scheduling a group reservation or tour at the Kirkland Museum.

Where is the most accessible visitor parking?

Accessible paid parking is located on the west side of the building. The parking lot is accessible from the alley between Bannock and Cherokee Street. Two designated handicap spaces are located adjacent to the Museum entrance on the parking lot side of the building. Additionally, there is metered parking on Bannock St. and 12th Ave.

Is the Kirkland Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all public areas of the Museum are wheelchair accessible. Transport wheelchairs, a self-propelled wheelchair and a walker are available for use on site on a first come, first served basis. Please inquire with the Welcome Desk staff upon your arrival to request their use. Reservations are not accepted.

Do you ever offer free admission?

Kirkland Museum will eventually be part of the Denver Art Museum’s robust Free Days program, but for the time being, we do not participate. Please see our Events page or social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) for more information and updates.

Is there an audio guide?

Yes! Take a free introductory audio tour through the galleries on your own smartphone on our free mobile guide and audio tour, available on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app.

Is there visitor seating?

Yes. Please take care to sit only on benches clearly marked “Visitor Seating,” stationed throughout the galleries. Lightweight, easy-to-carry folding stools are also available.

Is photography allowed?

Photography is permitted—without flash—for personal use only. Selfie-sticks, tripods and monopods are not allowed. For commercial use or publication, please [insider DAM policy here or link.]

Will I need to check my bag or coat?

We ask that visitors leave coats, umbrellas, water bottles, oversized bags and backpacks in our complimentary lockers. Lockers keys may be checked out at the Welcome Desk with valid ID.

Can I bring food or drink into the galleries?

No food or drink is allowed in the galleries, including open water containers.

Are pets or emotional support animals permitted in the galleries?

No. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed under any circumstances. Service animals are welcome in the museum.

Is sketching permitted in the galleries?

Yes. Sketch pads are limited to 11×17 inches and smaller. Color media such as colored pencils, markers, paint and pastels are not permitted.

Does the Kirkland Museum offer any educational programs?

Yes! See our Events page for what’s upcoming at Kirkland Museum, as well as the calendar for the Denver Art Museum’s programs.

Are there ways I can engage with the Kirkland Museum if I am unable to visit in person?

Yes! You can download the Bloomberg Connects app, take a 360 degree tour, or explore over 400 collection highlights online.

Do you have touchless ticketing options?

Yes, touchless ticketing is available online. You may print your ticket or show your ticket digitally on your mobile device upon your arrival. If you have a printed ticket or other coupon, please plan to display it upon your arrival, and plan to keep it with you.

What type of cashless payment options do you offer at the Denver Art Museum?

The museum will accept credit card and debit card payments online for tickets.

Do you have hand sanitizer locations at the museum?

We have always provided touchless, motion-activated hand sanitizer stations throughout the museum. They are located at the entrances/exists and near bathrooms on all floors.

How frequently are you sanitizing and cleaning the public and restroom spaces at the museum?

Museum staff will meet or exceed all CDC protocols for maintaining a healthy indoor public space. Since 2019, the museum has implemented electrostatic sanitizing spray technology for sanitizing indoor spaces.

Where at restrooms located?

Restrooms are located on every level of the Hamilton and Martin Buildings. Family restrooms are available on the lower level and levels one, two, and three.

Are strollers available?

Yes, strollers are available for free checkout at the visitor services desk of the Hamilton and Martin Buildings.

Is food or drink available onsite?

Yes, food and beverages are available in Café Gio and The Ponti. Bottled water can also be purchase in the museum Shop. Please do not eat or drink inside the galleries.

Are you currently hosting school groups?

We are pleased to welcome school groups back to the museum. Reservations are required for all school visits and must be made at least three weeks in advance, pending availability. Learn more about our tours and workshop offerings by browsing through our current available field trips.

Does the museum provide educational resources for schools and teachers?

The museum's Creativity Resource is a one-stop shop for inspiration, learning, and creativity. There you can explore fun activities, lesson plans, thought-provoking prompts, and resources inspired by the museum's collections and exhibitions.

Check back to Creativity Resource often for new material and sign up for our email to stay up to date on the latest videos, activities, and more.

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 Artcyclopedia.com or 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.denverlibrary.org/ask. For information about public art in Denver, visit Denver Arts & Venues' website.

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 Curatorial Department, 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.

What is the museum’s process/policy on provenance research?

The museum’s process on research into its collections starts with the ongoing Provenance Committee–a group of cross departmental museum staff that meets twice monthly to review and direct provenance research for objects in the museum’s collection. More information can be found here.

If the public or visitors have questions about provenance or additional facts to share, please contact provenance@denverartmuseum.org.

Can I request an image from the DAM to use in a scholarly publication, school project, or other use that is not covered under standard editorial use?

Yes; for details on the process please visit this page and submit the Image Rights Request Form, which can be accessed here.

(For editorial use in reviews, etc., please contact the Press Office at pressoffice@denverartmuseum.org.)

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 at https://www.culturalheritage.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 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.