DENVER—April 15, 2026—The University of Denver (DU) and the Denver Art Museum (DAM) are building upon their longstanding relationship to create a new outdoor sculpture installation for the Denver community. Seven monumental sculptures will be installed in the coming months on the DU campus creating new educational and cultural opportunities for the community.
The Denver Art Museum Sculpture Collection at the University of Denver will feature some sculptures that will be on display for the first time in Colorado, while others are returning to public view in this new community-centered setting.
“We are excited to expand access to art that both the DU and Denver communities will be able to enjoy,” says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “The University of Denver and the Denver Art Museum share a longstanding vision and commitment towards access to culture and education. These new installations will allow everyone to enjoy the sculptures as they move through their daily lives.”
The artworks will be installed in phases; the first phase will begin this spring, and it’s expected that all sculptures will be in place by summer of 2027.
For nearly 100 years, DU and DAM have partnered to create educational, experiential and community-building opportunities that enrich both institutions and the broader Denver community. The sculpture collection deepens the commitment of both institutions to education, accessibility, and community connection by creating new points of access to art across the city.
“The Denver Art Museum and DU are two institutions with a history of shared commitments to education, building community, and art access,” says Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the DAM. “As one of the region’s premier institutions of higher learning, home to an art and art history program and an extensive art collection, DU is a natural partner to collaborate on this important initiative.”
The Denver Art Museum Sculpture Collection will be prominently featured in a new DU Art Walk that will weave together existing sculptures across the DU campus and the new sculptures contributed by DAM. This DU Art Walk is the first step in the creation of a holistic art experience at DU that will encompass art collections and galleries, and the performing arts.
“This collaboration represents a unique synergy between two of Denver’s most vital anchors of culture and education,” says Craig Harrison, who serves on the boards of both the Denver Art Museum and the University of Denver. “By bringing these monumental works from the DAM into the heart of the DU campus, we are reinforcing Denver’s reputation as a city where creativity and learning are truly inseparable.”
“Great cities and universities expand access to culture, and this partnership brings world-class art to the community, strengthening Denver while advancing DU as a vibrant hub of creativity and learning,” says Taylor Kirkpatrick, who also serves on the board of both the DAM and DU.
The DAM Sculpture Collection will feature seven sculptures by nationally and internationally recognized artists, including:
Gail Folwell (BFA 1983, DU), In the Peloton, 2014.
Mark di Suvero, Lao Tzu, 1991
Catherine Lee, Hebrides 4 Scalpay, 2004.
Dennis Oppenheim, Device to Root Out Evil, 1997.
Edgar Britton, Yin and Yang, 1964.
Lauren Ewing, Intruder, 1984.
About the University of Denver
Founded in 1864, the University of Denver is a private university that empowers students who want to make a difference. Recognized as one of the top research universities in the country, DU has more than 200 academic programs serving about 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students. DU students benefit from an experience that channels passion to serve the public good. Visit the University's Newsroom or follow the University on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
About the Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is an educational, nonprofit resource that sparks creative thinking and expression through transformative experiences with art. Its mission is to enrich lives by sparking creative thinking and expression. Its holdings reflect the city and region—and provide invaluable ways for the community to learn about cultures from around the world. Metro residents support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), a unique funding source serving hundreds of metro Denver arts, culture and scientific organizations. For museum information, visit www.denverartmuseum.org or call 720-865-5000.
