The post Center for Women’s History first appeared on Essential Denver.
]]>I have visited this museum located in a historic home at 1310 Bannock Street many times over the years. Each time a take a tour, I learn new things and always appreciate hearing about women who shaped history in Colorado. This home built in 1883, is conveniently located next to the Denver Art Museum, and several other museums as well as Civic Center Park and the Capitol.
The exhibit, Rumors of Bloomers, explores women’s experiences as expressed through undergarments. On display, you will find corsets, bloomers, swimming costumes, petticoats, and more. This exhibit runs through March 2025. Find out additional details at History Colorado.
Each room has a rich history beyond temporary exhibits, and there are many women to learn about as you tour the center. Visit History Colorado to plan your visit.
The Center for Colorado Women’s History hosts a variety of themed teas throughout the year, including their popular Holiday Tea. Tea events include a guided Museum Tour followed by a tea seating that features catered sweets and snacks from local women bakers and restaurateurs.
Learn more about future holiday tea events.
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]]>The post Four Mile Historic Park first appeared on Essential Denver.
]]>This 12-acre park is the site of Denver’s oldest house. It was named Four Mile House because it was located four miles away from the city along the Cherokee Trail, a wagon train headed for California that was originally a trail used by Indigenous peoples. The house was erected about 1858 as the last station offering services to the travelers on the stagecoach line to Denver. The museum and park include a log home, a barn with farm animals, and guided tours.
Located at 715 S. Forest St. in Denver, this park is perfect for a family outing. I love touring this historical location. My favorite part is the old house. Guides take guests through each room explaining the history of how the house came to be and how it evolved over the years.
Brothers Jonas and Samuel Brantner built a two-story log cabin along Cherry Creek in 1859, and in 1860 Mary Cawker bought it and turned it into an Inn with dancing on the second floor. Mary Cawker sold the house to Millie and Levi Booth in 1866. The Booths became beekeepers and built a bee house on the property. In 1870, the railroad arrived in Denver from Cheyenne, which ended the stagecoach route. The Booths then turned their efforts to farming.
In 1941, the Four Mile House officially became a historic monument. Denver designated it as a landmark in 1968, and it was listed a Registered Historic Place in 1969. It is a special place of significance in Denver’s history, and we are lucky that is it so well preserved and cared for.
Today Four Mile Historic Park is “dedicated both to preserving Colorado’s history and to creating new stories through exciting events and educational programs.” Each month of the year showcases different events. Hours are 10:00am-4:00pm on weekends, Friday-Sunday only. Enjoy this treasure trove of history and preservation. Find out more and purchase tickets at fourmilepark.org.
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]]>The post Molly Brown House Museum first appeared on Essential Denver.
]]>I love to visit the home of Margaret Brown, who was a philanthropist, activist, and socialite. She was betterknown as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” because she survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. She acquired the home at 1340 Pennsylvania St., in Capitol Hill in 1894.
After Margaret’s death in 1932, the house was altered into twelve separate spaces for roomers and boarders and later served as a home for girls. In 1970, the house was saved from demolition and restored to the original Victorian grandeur.
The Molly Brown House is open for both self-guided and guided tours as well as special events. There is a wonderful gift shop behind the home in the carriage house. For more information and to plan your outing, visit mollybrown.org
Historic Denver, Inc. makes its home here too. This worthy organization works to protect and promote Denver’s historic places. They offer excellent walking tours. I am a member and enjoy keeping abreast of current issues and events. Find out more at historicdenver.org
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]]>The post Denver Museum of Nature and Science first appeared on Essential Denver.
]]>The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a treasure trove that merits a visit! I have gone to this museum multiple times and always see new exhibits or details that I had not seen in previous visits.
The Colorado Museum of Natural History, officially incorporated in 1900. After years of preparation and construction, the museum finally opened to the public in 1908. The city of Denver increased its funding for the museum, leading to a name change to Denver Museum of Natural History in 1948. In 2000, the name was changed to the present Denver Museum of Nature and Science to reflect the institution’s wider focus.
In addition to exhibits, the museum also contains Gates Planetarium and Phipps IMAX Theater. Whether you attend alone or with friends and family, there is something for everyone. I particularly like the Wildlife Halls, Gems and Minerals, and Colorado’s Mining Heritage, but I always take a look at the Egyptian Mummies and dinosaur skeletons in the Prehistoric Journey exhibits.
Located at 2001 Colorado Blvd., the museum is open 9:00am-5:00pm every day except Christmas Day. The museum is located on the eastern edge of Denver City Park, which is perfect for a walk on a nice day.
Discover upcoming events and plan your visit at dmns.org
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]]>The post Denver Botanic Gardens first appeared on Essential Denver.
]]>A winter visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens lifts the spirits when the weather is cold. You may only think of visiting the gardens when flowers are blooming outside, but there is much to experience during the dormant winter months of the year.
The Boettcher Memorial Tropic Conservatory is an oasis of warm, green life amidst the outside snow and cold temperatures. Stroll the pathways and soak in the smells and different foliage. Ask for a guided tour and learn about interesting plants that you might otherwise overlook.
The Freyer-Newman Center has temporary art exhibitions that are part of your admission and not to be missed. Free guided tours are also available to learn more about the exhibits, or just wander through on your own.
If it isn’t too cold, walking through the outdoor gardens is lovely. Beauty is to be found in all seasons. Several onsite cafes offer coffee and snacks if you wish to extend your visit time.
Located at 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, winter hours are 9-4PM. Learn more and plan your visit at botanicgardens.org
What is your favorite flower? Leave me a comment!
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]]>The post Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art first appeared on Essential Denver.
]]>The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is celebrating their 20th anniversary with a temporary exhibition entitled Vance Kirkland’s Cosmos, which is available to view through May 28, 2023.
Vance Kirkland (1904-1981) is the namesake for the museum, but this is the first focused exhibition of Kirkland’s work and is well worth seeing.
Many people may know Kirkland for his vibrant Dot Paintings. His art began to explore outer space in 1954 and continued until his death in 1981. His imagination created several series depicting the evolution and expansion of the outer universe and his own personal universe.
In 1977, Vance Kirkland commented, “…I am trying to paint something I do not know exists in a tangible way…if I am looking at space, who is going to say that it never existed? It has existed in my mind.”
The exhibition is co-curated by Founding Director and Curator Hugh Grant and Deputy Curator Christopher Herron. It includes some of the artist’s impressive large-scale paintings, seldom seen on public display and features a newly-named series of paintings done in the last years of his life—Energy of Forms in Space.
The museum is located at 1201 Bannock Street in Denver and open Wed.-Sat:11am to 5pm and Sunday 12 to 5pm. Admission is free for member and $12 General admission (ages 13+ only), $10 Seniors (age 65+), Teachers, Students (ages 13+) and active-duty military personnel with ID.
Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art is worth a visit in general, and this special exhibit adds value to your time there. For more information, visit kirklandmuseum.org.
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]]>The post Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools first appeared on Essential Denver.
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The viewers have the opportunity to understand the society and culture of the times and perhaps see some parallels to our world today. I was particularly mesmerized by scenes of humans behaving foolishly in a piece by Frans Verbeeck entitled, The Mocking of Human Follies.
I allowed 90-minutes to appreciate a slow meander through the rooms playing the audio provided and retraced my steps several times to see favorite pieces again. This ticketed exhibition ends on January 22, 2023.
When I went to see it, I reserved a spot in the morning. I secured a lunch reservation at The Ponti to enjoy afterwards. Being refreshed with a delicious lunch, I then spent time in the Martin Building viewing a few floors of interest before calling it a day. Parking tip: meters are free on Sunday, but the parking garage is handy for those wishing to park in close proximity to the entrance.
For more information, visit denverartmuseum.org.
The 2023 Second Edition of Essential Denver features the Denver Art Museum on pages 81-82.
Purchase your copy of the book for further details and additional museums.
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