Public Art Walking Tour

Great art isn’t just in museums in Denver.

All over the city, you’ll find gorgeous murals, whimsical sculptures and other kinds of public art that will delight and inspire.

Denver’s Public Art Program directs 1% of any capital improvement project of more than $1 million be set aside for the inclusion of art in the design and construction of these projects. Over the past two decades, Denver has installed more than 150 works of art under this program. A large amount of the city’s public art can be found downtown and in the Golden Triangle Creative District — here’s a walking tour of the area that will take you to some of the best and most beloved pieces.

Denver Art Museum

There's plenty of amazing visual artworks inside the Denver Art Museum, but as you walk around this Mile High City landmark, you'll find several amazing artworks. There's the painted steel of Mark di Suvero's "Lao Tzu," Coosje Van Brugen and Claes Oldenberg's aptly-named giant-sized broom and dustpan, "The Big Sweep," and Dan Ostermiller's lifelike (but also giant-sized) "Scottish Angus Cow and Calf," just to name a few. Take a half hour or so to explore the grounds, take some pictures and enjoy these amazing creations.

Denver Public Library

Just a few steps from Denver Art Museum is Denver Public Library, one of the country's greatest public libraries and home to several stunning public artworks. Inside, check out Edward Ruscha's amazing murals. Outside, you'll gape at Donald Lipski's "The Yearling," featuring a life-size horse perched atop an enormous red chair. Also, don't miss Barry Rose's fun "At The Library" piece, featuring hundreds of ceramic books.

Civic Center Park

Continue walking past the library and you'll find yourself in Civic Center Park, a lovely oasis in the midst of downtown Denver's urban setting. All over the park, there are wonderful pieces of vintage public art, from Frederick MacMonnies' inspiring Pioneer Fountain (installed in 1911) to Robert Garrison's Sea Lions Fountain (1922) to the iconic "Broncho Buster" statue, created by Alexander Phimister Proctor in 1920. Note: The park is presently under renovation and the city will be installing new public art pieces. The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2017.

16th Street

Across Colfax Street from Civic Center Park, you'll find yourself at the tip of 16th Street, one of Denver's most popular attractions for dining, shopping, people watching and public art almost everywhere you look on this pedestrian promenade. Thanks to a major revitalization of this iconic corridor, locals and visitors alike now have more sitting and shaded areas, greenery, play structures for children, public gathering spots, art installations and what are dubbed as "moments of joy," which encourage people to smile and take pictures. If you get tired of walking, it's easy to hop on the 16th Street FreeRide. The shuttle buses stop at each corner.

'Howdy Trouty'

'Aspen Grove Climber'

Here are some 16th Street public art highlights:

Between Glenarm Place and Tremont Place, the "Aspen Grove Climber" is a suspended play pod resembling a giant bird's nest that you can climb into.
In front of the Denver Pavilions, you'll see "Aspen Light," stainless steel trees with colorful leaves, which are a nod to Colorado's native species.
Between Larimer and Lawrence streets, the "16th Street Beehive" allows children to climb and explore this unique installation.
Between Larimer and Market streets, the "Howdy Trouty" cutthroat trout sculpture, representing the state fish, welcomes visitors to take a break and some photos.

Colorado Convention Center

While you're making your way down 16th Street (either by foot or on the free shuttle buses that go up and down the mall), make a side trip down California Street over to the Colorado Convention Center. The convention center is home to "I See What You Mean," AKA the Blue Bear that peers into the Center's interior. Created by Colorado-based artist Lawrence Argent, the curious bear stands 40 feet tall — you can walk under it and get a great photo. Inside the convention center, you'll also discover an impressive collection of public art.

Denver Performing Arts Complex

Around the corner from the Convention Center, at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, you'll encounter Jonathan Borofsky's immense fiberglass dancers, two 50-foot-high humanoid beings cavorting on the lawn in front of the complex. There's even music piped in 24 hours a day, so you can join in with their perpetual dance.

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

Make your way to the end of 16th Street to Lower Downtown (LoDo). Check out the towering Union Spire at 14th and Wazee, the charming Pinhorn Statue and Drinking Fountain, designed by Clara Soanson Dieman in 1924 and the whimsical, colorful Petros on the Cherry Creek Path between Larimer and Speer, created by Bill Gian.

Denver Performing Arts Complex

River North Art District (RiNo)

Around nearly every corner of this creative hotbed, you'll see street murals. One of the most photographed spots in the city is the "Love This City" mural by Pat Milbery (see below) at Broadway and Arapahoe. Also see RiNo's interactive murals map. Or take a guided two-hour stroll with Denver Graffiti Tour.

Dynamic Variation: