Denver Art Museum - Martin Building Level 7

Well, we've made it to level 7; the top of the Denver Art Museum's Martin Building. This level houses my favorite exhibit, which is why I often start at the top of the museum and work my way down. Strangely, though, on my recent visit, I didn't take a whole lot of pictures of this level. I guess I just got too caught up in enjoying the art.

The focus of this level is the Western American Art Galleries. Having moved to the Denver area from the midwest over 25 years ago, I definitely still get caught up in the western history of this region. So seeing so many works of art depicting the history of the west are endlessly intriguing to me.

Well, thanks for joining us on this floor-by-floor journey through the Martin Building. Be sure to check out the exhibits for yourself at 100 W 14th Ave in Denver.

Denver Art Museum - Martin Building Level 6

We are continuing to work our way up the levels of the Martin Building at the Denver Art Museum. Today we arrive on level 6. 

This level primarily houses the European Art Before 1900 Galleries. Not a name that exactly rolls off the tongue, is it. It is, however, a very intriguing exhibit. You'll find Gothic style, Baroque, Rococo and more. The sixth floor also features the Textile Art and Fashion Galleries as well as the Photography Galleries.

Next time we make it to the top of the museum with a visit to level 7.

Denver Art Museum - Martin Building Level 5

Let's keep going with our look at the exhibits in the Denver Art Museum's Martin Building. We're on Level 5, which is devoted to Asian art. The collection features over 850 items, spanning over 5,000 years of history. This is one of my favorite levels of the Martin Building. Perhaps it reminds me of my love for Asian cinema, especially all those Shaw Brothers martial arts movies.

Denver Art Museum - Martin Building Level 4

The last week for me has been filled by a major project at home. Putting in new carpet is exhausting. So, I got a bit distracted from our floor-by-floor look at the Denver Art Museum's newly re-opened Martin Building. So, now let's jump back in with a look at Level 4.

This floor features the Latin American Art and Art of the Ancient Americas Galleries. With more than 1,000 rare works and artifacts, ths is one of the most comprehensive collections of Latin American art in the US. The works span a time frame of over 3,500 years.

The art on this level offers some unique contrasts, as it features both ancient artifacts as well as a great deal of religiously themed items that came after Europeans brought their cultures and beliefs to the region.

Denver Art Museum - Martin Building Level 3

Today we climb the stairs of the Martin Building up to Level 3. Seriously, we do climb the stairs, because even now with two new elevators added during the renovations, the elevators in this museum take too long! Hey, with people getting off and on up and down seven floors it's gonna be that way. Anyhow, Level 3 brings us to the Indigenous Arts of North America Galleries.

One of the things that has always appealed to my family about the Denver Art Museum is that even though art is the focus, it is also very much a history museum. The gallery on Level 3 is a great example of this as it displays objects from more than 250 indigenous nations across the US and Canada.

Here is a small sample. See you again on Level 4!

Denver Art Museum - Martin Building Level 2

My family and I have found that a good way to tackle the seven stories of the Denver Art Museum's Martin Building is to start at the top and work your way down. But, rather than confuse everybody, we're going to do the opposite for this series of posts. Since Level 1 is pretty much an entry level, we begin here on level 2.

Level 2 features two main exhibit areas. The first is devoted to the Northwest Coast and Alaska Native Gallery. Then, shifting gears in a big way, you can make your way to the Design Galleries features unique chairs, tables, and other household items. They don't necessarily appear comfortable to sit on, but they are cool to look at.

Enjoy a few pics I grabbed and come back next time as we go up to Level 3.

Denver Art Museum - Martin Building Reopening

This was a big weekend for the folks at the Denver Art Museum! After a four-year renovation project, the museum's Martin Building has finally been reopened to the public. My family and I made sure to be there on the goodbye weekend for the Martin Building four years ago, so we absolutely had to show up this weekend for the big reopening.

The museum has two buildings which are across the street from each other, connected by a bridge. The Hamilton Building is the newer structure. It was opened in 2006 and is one of the bizarre structures in all of Colorado. The Martin Building, on the other hand, has been around since 1971, so it celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year. It was designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti and is the only completed building in North America by this well-known architect. Many say it resembles a tall castle.

With seven floors of exhibits, it has a lot of vertical ground for visitors to explore. We'll go floor by floor through the building over the course of the next few posts. For this post, though, we're just taking a look at the new Sie Welcome Center, which will serve as a new entry point for the museum. Come back in the days to come for a look at some of the unique exhibits spread throughout the Martin Building.

Scottish Angus Cow and Calf

No visit to the Denver Art Museum is complete without checking out the gigantic sculpture known as Scottish Angus Cow and Calf.  Beasts like this have played a huge part in Denver's history.  They still do, in fact, with the annual National Western Stock Show taking place here each January for well over one-hundred years.

These two sit in a courtyard on the 12th Avenue side of the museum.  There are a few benches nearby, so my family and I have had many a picnic lunch under their watchful eyes.  Turkey sandwiches, usually, so as not to offend.

Denver Art Museum - Monet: The Truth of Nature

One of my family's favorite spots here in town is the Denver Art Museum.  Several years ago, my wife and kids visited on a free Saturday while I was out of town.  They liked it so much that we all went back the next weekend when I was around.  Ever since we have made multiple visits to the museum each year.  This weekend, my wife and I went, without the kids, for a special exhibit.

The museum actually consists of two buildings connected by a covered walkway that spans 13th Avenue.  The North Building, opened in 1971, is a seven-story structure that some would say resembles a castle.  This part of the museum is currently closed due to a multi-year renovation project.  The North Building primarily houses what I would refer to as more "historical" pieces of art.  Various sections highlight art from China, Japan, India, Mesoamerica, and other spots around the globe.  Other sections highlight extensive collections of Native American art and works depicting the history of the American west.  Since our family really enjoys history, these are the exhibits that keep bringing us back to the museum.  Thankfully, some items from these collections continue to be displayed in the museum's other building during the construction.

The second building, The Frederick C Hamilton Building, opened in 2006.  This angled building is one of the more unique architectural designs in all of Denver.  To be honest, the building is a bit disorienting for me.  The slanting walls often make me feel like about to fall over.  This building houses the more modern works of art, as well as some special galleries...which is why we were there this weekend.

The primary reason for our visit was Monet: The Truth of Nature; a huge exhibit of over 120 of the French impressionist's paintings.  Denver was the only US city to have the privilege of hosting this exhibit.  The three-month engagement ends next weekend.  Monet is my wife's favorite painter, so this is an event we couldn't miss.

The exhibit really was amazing.  It was also extremely crowded...but that didn't hinder our enjoyment.  The museum offered audio players which provided commentary on a number of the paintings.  I listened to several of the selections, but my wife chose to just let the paintings speak for themselves.  

If you didn't get to catch Monet, well, it's too late.  Though one more week remains, tickets are completely sold out.  Fear not, though, more once-in-a-lifetime exhibits are on their way.  It was recently announced that an exhibit featuring the works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera will be arriving in October of this year.