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Aspen Art Museum: A Contemporary Gem in the Rockies

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Experience cutting-edge contemporary art in an architectural marvel with stunning mountain views. Free admission!

The Aspen Art Museum (AAM) is a non-collecting contemporary art museum in the heart of Aspen, Colorado, known for its cutting-edge exhibitions and striking architecture. With free admission, the museum offers a dynamic and accessible cultural experience for all.

A brief summary to Aspen Art Museum

Local tips

  • Admission is free, making it accessible for everyone. Donations are welcome!
  • Visit the rooftop sculpture garden for panoramic views of Aspen Mountain.
  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events.
  • Enjoy lunch or a snack at the SO Café on the rooftop, featuring locally-sourced cuisine.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Aspen Art Museum is located at 637 E Hyman Ave in downtown Aspen, making it easily accessible on foot from most locations in the city center. From Rubey Park, the main bus station, walk east on Hyman Avenue for about 5 minutes. The museum will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) provides free bus service from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport and various locations in the Roaring Fork Valley to Rubey Park in Aspen. From Rubey Park, it's a short walk east on Hyman Avenue to the museum. RFTA buses also travel the length of valley for a very reasonable fare.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Aspen. A short taxi ride from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport to the museum will cost approximately $35. From other locations in Aspen, a taxi or ride-share will typically cost between $10 and $20.

  • Parking

    Street parking is available on the city blocks around the museum. However, parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Parking is also available at the nearby Rio Grande Parking Garage at 427 Rio Grande Place. Street parking costs $2-6 per hour. The Aspen Parking Garage is also available.

Discover more about Aspen Art Museum

The Aspen Art Museum (AAM), founded in 1979, stands as a beacon of contemporary art in the picturesque mountain town of Aspen. Unlike traditional museums with permanent collections, AAM is a non-collecting institution, ensuring a constantly evolving array of exhibitions that showcase contemporary artists from around the globe. The museum's current home, opened in 2014, is a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban. Ban's design emphasizes transparency and harmony with the surrounding environment, featuring a woven wooden facade, a rooftop sculpture garden, and expansive windows that offer breathtaking views of Aspen Mountain. The building itself has five main architectural features: Grand Stair, Moving Glass Room Elevator, Woven Wood Screen, Wood Roof Truss and Walkable Skylights. AAM is committed to community engagement and education, offering a range of programs for all ages, including workshops, studio programs, youth programs, and free school tours. The museum's rooftop SO Café provides a unique dining experience with locally-sourced cuisine and panoramic mountain vistas. Admission to the AAM is free, thanks to the generosity of Amy and John Phelan, making contemporary art accessible to everyone. Past exhibitions have featured renowned artists such as Ai Weiwei, Gabriel Orozco and Andy Warhol. The museum's programming focuses on art that challenges conventions, sparks dialogue, and reflects current social, cultural, and political issues.
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