Background

Aspen Art Museum: A Contemporary Gem in the Rockies

Experience cutting-edge contemporary art and stunning architecture at the Aspen Art Museum, a non-collecting institution with free admission.

4.2

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. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, the museum itself is a work of art, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. With free admission, the AAM makes contemporary art accessible to all.

A brief summary to Aspen Art Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Admission is free, making it accessible for everyone to experience contemporary art.
  • Take the Grand Stair or glass elevator to the rooftop sculpture garden for panoramic views of Aspen Mountain.
  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions, events, and artist talks.
  • Explore the museum's architecture, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Aspen Art Museum is located at 637 E Hyman Ave in downtown Aspen, easily accessible on foot from most locations in the downtown core. From Rubey Park, the main bus terminal, walk east on Durant Avenue, then turn left onto S Galena St. Turn right onto E Hyman Ave. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) provides free bus service within Aspen. Take any RFTA bus that stops at Rubey Park. From there, walk east on Durant Avenue, then turn left onto S Galena St. Turn right onto E Hyman Ave. The museum will be on your left. RFTA bus service within Aspen is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Aspen. Request a ride to the Aspen Art Museum at 637 E Hyman Ave. From a central location in Aspen, such as the St. Regis Aspen Resort, a taxi or ride-share will cost approximately $14. Note that prices may vary.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 637 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO 81611. Parking is available in downtown Aspen, but can be limited. Street parking and garage parking are available. Expect to pay between $4-$6 per hour for parking between 10 AM and 6 PM. Free parking is available before 10 AM and after 6 PM, as well as on Sundays and qualifying holidays. The Rio Grande Parking Plaza offers covered parking for $2 for 0-1 hours, $4 for 1-2 hours, $6 for 2-3 hours, and $12 for a daily max.

Unlock the Best of Aspen Art Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Aspen Art Museum

The Aspen Art Museum (AAM) stands as a beacon of contemporary art and architectural innovation in the picturesque mountain town of Aspen. Founded in 1979, the museum has evolved from its humble beginnings in a converted hydroelectric plant to its current, state-of-the-art facility designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban. The museum opened its new facility to the public on August 9, 2014. Ban's design emphasizes transparency, openness, and a seamless integration with the natural environment. The building's woven wooden facade, rooftop sculpture garden, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of Aspen Mountain and the surrounding landscape. The building is a hybrid structure of concrete, steel, and wood. The museum's architecture also reflects a commitment to sustainability, utilizing recyclable materials and energy-efficient designs. Five main architectural features include the Grand Stair, Moving Glass Room Elevator, Woven Wood Screen, Wood Roof Truss, and Walkable Skylights. Unlike traditional art museums with permanent collections, the AAM operates as a non-collecting institution, ensuring a dynamic and ever-changing array of exhibitions. The museum showcases contemporary artists from around the globe, featuring a wide variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, and digital media. Past exhibitions have included works by Ai Weiwei, Gabriel Orozco and Cai Guo-Qiang. The AAM also hosts lectures, artist talks and family-friendly events throughout the year.

Popular Experiences near Aspen Art Museum

Popular Hotels near Aspen Art Museum

Select Currency