SoundWalk, Denver Travel Guide

4.3 (26)

Discover Denver's hidden gem: an interactive sound installation transforming the ordinary sidewalk into a playful urban experience on Curtis Street.

SoundWalk is a unique public art installation in Denver's Central Business District, featuring hidden speakers beneath sidewalk grates that play a rotating selection of intriguing sounds. Created in 1992 by artist Jim Green, it transforms an ordinary stroll into an auditory adventure, reflecting the city's vibrant culture.

A brief summary to SoundWalk

1555 Curtis Street, Denver, Central Business District, Colorado, 80202, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring SoundWalk.

Visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience to fully appreciate the subtle nuances of the sounds.
Bring friends to share the experience and discuss your favorite sounds, as the installation is designed to spark conversation and engagement.
Check the weather before your visit, as the experience is best enjoyed outdoors.

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Explore SoundWalk on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near SoundWalk, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you're near the 16th Street Mall, head east towards Curtis Street. Walk along Curtis Street between 15th and 16th Streets. SoundWalk will be on the sidewalk, emitting sounds from beneath the metal grates.
Public Transport

Take the light rail to the '16th & California Station'. From there, walk one block east to Curtis Street, then turn right. Walk along Curtis Street until you reach the 1500 block between 15th and 16th Streets. Alternatively, several bus routes stop near Curtis Street. Check the RTD Denver website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A standard local ticket costs $2.75.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 1555 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202. Several parking garages are nearby, including the Independence Plaza Garage (1601 Curtis St) and The Q (1776 Curtis Street). Parking rates typically range from $3 to $5 per hour, with daily rates between $24 and $35. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during events. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance.

Discover more about SoundWalk

SoundWalk, created by the late artist Jim Green in 1992, is a captivating and unusual public art installation located in the heart of Denver's Central Business District. Situated along the 1500 block of Curtis Street, between 15th and 16th Streets, this unique sound sculpture invites pedestrians to experience the urban environment in a new way.Instead of traditional visual art, SoundWalk engages visitors through a series of hidden speakers placed beneath six ordinary-looking stainless steel grates in the sidewalk. These speakers emit a rotating selection of pre-recorded sounds, ranging from the whimsical to the familiar. As you stroll along the block, you might hear the gentle trickle of water, the sounds of farm animals, or even the rumble of a New York subway. The element of surprise and the eclectic mix of sounds encourage passersby to slow down, listen, and engage with their surroundings in a playful and imaginative way.Jim Green, originally trained in drawing and sculpture, embraced sound as his preferred medium, using a "tape recorder the way a photographer uses a camera". SoundWalk was his first permanent public art piece. The artwork encourages interaction between the public and the art. Green noted that people hear sound but can’t see anything except dark holes with grates, so their minds create visuals. SoundWalk remains a beloved and intriguing part of Denver's public art collection, offering a unique sensory experience for locals and tourists alike.