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Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising: A World of Textiles and Fashion

Explore global textile and fashion stories at Fort Collins' Avenir Museum, showcasing historic and contemporary design.

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The Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University in Fort Collins showcases a diverse collection of historic and contemporary textiles and apparel. With rotating exhibitions and a commitment to education, the museum offers a rich exploration of global dress and textile traditions.

A brief summary to Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University

  • University Center for the Arts-East Building, 216 E Lake St, Fort Collins, Historic Fort Collins High School, CO, 80524, US
  • +1970-491-1983
  • Visit website
  • Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
  • Visit during the weekdays to avoid larger crowds.
  • Take advantage of the free admission and self-guided tours.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum's collections and exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near the historic district in Fort Collins, you can walk to the Avenir Museum. Head east on Oak Street until you reach College Avenue. Turn north on College Avenue and walk until you reach Lake Street. Turn left onto Lake Street and walk for about 10 minutes. The museum is located at 216 E Lake St, in the University Center for the Arts-East Building.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Fort Collins, walk to the nearest MAX bus station at the intersection of College Avenue and Mountain Avenue. Board the MAX bus heading towards the Harmony Route and travel north. Get off at the stop named 'University Center for the Arts'. From there, walk east along Lake Street for about 2 blocks until you reach 216 E Lake St. The Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising is in the University Center for the Arts-East Building. A single fare for the MAX is about $1.25.

  • Biking

    Rent a bike from a bike-sharing station around Fort Collins. Start from downtown and head east on Mountain Avenue. Continue until you reach College Avenue and take a right. Follow College Avenue north until you reach Lake Street, then turn left. Ride east on Lake Street for a few blocks until you arrive at 216 E Lake St, where the Avenir Museum is located in the University Center for the Arts-East Building.

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Discover more about Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University

The Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising, located within the University Center for the Arts at Colorado State University, houses a remarkable collection of over 20,000 artifacts, including garments, textiles, and accessories. The museum's mission is to explore the aesthetic, social, cultural, and historical significance of textiles and dress. The museum's collection originated in the early 1950s as a teaching resource for the Department of Home Economics. Today, the Avenir Museum features five galleries in three campus buildings, providing exhibition spaces and learning opportunities for students and visitors alike. The main location is in the University Center for the Arts-East Building. The Avenir Museum hosts several new exhibits each year, showcasing both historic and contemporary works. These exhibitions explore global stories of people and their textiles, dress, and interior furnishings. The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, and lectures, engaging visitors with the artistry and cultural narratives woven into each piece. Visitors can explore designer garments from names like Calvin Klein, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent, alongside non-Western textiles from India, China, Japan, and Latin America. The museum is dedicated to preserving and researching these artifacts, providing a state-of-the-art facility for the study of textile and costume history.

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