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Aspen Art Museum: A Contemporary Gem in the Rockies

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

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

  • Visit the rooftop sculpture garden for panoramic views of Aspen Mountain and the surrounding landscape.
  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
  • Take advantage of the free admission and explore the museum's innovative architecture and design.
  • Enjoy a coffee or light meal at Swedish Hill, the rooftop cafe, for a relaxing break with a view.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Aspen Art Museum is located in downtown Aspen on E Hyman Ave. From Rubey Park, Aspen's main transportation hub, walk east on Durant Avenue, then turn left onto S Mill Street. Turn right onto E Hyman Avenue. The museum will be on your left, a short walk from Wagner Park. This is a free and easy way to reach the museum.

  • Public Transport

    Aspen offers free public transportation within the city limits. From any location within Aspen, take the Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) bus to Rubey Park. From there, follow the walking directions to the museum. RFTA bus service is free in Aspen.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to E Hyman Avenue in Aspen. Street parking is available around the museum, but can be limited. The Rio Grande Parking Garage is a nearby alternative. Parking rates range from $2-6 per hour. Cars displaying a handicapped parking placard can park in designated spaces on S Spring Street without time limit or payment.

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Discover more about Aspen Art Museum

The Aspen Art Museum (AAM), founded in 1979, stands as a beacon of contemporary art in the scenic town of Aspen. Originally housed in the Hunter Creek Power Plant, the museum moved to its current location in 2014. The new building, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, is celebrated for its sustainable design, transparency, and integration with the surrounding environment. The AAM distinguishes itself as a non-collecting institution, constantly offering new and rotating exhibitions. This approach ensures a dynamic experience for visitors, showcasing a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, and digital media. Past exhibitions have featured renowned artists such as Ai Weiwei, Gabriel Orozco and Cai Guo-Qiang. The museum's programming focuses on art that sparks dialogue and reflects current social, cultural, and political issues. The museum's architecture is as much an attraction as the art itself. The building features a woven wooden facade, a rooftop sculpture garden, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of Aspen Mountain. Inside, key architectural elements include the Grand Stair, a moving glass room elevator, and walkable skylights. The rooftop cafe, Swedish Hill, provides a relaxing space to enjoy coffee, pastries, and light meals with panoramic views. The AAM is committed to community engagement and education, offering workshops, youth programs, and free school tours. Admission to the museum is free, thanks to the generosity of Amy and John Phelan, making contemporary art accessible to everyone.

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