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I See What You Mean (Big Blue Bear)

Denver's iconic 40-foot-tall blue bear sculpture, "I See What You Mean," playfully peeks into the Colorado Convention Center, sparking curiosity and wonder.

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The Big Blue Bear, officially titled "I See What You Mean," is a 40-foot-tall sculpture by Lawrence Argent, peering into the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Made of about 4,000 triangles and weighing 10,000 pounds, the sculpture has become an iconic landmark, representing Denver's commitment to public art.

A brief summary to Big Blue Bear

  • 750-776 14th St, Denver, Central Business District, Colorado, 80202, US
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • The Big Blue Bear is accessible 24/7 and free to visit.
  • Explore nearby attractions like the Denver Art Museum, the 16th Street Mall, and Union Station.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Big Blue Bear is located in downtown Denver, on 14th Street between California and Stout Streets, next to the Colorado Convention Center. It is easily accessible on foot from most downtown locations, including the 16th Street Mall and Union Station.

  • Public Transport

    The Colorado Convention Center is well-served by public transportation. Several bus routes and light rail lines stop near the Big Blue Bear. Check the RTD website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A one-way local fare costs $2.75.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to the Colorado Convention Center at 700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202. Numerous parking garages are available in the vicinity. Parking rates vary, with hourly rates ranging from $3 to $25 depending on the location and time of day. Check parking apps like Parkwell or ParkChirp for rates and availability.

Unlock the Best of Big Blue Bear

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Discover more about Big Blue Bear

The Big Blue Bear, formally known as "I See What You Mean," is a captivating public art piece located outside the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. Created by artist Lawrence Argent and unveiled in 2005, this 40-foot-tall sculpture depicts a giant lapis lazuli blue bear peering curiously into the convention center's glass facade. The bear's playful and inquisitive posture has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike, making it a must-see attraction and a symbol of Denver's vibrant arts scene. Argent drew inspiration from a newspaper photograph of a bear peering into a house, aiming to evoke a sense of curiosity and wonder in passersby. The sculpture's title, "I See What You Mean," encourages viewers to contemplate the dialogue between the bear and themselves, inviting them to consider what they are visually witnessing and sensing. The bear is made up of approximately 4,000 triangles and weighs around 10,000 pounds. The sculpture is made from fiber-reinforced polymers and concrete. The decision to make the bear blue was somewhat accidental; Argent initially planned for earth tones to reflect Colorado's natural landscape, but a blue mockup proved more striking. The Big Blue Bear has become a beloved symbol of Denver, representing the city's commitment to public art and its unique blend of urban life and natural surroundings. It is located on 14th Street between California and Stout Streets. The sculpture is accessible 24/7 and is free to visit.

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