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I See What You Mean: Denver's Big Blue Bear

Denver's beloved Big Blue Bear sculpture, 'I See What You Mean,' curiously peeks into the Colorado Convention Center, an iconic and playful landmark.

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A whimsical and iconic 40-foot-tall sculpture of a blue bear peering into the Colorado Convention Center, 'I See What You Mean' has become a beloved symbol of Denver since its installation in 2005.

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

  • Snap a photo with the Big Blue Bear! It's a quintessential Denver experience.
  • Visit during different times of the day. The sunlight creates unique effects on the bear's blue surface.
  • Explore the area around the Convention Center. It's close to the Denver Performing Arts Complex and other downtown attractions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the 16th Street Mall, walk south towards the Colorado Convention Center. The Big Blue Bear is located on the west side of the building, facing 14th Street. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. The 16th Street MallRide, a free bus service, can shorten the walk.

  • Public Transport

    The RTD Light Rail D, F, and H lines stop at the 'Theatre District-Convention Center' station, which is right next to the Colorado Convention Center. From Union Station, take any of these lines to the Convention Center. A single ride costs $3.00.

  • Ride Share

    Take a rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) to the Colorado Convention Center, specifically 700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202. The Big Blue Bear is located on the west side of the building. Expect to pay around $8-15 for a short ride from downtown Denver.

  • Parking

    Limited parking is available at the Colorado Convention Center Garage. Rates vary, with typical costs around $26 for up to 24 hours. Numerous parking garages are also available in the vicinity, with rates ranging from $17-$30 for a few hours. Metered street parking is available but can be limited; rates are approximately $1.75 for 2 hours.

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Discover more about Big Blue Bear

Known affectionately as the 'Big Blue Bear,' the sculpture's official name is 'I See What You Mean'. Created by the late artist Lawrence Argent, the bear was erected in the summer of 2005 as part of the Denver Public Art Program. The artwork was commissioned to reflect and embody the spirit of Colorado. Argent drew inspiration from a newspaper image of a bear peeking into a window, sparking the concept of a curious bear. The 40-foot-tall bear appears to be curiously peering into the Colorado Convention Center, its nose and paws seemingly pressed against the glass. The sculpture is made of polymer-concrete, with approximately 4,000 triangles on the surface. The bear's striking blue color was a happy accident; Argent originally planned earth tones to mirror Colorado's landscape, but a blue mockup proved more captivating. The sculpture is assembled from six major sections that were transported from California. The Big Blue Bear has become a Denver icon, welcoming convention attendees and tourists alike. It embodies a sense of curiosity and playfulness, resonating with locals and visitors.

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