Aspen Art Museum - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Aspen Art Museum is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art. It was founded in 1979 by a group of Aspen residents who wanted to bring the contemporary art scene to the area. The museum houses a permanent collection of over 5,000 works of art. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations by artists from around the world. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions typically feature work by a single artist or a small group of artists. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for both adults and children. These programs include gallery talks, lectures, and hands-on workshops. Visitors can also take advantage of the museum's cafe and gift shop.

Aspen Art Museum was founded in 1979 by a group of citizens who were committed to bringing art to the Aspen community. The Museum opened its doors in June of that year with a small exhibition of works by contemporary artists. Since then, the Museum has continued to grow and evolve, presenting a diverse array of exhibitions and public programs. Today, the Museum is recognized as one of the leading contemporary art museums in the United States. Located in the heart of downtown Aspen, the Museum is situated on a full city block and features a striking facade designed by award-winning Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. The Museum’s campus also includes a spacious sculpture garden and an outdoor cafe, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the scenic surroundings of Pitkin County while viewing some of the world’s most important contemporary art.

The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the days are long. During this time of year, the museum offers a wide variety of exhibitions and events, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring.

1. Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. Plan to spend at least two hours at the museum so that you can see everything at a leisurely pace.
2. Don't miss the rooftop deck! It offers stunning views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains.
3. There are often special exhibitions on display in addition to the permanent collection, so be sure to check the website in advance to see what's on view.
4. Guided tours are available for an additional fee, and they are a great way to learn more about the artwork on display.
5. The museum shop has a great selection of books, jewelry, and other items for purchase.
6. Photography is allowed in most areas, but be sure to check with staff before taking pictures of certain exhibits.
7. Bring water and snacks. There are plenty of places to eat in Aspen, but the museum doesn’t have a cafe. So be sure to bring along some water and snacks to keep your energy up.
8. Plan your visit around a special event. The museum often hosts special events, such as lectures and workshops. Check the schedule in advance so you can plan your visit accordingly.
9. Shop in the museum store. The museum store has a great selection of books, gifts, and other items relating to art and culture. Be sure to browse before you leave!
    

1. The Aspen Art Museum was founded by a group of local residents who were passionate about bringing world-class art to their community.
2. The Aspen Art Museum has an extensive collection of contemporary art, including works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko.
3. The new building isLEED Gold certified and features solar panels, a green roof, and natural ventilation.
4. The Aspen Art Museum hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including artist workshops, lectures, and film screenings.
5. The museum also operates an outdoor sculpture garden that is open to the public year-round.
6. In 2018, the Aspen Art Museum was named one of the "21 Best Small Museums" in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

It takes about two hours to explore Aspen Art Museum at a leisurely pace. However, if you want to see everything the museum has to offer, you should plan on staying for at least three hours.

The best way to reach it is by car. It is located about two and a half hours from Denver and about an hour and a half from Grand Junction. There are also multiple bus companies that offer service to Aspen Art Museum. Once you reach Aspen, you can either walk or take the free Aspen Art Bus to the museum. The bus runs every fifteen minutes and makes multiple stops throughout the town, so it is easy to find a stop near your location. 

There is no entrance fee to explore this beautiful museum. 

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.