Denver Civic Center Cultural Complex

The Denver Civic Center is located in the central part of Denver just south of the Business District. At the heart of the area is the Greek Amphitheater – which sits in the middle of a park area off of Colfax Avenue and Broadway. Many events take place here during the year, including festivals and parades, as well as the annual recognition of Denver’s outstanding students – the Mile High Scholars award given by the mayor.

In 1917, when Robert W. Speer was reelected as Denver mayor, he implemented his ideas about the Civic Center he had worked on during his first term, adding the Greek amphitheater, the Colonnade, the seal pond, and the realignment of Colfax Avenue and 14th Avenue to bend around the park. The park officially opened in 1919. Other features that were original to the Civic Center include the Colorado State Capitol, the City and County Building of Denver on the east and west axis of the park, the (Wellington E. Webb) Municipal Office Building on the north side, and the Colorado State Judicial Building towards the southeast of the park. The Denver branch of the United States Mint, built in 1863, stands immediately west of the Civic Center Park across the street from the City and County Building.

Even though Civic Center park has a somewhat limited area, the bigger area known to locals as the “Golden Triangle” includes many more features. The borders of this neighborhood are Speer Boulevard on the west and south, Broadway on the east, and Colfax Avenue on the north. Looking over the amphitheater you will see the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Public Library, and the newly rebuilt area which includes the new History Colorado Center. The History Colorado Center, currently under construction at 12th Avenue and Broadway in Denver, will house the new history museum, education/public programs, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the State Historical Fund, the Stephen H. Hart Research Library, and other History Colorado functions.

Denver is passionate about the Arts and embraces many forms and expressions of art. From music to theater to sculpture, you will find just what you are looking for in the Denver Metro area. As the cultural communities expand, the cultural art is also more available to the public. An example would be the Center for Empowering Learning & Living, a project of the Mizel Museum, which opened a new location at Civic Center Cultural Complex in 2007.

Denver’s Public Art Program was established in 1988, under Mayor Federico Peña. The purpose of this new Public Art Program was to “…expand the opportunities for Denver residents to experience art in public places, thereby creating more visually pleasing and human environments.” People from around the world are visiting the Metro Denver cultural amenities, which have drawn up to 2.4 million non-resident visitors. The residents of Denver are happy to support the cultural arts, providing a consistent source of funding to scientific and cultural organizations in the form of a 1% tax. The funding that has accumulated over the years has been substantial enough to install nearly 200 works of art, valued at more than $23 million. The complete Denver Public Art Collection consists of about 300 works throughout the city.

Denver’s Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) funds over 300 diverse cultural organizations in the seven-county metro Denver area. It’s recognizable mascot is the giant blue bear looking in the window of the Art Museum. In all, Denver boasts over 120 commercial art galleries representing regional, national and international artists of all genres, from western to contemporary and Denver’s six established art districts, located in some of Denver’s most unique neighborhoods, host monthly First Friday Art Walks for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

Denver Civic Center – Public Art Walking Tour

If you are interested in seeing some of the Civic Center sights for yourself, a walking tour is available during the months from June to October. The Denver Civic Center tour will focus on the over 100-year history of Denver’s public art and architecture. This tour provides an incredible snapshot of Denver’s diverse artistic and architectural styles in a single, concentrated area. From Alexander Proctor’s bronze Bronco Buster to Beverly Pepper’s Denver Monoliths, or the beaux-arts Civic Center Park to the postmodern Denver Public Library, this tour is sure to inspire. In 2010 this tour will be led by docent Leon Krier and meets at the Sea Lions Fountain on the north end of Civic Center Park. Future tours will also be available for anyone interested.

Civic Center Annual Events

Some of the annual events you might expect to experience in the Civic Center include:

The Parade of Lights – City and County Building from December through mid-January.
The last leg of one of the longest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the nation in March.
May includes a huge Cinco de Mayo festival in the Civic Center Park.
In June, you can enjoy the People’s Fair with food, music, art and many booths.
June – August has summertime music and theater events in the Greek amphitheater.
In September, come for the Taste of Colorado festival during Labor Day weekend and enjoy a variety of food and fun.
The Columbus Day parade has been a controversial and well attended event every October.

Denver’s Civic Center

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