"Zoom out. What’s the story here? The city’s largest art museum is easily its most popular, with themed exhibits across multiple buildings. (Architecture aficionados can geek out about said buildings, which include the jagged, crystal-inspired annex by Daniel Libeskind and the fortress-like 1971 Gio Ponti building, which recently celebrated its 50th birthday with a four-year, $175 million refresh completed this October.) The DAM is a bustling museum that attracts acclaimed temporary exhibitions and well-rounded programming that will appeal to art experts and kids alike. What can we find in the permanent collection? There’s a little bit of everything at the DAM, including an extensive collection of Native American Art, large format paintings, and intriguing sculptures. The exhibit halls are grouped by theme, so your best bet is to see which appeals (maybe you prefer textile art and fashion over African art, for example) and tackle a few rooms at a time. Sometimes the variety on display can feel a bit disjointed, but the museum’s airy spaces, tall ceilings, and intriguing architecture help the artwork take center stage. Are there temporary exhibits, too? As one of the most popular art museums in the American West, the DAM staff are pros at attracting top-notch temporary exhibits. Past highlights include more than 100 works by French artist Edgar Degas and 70 original costumes from the Star Wars film franchise. The Hamilton building in particular serves as a creative backdrop for special exhibits; sloping lines and geometric angles jut out in different directions, creating both giant halls and tiny corners in which to display the art. Does it get crowded? The DAM is easily the most popular art museum in Denver, and recently opened or temporary exhibits can attract crowds. But timed entries and the sheer size of the museum help spread people out, and the museum’s lesser-known artwork (like the Oceanic or Pre-Columbian collections, for example) rarely see mobs. Above all, the DAM is a lively and comfortable place, full of children exploring the dedicated kids’ learning areas, art geeks admiring works closely, and novices appreciating the greatest hits. On the practical tip, how were the facilities? Wide staircases provide easy access to the museum’s second level from the entrance, but the elevators to the upper floors can be slow. The museum’s different wings and buildings are also confusing, so it’s best to hold on to your map. What are your thoughts on the gift shop? The first floor gift shop is a treasure trove of goodies, like sparkly glass vases and hanging geometric mobiles. Is there anywhere we can grab a bite to eat? Your best bet for a light lunch is the rooftop restaurant nearby at The ART, a hotel. If we're limited on time, how should we make the most of our visit? For brief visits, start with whatever temporary exhibit is showing, then ask a staff member for directions to the American Indian art section and the modern and contemporary art collections." - Megan Barber
