The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum

Art museum · Civic Center

The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum

Art museum · Civic Center

3

1201 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204

Photos

The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by Photo by Wes Magyar / Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by Wes Magyar
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by Wes Magyar
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by Wes Magyar
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by Wes Magyar
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null
The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum by null

Highlights

Denver’s Kirkland Museum dazzles with 3,500+ art and design gems, from Vance Kirkland’s studio and dot paintings to iconic midcentury furniture.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Placeholder

1201 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204 Get directions

denverartmuseum.org
@kirklandmuseumdenver

Information

Static Map

1201 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204 Get directions

+1 720 865 5000
denverartmuseum.org
@kirklandmuseumdenver

Features

wifi

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@afar

"This charming little museum in a modern building has a few different missions. Part of the collection is dedicated to artworks that focus on Colorado and the Rockies, or those done by Colorado artists. Another focus is the decorative arts—the international collection spans everything from furniture to glassware and ceramics to lamps, radios, and telephones. The third, and most unusual focus, is on a single artist, Vance Kirkland (1904-1981). Kirkland moved to Denver from Ohio when he was 25 and remained in the Centennial State for the rest of his life. Kirkland went though five stylistic phases in his painting: Designed Realism, Surrealism, Hard Edge Abstraction, Abstract Expressionism, and the Dot Paintings, and works from all the periods are represented. One gallery holds a replica of Kirkland’s studio—complete with the straps he used to suspend himself to reach the center of his paintings."

The Best Things to Do in Denver
View Postcard for Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
@cntraveler

16 Best Things to Do in Denver, From Speakeasies to Wildlife Reserves | Condé Nast Traveler

"Unlike other museums in Denver, the Kirkland is organized salon-style, displaying everything from Andy Warhol paintings to chairs designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The international decorative art collection spans every major design period since 1870, but the museum is at its best displaying the work of Colorado’s most distinguished painter: Vance Kirkland. The museum moved Kirkland’s original three-room studio eight blocks to its new location, and visitors can tour the space that the artist worked on his famous abstract and dot paintings. It’s now a stone’s throw from the Denver Art Museum , making it easy to visit both in a day." - Nicholas DeRenzo, Megan Barber

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-denver
View Postcard for Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
@cntraveler

10 Best Museums in Denver | Condé Nast Traveler

"Unlike other museums in Denver, the Kirkland is organized salon-style, displaying everything from Andy Warhol paintings to chairs designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The international decorative art collection spans every major design period since 1870, but the museum is at its best displaying the work of Colorado’s most distinguished painter: Vance Kirkland. The museum moved Kirkland’s original three-room studio eight blocks to its new location, and visitors can tour the space that the artist worked on his famous abstract and dot paintings. It’s now a stone’s throw from the Denver Art Museum , making it easy to visit both in a day." - Megan Barber

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-denver
View Postcard for Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

Dara Grey

Google
We visited on a Saturday in March near the end of the day and had almost the whole place to ourselves. If you're a fan of 20th-century interior decorative art the Kirkland is a must-see stop in Denver! Founded originally from the collection of Vance Kirkland, an internationally renowned painter who worked in multiple styles throughout his long career, with subsequent additions by his friend and trustee Hugh Grant (not the actor). Words can't do justice to just how phenomenal the collection is - it has to be seen to be believed! One of the staff said that the items on display at any one time only represent between 10-16% of the museum's total collection, so I can imagine that the curators rotate the items on display in the permanent collection sections as well as mount special exhibitions throughout the year. If you like mid-century American decorative art you will be glad you stopped by!

Connie Moreno

Google
Very interesting museum! It was actually really surprising to learn how many different artists/ sons & daughters of artists have once resided in, and taken great inspiration from Colorado. The building layout and studios were interesting. Admission price for an adult felt pretty pricey for how small the museum is and how quaint the special exhibits are. However, we were told this admission would also be valid for the Denver Art Museum next door so if you were to go to both it’s not too bad!

Kathleen Grebe

Google
Absolutely loved. Densely packed, took us 3 hrs to see it all! iconic modern furniture, product design, paintings, sculpture and more. Must see for art and design lovers. Used city pass.

SMock

Google
The Kirkland is a one of a kind museum and I highly recommend it! The docent who gave us the tour was amazing and gave us lots of human interest details, which made the tour very interesting. (I'm sorry I don't remember his name!). It's part of Denver Art Museum now and I highly recommend visiting it as part of your museum visit!

Heather K. Powers (HKpowerStudio)

Google
Loved this museum! It's cram packed full with period Antique Furnishings & Decorative Accessories. I wish there was a bit of wall text to explain the period rooms, but they are packed with so many wonderful objects! Seeing Kirklands' personal collection of objects in situ (his studio building moved to this location) is fascinating, as is his studio & strange strap painting contraption.

Laurabell

Google
This may be my favorite museum I’ve ever visited. It is relatively small, but the quality of their collection is incredible. Each room/gallery is a different era of design. It is centered around furniture, paintings, pottery, and functional art. The plaques + mobile guide have a ton of info. I went on a Sunday and it was not busy at all. If you are into design/architecture (esp. mid century/art deco) this place is a must-see!

Julia BALANDINA

Google
I am glad I visited the museum. Lots of beautiful and fun objects besides Kirkland’s paintings. Absolutely worth stopping by and diving into colorful world of Vance Kirkland and other artists! I would not recommend to visit it the same day as Clifford Still museum since they have different approach in displaying objects. To my taste, Kirkland museum is too busy , every room is packed with pieces of art and decorative objects.

colin x

Google
Pretty sure we saw more that we liked here than at the full Denver art museum. Many CO artist's work. Not to be missed!
google avatar

Sheila C.

Yelp
Absolutely adore this museum that is more like an amusement park for my eyes. We attended this museum on a Denver Museum package, 9 museums in 3 days. We were able to get through 7-1/2 and KMFDA was my favorite. The employees were helpful and pleasant. They did not have employees "stocking" you while you looked. They trusted their clients would behave like adults and this made the experience much more relaxed and enjoyable. However, employees were readily available for questions. They topics were displayed in venue style rooms which made the experience more intimate. This is a MUST SEE if you are in the metro Denver area.
google avatar

Katie P.

Yelp
Really cool little museum with some interesting art pieces! Definitely glad I heard about it from another Yelper. It's a hidden gem behind the large art museum and worth a visit. I loved seeing all the different chairs!
google avatar

Joana S.

Yelp
Easily one of my favorite places! I loved every painting in this place. There's so much to look at, I love the set up and could spend hours here.
google avatar

SR C.

Yelp
I loved the pairing of the furniture and accessories with the art. But the star was Vance Kirkland art and studio
google avatar

Jennifer Y.

Yelp
Thanks to a sign of a special exhibit of Frank Lloyd Wright, I walked into this eclectic fantastic museum. With no preparation whatsoever, I was immediately drawn to their display of furnishings and decorative art. Once grounded, on top of the special exhibit, I realized the museum was organized into 3 sections: 1) International; 2) Colorado artists; and, 3) Vance Kirkland's legacy. In awe I am still of what I learned and saw. A MUST return when I'm in Denver next. CHEERS!
google avatar

Sarah M.

Yelp
This is an incredible museum! I highly recommend visiting. You must be 13 years old to visit
google avatar

Bennett P.

Yelp
This is my first time here even though I have been wanting to visit. I saw Vance Kirkland's 3 room brick home & studio moved from 13th & Pearl St in 2016 to current location at the north end of the new museum on Bannock St. You can buy tickets online that are good for 1 year or walk-in like today for $12.00 general admission. They have free lockers for any coats or hand carried items. They have plenty of benches throughout for resting and looking more slowly at nearby pieces. The entire is on one level, so no handicap issues. There is a separate exhibit of selections from the permanent collection of Frank Lloyd Wright.
google avatar

Alisa J.

Yelp
Awesome museum in Denver and one of my new favorite museums! The Kirkland is awesome! It's way less crowded than the Denver Art Museum. It's also in a great area and has tons to see. I loved the variety of art that they have and it's a very impressive collection. Children under age 13 are also not allowed I believe so it's very quiet and a nice environment. It's very clean, and they have free lockers to keep your stuff in. The entrance sitting room has a really fun puzzle. Highly recommend this awesome place!
google avatar

Barb N.

Yelp
The Kirkland Museum is open again, after closing for a time due to flooding. Wonderful place! The building is thoughtfully designed to showcase their fascinating collection of decorative and fine arts. Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Modern, Aesthetic, etc- a broad range of design movements are represented. Also art and ceramics by Colorado artists. And a recreated Vance Kirkland studio (moved from original location) and lots of his artwork and decorative art collection. Worthwhile stop for sure. Don't forget the gift shop.
google avatar

Chenée T.

Yelp
A great casual museum in Denver if you want something lowkey and unique! The entry fees are relatively inexpensive and there's so much cool furniture and art to check out. I really loved the modern art and furniture that was insanely cool and things I had never seen before and I wanted it for my own apartment. I especially loved the art studio at the back of the gallery that was revived and made into a showcase to highlight Kirkland's life and art experiences. Definitely recommend if you're looking to check out something that isn't a normal art or history museum.
google avatar

Werner W.

Yelp
I'll give the building's architect a 5 star rating. It a beautiful building (although its been under repair for six months due to water leaks I guess). Its yellow/golden exterior is stunning. I also like the layout of the museum - but it is too small for the amount of stuff on display. I wasn't familiar with Kirkland as an artist and I liked his dot paintings I discovered today. What I didn't like in this museum is that his art isn't displayed well, which I found sad since the museum is named after him. It's sort of interwoven with lots of decorative stuff. The items in the display cases have varying degree of value, from design, historic, artistic, monetary, it did make me feel I was in a fancy antique mall where people can rent these cases and display stuff in. I don't blame the pieces, rather the way they are displayed. This museum should be at least three times its size to do the collection justice. It's incredibly challenging displaying pottery, glass, etc. You can make it look like art, or it can look like your grandma's cabinet. Sadly I found it to be the latter. If you are into pottery, glassware, decorative art you are going to love this museum. Also, a great little parking lot right behind the museum that is rarely full. I'm only posting pictures of Mr. Kirkland's art.
google avatar

Michael B.

Yelp
Like walking into someone's attic but so, so elevated. All the stuff you wish your grandmother had collected, but then she would have had to have been a design genius to put this together. the museum was originally in painter Vance Kirkland's house east of the Capitol but is now located in a modern purpose-built structure a block from the Denver Art Museum this eclectic collection of decorative art never disappoints! Highly recommended if you choose to spend a day in the Capitol area. Park in the arts center garage, 12th and Broadway and have lunch at the Leven Deli.
google avatar

Vicki L.

Yelp
Seriously the furniture museum of my dreams!! Everybody was so nice and friendly here and I got to see so much cool vintage furniture that I've either never heard of before or have been lusting over online and finally got to see in person for the first time! I had such a great time here and took so many photos of everything I was obsessed with. I seriously want to live inside this museum. Great stop on our Denver trip and would suggest to anybody looking for a short activity to fill 1-2 hours during their day.
google avatar

Tarrah T.

Yelp
I so, so love this museum. It was my second time here, and I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, this time! We got in on the second to last day of the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit, and I'm so glad we did! It's such a unique collection of works, and I love most of them! Can't wait to see more in future visits.
google avatar

Heather T.

Yelp
Denver has an incredible museum scene and this fits right in. The museum is laid out really well and I would recommend following the laid out path. Each room is packed with items so you can spend loads of time exploring. There are pieces that will appeal to a broad range of interests.
google avatar

Patrick S.

Yelp
Opening weekend for the new location!! No rush or crush! The salon style organization of artifacts is very well done and makes it so much more enjoyable. Great place to spend a lazy afternoon. The new vibe is perfect for the Kirkland Collection. Plan to spend a couple of hours. So many things to see. We will be back again soon to take in the subtle details we missed this time. Entrance max price is $10pp with varying discounts.
google avatar

Stacy P.

Yelp
The Kirkland Museum has reopened in its new, larger, gorgeous space on Bannock, and it's absolutely worth your time. From Frank Lloyd Wright to Tiffany and Co to Mr. Vance Kirkland himself, this Museum has so much to see... and you'll see it all for $10. Kirkland's paintings are well displayed (though a bit more info on some of the placards would be a great addition), and it's easy to follow as he moves through his different artistic periods. His actual workroom is a part of the museum, and is an interesting space. Oh, and make sure you don't miss the room right behind the ticket desk - some of his most impressive works are tucked away in there. You'll also find a fantastic collection of Colorado artists - paintings, glassworks, ceramics, etc. Nice little gift shop, too! I went in with high expectations, and was not disappointed. I'll definitely be back. Well done, Mr. Grant!
google avatar

Ryan P.

Yelp
When I was planning my visit I saw this museum and it was top on my list. Kirkland did not disappoint. First, the building is beautiful, and the staff was incredibly friendly. The museum packs a lot of amazing design history inside and does a great job of it. Unsurprisingly, the layout is well thought out. The rooms along the promenade walk you through the history and evolution of design better than any history class or any other museum I have seen. The museum is set up more like a furniture store or the home of a collector than a white-walled modern art museum. Each room offers a holistic glimpse into that era of design. The items are presented in a way you rarely see at other museums, in a more natural and contextual space. The studio space feels like it is still someones home. It does not feel like much was changed to make it a museum. The smaller space and more natural layout makes for a unique experience. A fantastic museum filled with a great history.
google avatar

Robert F.

Yelp
This extraordinary museum has been one of my worldwide favorites since it first opened in 2003. The new building, which opened March 20, 2018, is beautifully designed and provides more intelligent space for the collections. The original studio building is seamlessly integrated. This is a rare opportunity to see both Kirkland's own work plus Colorado and regional art in context with all types of decorative arts from furniture to tableware. There is a nice Visitor Lounge and a beautiful Museum Store. Visiting this museum is a memorable experience. The general collections are divided into six rooms including Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modern, and Postmodern. The greater space than the previous building has allowed more integration of the decorative arts items with the fine arts collection, particularly the pottery and ceramics which were previously mostly segregated in a hallway and in the basement. This provides much more context to the displays. There is also an exclusive Kirkland gallery, a sculpture gallery, and a very nice temporary exhibit area. The initial temporary exhibit, which contrasts prints from the Kirkland's own collection with samples from the extraordinary Mayer collection, is very well-done and will hopefully be a harbinger of many fine exhibits to come. The layout of the new building is superb with a wide central hallway leading to the separate exhibit rooms that seamlessly lead into each other. I love the salon-style exhibition technique which provides a refreshing change from the usual, more formal art museum and really gives an idea of the context of these items. The new Kirkland is a success in every way and I am delighted that it is here in Denver.
google avatar

Jacqueline B.

Yelp
A gem of a museum. Set up in a salon style--so much to see in any gallery. Only remark that is not totally positive is this--I have glaucoma and there was a lot of glare that caused me difficulties.
google avatar

Abby S.

Yelp
It's like the best parts of "Hoarders" and "Antiques Roadshow" merged into one for this unique museum. So many valuable pieces from one private collection blows my mind. Having witnessed the Kirkland studio building being moved from one part of Denver to another, it's equally as impressive to think what an effort it took to make this whole museum a reality. Other interesting things to note: + An unusually large amount of chairs as well as bar glassware + carefully curated galleries - look carefully for the title/time period + Extremely friendly and knowledgeable volunteers - ask them a question and they will give you a mini tour beyond that you had initially inquired about + look but do not touch, there's a reason why small children aren't allowed inside $10 adult admission will keep you entertained for at least an hour or two. It's not a huge museum but lots of interesting art and decor!
google avatar

Christian B.

Yelp
The Kirkland Museum is a wonderful gallery full of amazing art of all different types, styles, shapes and configurations. Many of the art pieces were of furniture and there even was a bathroom complete with toilet, sink, and a rack of clothing that was roped off and displayed as art. The main attraction was of the dot style paintings where the artist dipped a paintbrush into paint and instead of paint strokes, dotted the entire canvas with little dots of paint. Very interesting, unique and explosive in design. Truly a must see gallery.
google avatar

Jim W.

Yelp
This place is close-in to downtown. Parking appeared limited to on-street or a small lot adjacent to the museum (pay). We went here late on a Tuesday afternoon. I chose it based on the reviews, plus I thought my wife would especially enjoy it. The entrance fee is something like $10. The museum is divided into rooms that focus on time-periods or design motifs (arts & crafts, art deco, art nouveau, etc.). Even if you like architecture from these periods more than design elements, it is an enjoyable stroll through the galleries. They also have artwork relating to the Colorado area interspersed with the other displays. The building adjoins the original studio of the namesake artist, who was an early leader in establishing art/design in the area. His studio is partly preserved and partly another gallery. We spent a bit over an hour here, but some could probably spend much longer checking it out. I thought it was worthwhile.

B A.

Yelp
This is a great museum. Inherently, they are great in general but this one was really great. I learned a lot of Denver history and got to feast my eyes on some wonderful furniture and other objects I'd like to put in my home. It wasn't crowded when we went and it is a fairly compact museum with lots to take in so you take as long as you like. Take time at the museum store. There is some neat stuff in there.
google avatar

Cindy L.

Yelp
This is such a great museum! Not knowing much about Kirkland before coming here, I really enjoyed a peek into his life by visiting this museum. They managed to move a part of his studio here and it was amazing to get insight into how he worked at his art. This museum also houses a great collection of chairs and ceramics! It was basically a walk through time for chairs and ceramics. This museum is also a great size, not too large that you are overwhelmed with the amount of things to see, and perfect for a few hours. Really friendly and knowledgable staff!
google avatar

Dylan D.

Yelp
As a previous architecture student, and as a designer working in the field, this place is perfect for people like me! A lot of the designers I learned about in school and books have their designs featured here in the form of furniture and utilitarian objects. It's absolutely incredible to see up close and personal. The collection of art hanging on the walls is really cool also, and the whole building is divided into particular styles for easy navigation. Kirkland's paintings are also quite diverse in style, and interesting to look at. In the future I will take the tour for sure.
google avatar

Dave B.

Yelp
Wow! This is a world-class museum. In Denver! And, they are only showing 6,000 of the 30,000 items in the museum's collection. We signed up for a membership. It is that good. Be warned. There is a lot here. You will get museum fatigue. P.S. No one gets 5 stars on a first visit.
google avatar

Brittany B.

Yelp
What an incredible space! I spent my entire time walking through this museum in complete awe. So many gorgeous pieces by Kirkland and other contemporary artists. The exhibits are well laid out, giving each visitor just enough space to flow through each room without feeling rushed or running into crowds of other visitors. Would quickly recommend to anyone who lives or is simply visiting Denver!
google avatar

Allie S.

Yelp
Curious cute little museum. Would probably never have come but since it was free for Doors Open Denver then of course I jumped at the chance to check it out! Loved the decorative items from interesting looking sofas to the chinaware. Favorites for me were the sculpture garden and Kirkland's dot painting. Wish i could take one of those paintings to decorate my place!
google avatar

Tracie B.

Yelp
The Kirkland Museum is an absolute gem - one of the best museum experiences I've had in a very long time. Go there to see the amazing work of Vance Kirkland, not all of which is contemporary as he, like many artists went through various periods during their long careers. The years where he created his iconic "dot" paintings is my favorite. But, there is so much more to this museum than Vance Kirkland art. The "larger than it looks" building (with the original museum attached) currently displays 6,000 pieces including paintings, drawings, furniture and decorative pieces from many artists. Colorado artists make up a sizable and refreshing chunk of what is displayed. According to one of the very helpful volunteers, there are at least 30,000 pieces in the total collection! You will see everything from modern, contemporary, Western, art-deco as well as more traditional works. My favorite part of the museum is the original building which includes Kirkland's workshop. Creating one of his many spectacular dot paintings required that he be suspended above the canvas by belts. Ingenious, fascinating and well, it looked really uncomfortable. Sacrifice for his art. Don't plan on taking it all in on one visit - there's just so much to see. I had not problem buying a reasonably priced membership and am looking forward to going back.
google avatar

Garrison S.

Yelp
This was a really cool museum. I went here based on the readings of trip advisor and yelp. I was not disappointed. There were many pieces here that were very different than other museums. I particularly enjoyed the Lichtenstein plates and the Andy Warhol dresses in Campbell Soup can decor. These items are not to be missed. The museum is in a very small building in a hip neighborhood of Denver. You can be in and out within two hours. They do have AAA rates for a discount. There are many curious pieces, particularly art deco pieces, which I enjoyed. While it certainly is not the premier museum in Denver, it is worth a look once you are done with the large museums.
google avatar

Steve S.

Yelp
1000% fun for mid century enthusiasts. Displayed in a chronological order from the turn of the century through mid century modern. Bookstore, docents were fabulous, fun and engaging. We learned, laughed and purchased a bunch of stuff to take home. Great job guys!
google avatar

David M.

Yelp
Passed by this place and had seen their sign way more than a dozen times, always thinking, "Look, this place is sitting on a busy Capitol Hill street corner, how neat a museum could it be?" Just goes to show how stupid one (= me) can be. The museum is incredible. Turns out it was the original home of the art organization and studios that developed into the Denver Art Museum. The original building (which has been expanded) is a beautiful brick structure that is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Kirkland, an internationally recognized artist, used the place as an art school (later merged into DU to become its college of art, with Kirkland as its head professor), and as a studio. Since his death, the Kirkland Foundation has expanded, and put together an amazing collection, including not only Kirkland's work, but the work of some of the most famous fine artists, designers and architects of the Arts and Crafts through the Contemporary Periods. This place is quite extraordinary, and you definitely should get your culture on with a visit to it (followed by brunch at the Jelly Cafe:-).
google avatar

Bruce A.

Yelp
One of the best collections of decorative art from the 20th century I've seen anywhere in the world. This museum is an utter delight if you appreciate decorative art.
google avatar

Alice G.

Yelp
I love a small museum. The more eclectic and unique, the better! The Kirkland is fabulous, and not small at all- it is bursting with amazing stuff! First and foremost, this museum is the true home and birthplace of the Denver Art scene, led by Vance Kirkland in the mid-20th century. I was unfamiliar with Kirkland's art and his role in starting the Denver art Museum as well as with Denver University, but I left as an inspired fan of all he did. As a painter, Kirkland had 5 periods of styles- all displayed: Realism, Surrealism, Hard Edge Abstraction, Abstract Expressionism and the Dot Paintings. I am a fan of surrealism and there were some doozies! The big dot paintings are also quite powerful! Kirkland Museum has great decorative art from all over the world including Arts & Crafts, Aesthetic, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Modern, Pop Art and Postmodern. There are furnishings by Frank Lloyd Wright, and tableware from gas stations in the 1960's. The Kirkland Museum is laid out "salon style", with many vignettes that make you feel like you have broken into someone's home and are rooting around. There are even hats by the original front door! This was the original studio and school, and you can even still see the harness Kirkland would hang in so he could paint. Good to note, the collection is so vast, the Kirkland will be moving out of its original location in 2015-16 and will likely be closed a year- Get into this museum and the original studio before it moves!
google avatar

Michael U.

Yelp
Centered around the works and collection of Denver's Vance Kirkland, much of the art-deco options still in remarkable condition, the original Kirkland Museum was an absolute treat to visit during a recent trip, the upcoming move apparently intended to make even more of the collection visible and a great reason in and of itself to return to Denver. Unique, diverse and crowded in a manner that makes each room a veritable feast to the senses, this is the 'can't miss' museum for Denver.

Max S.

Yelp
This is the most uninviting museum I've been to. Entered and immediately was asked if I'd reserved a ticket. I told the front desk lady that I was in the process of purchasing one on my phone. She proceeded to tell me that my dog was not welcome--even though he was in a stroller. She curtly told us to leave. AVOID.
google avatar

Kiki R.

Yelp
We really enjoyed visiting The Kirkland and seeing the collection. The salon style meant that your eye caught something new every time you went back into a room. I really appreciated seeing all the glassware and ceramics as well as the furniture arranged by school. A lovely spot and appreciate the no children under 13 rule - was a great visit.
google avatar

James M.

Yelp
Amazing. I loved this place. The staff is incredibly friendly and informative when asked about art and the building. It is definitely worth visiting.
google avatar

Cristine R R.

Yelp
I loved this museum! It's intimate, has a wonderful collection and explanations. There is plenty of parking also they appear to be moving to a new location in 2016. Now, you can enter the original work space of Kirkland. I'd never heard of him before and I'm so glad I did. So talented and Inspirational in many ways. Also, here you can actually sit in a Frank Lloyd Wright designed old theater chair.
google avatar

Caitlin J.

Yelp
The staff is amazing and the collections are wonderful. A great alternative to the DAM while they are under construction.
google avatar

Mimi T.

Yelp
Very very good！I recommend all the designers and architects should come here that it is worth being there.
google avatar

Alisha K.

Yelp
This quaint eclectic museum in the heart of the Golden Triangle is lovely! All the pieces are masterfully curated and the building itself is the perfect host for the works it holds. The museum is home to a number of unique works, from furniture, pottery, paintings and sculpture. Also learning about Kirkland's methods and life was fascinating. Definitely take a couple of hours to roam and absorb each room/gallery.
google avatar

Crystal N.

Yelp
As a furniture geek and artsy fartsy, I could spend a lot of time investigating every nook and cranny in this little hidden gem. There sure is a lot of stuff crammed into this old design school and art studio and if you listen really hard you can still hear the critiques, overhear the discussions, smell the paint... (OK, that's my imagination). You can even see Vance Kirkland's studio (that's real). A must see if you like art, pottery, furniture and want to learn more about a famous local artist and lots of others.

Robert H.

Yelp
I love this museum! It is full of modern art and furniture. It is not gigantic but just the right size to enjoy yourself and not be overwhelmed. It is near the denver art museum and the clifford still museum. I highly recomend!
google avatar

Debra P.

Yelp
This is an amazing museum showcasing the decorative arts, as well as Vance Kirkland's own work. I loved every minute of our visit! We had a great docent lead tour after wandering through the museum on our own. If I ever return to Denver, I will definitely plan another visit to the Kirkland Museum!
google avatar

Deborah L.

Yelp
As mentioned, this museum is pretty cool. Living a few blocks away, I had often passed it but never was familiar enough with the hours to know when it was actually open. After having gone to both the DAM and the MCA several times, and finally peeping the visiting hours online, I figured I would check it out. I like it because it's a neighborhood museum. You know like most people have a neighborhood bar or coffee shop, this is like that, but in the form of a museum. I also like it because there are lots of chairs. And lots of little things in the shape of animals. It's funky and eclectic and while there is lots of stuff to look at, the size of the museum isn't overwhelming. If you have a friend visiting who is really into design, I'd say it's makes for a fun alternative to some of Denver's larger museums. My favorite items were the space helmet TV and a multipurpose chair (supposedly this chair was designed to be used indoors and outdoors, it can float in a pool or a lake, and/or be used as a toboggan in the snow. Pretty cool.) Also, while in the museum, I had a somewhat disturbing experience. I realised how much capitalism has totally infiltrated my brain; because a few times while looking at a chair or a side table, my eyes totally started searching for a price tag somewhere. Jesus. Like I was in IKEA or something. If only I could meet a hott, furniture-designing guy who would make me any type of chair that I wanted. That would be cool. Oh, and this museum is definitely worth a visit so you should check it out.
google avatar

Angela R.

Yelp
This museum was such an amazing little surprise. Like the other reviewer, I'd heard of Kirkland, but had no idea how talented and interesting he really was. The display spaces are jam-packed with his work and his personal collections of furniture, knickknacks and sculptures. This is definitely a place that you could go explore again and again and still find things you hadn't seen before. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because they had the most beautiful painting in the whole museum - Otto Bach's Tree Abstraction - hanging at the end of a basement hallway over a fire exit door. Heartbreaking.
google avatar

Kym G.

Yelp
I first visited this museum on a field trip (woo hoo! field trip!) with one of my Graphic Design classes a few years back. What a cool place! It's cram-packed to the rafters with all sorts of design treasures, from Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass to Eero Aarnio chairs and everything in between. Even if you know nothing about such stuff, expect to have your mind blown by rooms upon rooms of funky retro-cool items the likes of which you'll probably never see all gathered in a single place ever again. Unlike other museums, I really can't recommend bringing the Wee Bairns to this place. There's much too much stuff here, and it's all hands-off. Plus, since the whole place is set up more like a really cluttered (and really awesome!) house, there really isn't anywhere for kids to cruise off and participate in interactive artsy-craftsy learnsy-funsy stuff the way they might at the DAM. No, this is a grown-up's museum. Grown-up, but far from stodgy or boring! Extra Super Bonus: Vance Kirkland, whose collection this is, was an artist unto his own right, though you've probably never heard of him. Not surprisingly, many of his pieces are showcased throughout the museum. THEY. ARE. AWESOME. Yes, I know art is a subjective thing, but there's something so captivating about the abstract, borderline-surreal, borderline-psychedelic pieces he created over the course of his long career. Do yourself a favor and broaden your horizons by checking his place out!