Denver Art Museum opened expanded campus on October 7, 2006

Complex now includes Daniel Libeskind’s new Frederic C. Hamilton building

The Denver Art Museum's enlarged campus opened to the public on October 7, 2006. The Museum, founded in 1893 and one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast, nearly doubles its facilities with the addition of the Frederic C. Hamilton Building.

Adding more than 30,000 square feet of new galleries for its permanent collections, three temporary exhibition spaces, art storage and public amenities, it is one of the most unique structures in the United States and the first in the country completed by architect Daniel Libeskind. The expansion is the Museum’s first major addition since its North Building, designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti, was completed 35 years ago.

"The Hamilton Building creates much-needed space to exhibit our extensive and diverse collection and traveling exhibitions. With a breadth that includes American Indian, Spanish Colonial, pre-Columbian, Asian, Oceanic, African, western American and modern and contemporary art," said director Lewis Sharp, "our holdings reflect our city and region—and provide invaluable ways for the community to learn about cultures from around the world. Libeskind's dramatic design captures the energy and optimism of Denver and sets a new standard for civic architecture in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.

"It has been gratifying over the years to be recognized for our pioneering education programs," added Sharp. "We have a deep commitment to how our visitors—of all ages—see and engage in our buildings and our collection. The expansion allows us to enhance both access to works of art and the related enrichment programs we offer."

The $110 million project, which includes the $75 million Hamilton Building and related improvements to the Museum's full complex and site, was funded through a voter approved $62.5 million bond initiative and $47 million in private funding. Exceeding an initial goal of $28 million and ultimately raising $47 million enabled the Museum to expand the scope of the project to include a 75,000-square-foot outdoor plaza and renovations to several public spaces in the North Building. Additionally, Museum trustees have pledged more than $62.5 million towards the endowment, which matches the public bond initiative.

Visit http://www.denverartmuseum.org/ to learn more.