Clyfford Still Museum is a single-artist art museum at 1250 Bannock Street, Denver, Colorado 80204, United States of America, in the Golden Triangle Creative District. Opened on November 18, 2011, it preserves the work of a defining Abstract Expressionist whose paintings use jagged forms, expansive color, and dramatic scale. Travelers come for sustained encounters with those canvases and a building designed specifically around them. Still’s widow, Patricia, selected Denver for the collection in 2004; the museum now holds more than 93 percent of his lifetime output. Explore the collection’s history.
What to Expect at Clyfford Still Museum
The collection encompasses approximately 3,125 pieces, including around 830 paintings and more than 2,300 works on paper and sculpture. Its scope extends beyond Still’s familiar monumental abstractions to student work, Depression-era figures, Surrealist experiments, and later paintings. Exhibitions rotate several times annually, so the galleries present selections rather than the entire collection. Look closely at the relationship between painted passages and exposed canvas, then step back to see how a composition changes at room scale. The free Bloomberg Connects digital guide adds context without requiring a guided tour.
Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture designed the 28,500-square-foot, two-story building. Its textured, cast-in-place concrete exterior gives way to a deliberately darker reception space before visitors reach nine upper-level exhibition galleries. The rooms vary in proportion and light, keeping the paintings—not oversized architecture—the focus. Stained western red cedar and white oak soften the concrete, while northeast and southwest terraces provide pauses between galleries. Notice how your eyes adjust from the entrance to the brighter exhibition rooms: that transition is integral to the architectural design.
- Monumental paintings: Large canvases make color and scale a physical experience.
- Early experiments: The collection traces Still’s movement from recognizable figures toward abstraction.
- Nine galleries: Intimate rooms offer different viewing distances and proportions.
- Upper-level terraces: Two outdoor spaces punctuate the gallery sequence.
- Beyond the Canvas tours: Public tours offer a deeper collection introduction; check the schedule before booking.
Clyfford Still Museum at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1250 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Golden Triangle Creative District; 13th Avenue and Bannock Street |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Monday closed. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Colorado residents / nonresidents: adults $15 / $18; seniors 65+ $13 / $15; college students $1 / $10 with ID, purchased onsite. Teachers and military $10 with ID; ages 17 and under free. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60–90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | RTD bus 52 stops outside on Bannock Street; Parkwell lot at 1245 Bannock Street; Cultural Complex Parking Garage on 12th Avenue. |
| Official Website / Phone | Clyfford Still Museum; +1 720-354-4880 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Choose a 10 a.m. arrival if you want to begin with fresh attention and leave lunchtime free for the surrounding district. Buy through the official ticket page before arriving; groups of ten or more must give advance notice. Online ticket purchases qualify for a 50 percent discount at participating Parkwell lots, with redemption instructions in the confirmation. Besides 1245 Bannock Street, participating options include 1115 and 1120 Acoma Street. Street meters and the covered Cultural Complex garage offer alternatives.
For car-free access, take RTD route 52 to Bannock Street; cyclists will find racks near Bannock and 13th Avenue. Exhibitions occupy the upper floor, so visitors using wheelchairs or strollers should contact visitor services about their route between levels and equipment needs. Guided tours are accessible to guests with disabilities. Build in another five to fifteen minutes on foot for nearby pairings: Civic Center Park for outdoor space, History Colorado Center for regional history, or the Colorado State Capitol for a contrasting civic landmark. Consult the museum’s arrival information before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the museum open, and when should I visit?
Visit Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Opening time makes an easy starting point for a Golden Triangle museum day; Mondays and three major holidays are closed.
How much are tickets, and should I reserve?
Adult admission is $15 for Colorado residents and $18 for nonresidents. Ages 17 and under enter free. Advance online purchase is strongly encouraged; college discounts require onsite purchase with ID.
How long should I allow?
Most visitors spend around an hour. Allow 90 minutes for slower looking, the digital guide, terrace pauses, and the shop.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Children are welcome and enter free through age 17. Watch the museum’s bilingual Art Protector video beforehand. Accessible guided tours are available; call visitor services to discuss wheelchair or stroller arrangements.
When planning your Denver travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Denver, pair this stop with standout local spots including Venice, Table 6, National Ballpark Museum, and Denver Art Museum (0.1 km away).
