Took my older grand kids as an educational field trip. We all found it to be interesting and doesn't take long to tour.
I went to the museum knowing very little about Clyfford Still and his place in modern art. I was extremely impressed by this museum. First, I am not into spending entire days at museums, so this museum's size and collection were perfect for me. You can take your time and still be finished in around 2 hours. The building has a unique design and compliments Still's work. I really appreciated the short movie depicting his life and the signs throughout really shed light on his significance in the art world. I also enjoyed the flow of the museum- going chronologically and discussing each period shift with interpretive signage. This is a place I will recommend to Denver locals and visitors alike!
We enjoyed our visit to the museum as it was interesting, manageable and fun for both the adults and children. The kids sat and played with the wooden puzzles they have out and also walked around. We all really liked it. The building is very well designed.
I was a bit surprised by some of the reviews complaining that the museum is just about one artist. This museum houses an amazing collection of one of the most iconic artists in the abstract expressionist movement and they do a great job of providing historical and biographical context to his work. I spent an hour and a half in the museum, enough time if you read everything, and left feeling like the admission cost ($10) was well worth it.
Since I live in the Denver area, I really had to visit this museum at least once. Once is enough and I would not recommend it to visitors with limited time. Even though I generally prefer modern art, I was not very impressed with Still's. I don't think it really merits a dedicated museum of this size.
I've read many of the complaints that the museum is dedicated to one artist - Clyfford Still. Apparently none of them have done their homework, or understand the artist. When Still died, he bequeathed his art to a city that would build a museum dedicated to his art and only his art. The museum is not allowed to display or share the space with any other artists - which includes musicians, etc. They've gotten around it a few times, by holding events on the grounds, during warmer months, as it's outside, so not technically "in" the museum. Denver bid for this museum against cities across the globe - and won. But should they violated the mandates of the will, it could lose its rights to the museum. The museum has done a lot of creative cooperatives with the DAM - one just needs to do their homework (e.g. the Van Gogh exhibit) All that aside - if you are a modern art aficionado, this museum houses an incredible (rotating) collection of one of America's most controversial artists and a pioneer of Abstract Expressionism. He shunned the modern art world, yet his art inspired many upcoming, and even some of his contemporaries. Upon his death 2400 undiscovered works were discovered in a barn on his property, never before shown to the public. This is a small museum, constructed specifically to showcase Still's art - and it does it perfectly. So quit complaining, and enjoy the awesomeness that is this collection.
Most people have had very little exposure to Clyfford Still, but if you like abstract art, than you will love this collection by the man who coined the phrase "abstract expressionism." This museum was built to house the collection, and the painting rotate regularly to keep the exhibits fresh, so the whole place feels dynamic but reverential. I perfect place to experience great art.
Ok Denver 's art museum can't compete with the biggies in Boston, ny etc except in western art (an acquired taste)- but this is something no other city has - in most places its a treat to see a single still painting in the modern art museum- this is just unbelievable and literally worth a trip to the city for any modern art lover
It is a must see if you love museums. I love that Denver has this museum. Quite an achievement. I love the cement building. Very modern and interesting. The art work wasn't appealing to me. At the end they have stick figure pics on brown paper bags. I could have done better work. I hope it is more to your taste. Still glad to have gone.
I'm not a fan of Clyfford Still's abstract painting, but the building that houses his museum is my favorite building I've ever been in. great light, perfect little terraces, can't go wrong!