Museums Winter Preview
Some exciting events and interesting exhibits are happening now through February 24, 2013, at many metro-Denver-area museums. They include an open house, a candlelight walk, a Molly Brown-era high tea, gingerbread-house-making workshops, and much more; here are the dates, times and locations of those upcoming events and exhibits. Check them all out as there is sure to be something you don’t want to miss.
The Astor House
Come to Golden for Holidays At The Astor House. Not only can you tour this beautiful and historic boarding house, and Golden landmark (see how life was for travelers back in the day), you can have fun with holiday crafts, and entertaining Victorian games.
This event starts on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 and the last day is Sunday, December 30, 2012. The event lasts from 11:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. each day it is held. No activities are held on Mondays as the Astor House is closed Mondays, and the event will not be held on December 15. The Astor House is also closed on Christmas Day. Admission is $3.00 for nonmembers.
Golden History Center
On Friday, November 30, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM take a walk through the three Golden History Center’s museums with your family, friends, and neighbors during Golden’s Candlelight Walk. Enjoy refreshments, games, and Golden’s colorful history. Visit all three museums: Astor House Museum, Clear Creek History Park, and the Golden History Center.
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
On December 13, 2012 from 6:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., artist Michael Gadlin will conduct a presentation of his distinct painting style. Learn how he does it, as he will also answer your questions.
On December 14, 2012 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., and on December 15 & 16, 2012 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 P.M., Firefly Handmade, a series of local artisan markets, will have a sale of handcrafted goods from more than 70 different local artisans.
On December 31, 2012 from 9:00 P.M. to January 1, 2013 2:00 A.M., come to the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and celebrate New Year’s Eve and the new year with fellow contemporary art lovers and be surrounded by the some of the best in local contemporary art pieces.
Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
William F. Cody, more famously known as Buffalo Bill, was the central character in nearly 2,000 dime novels. The novels helped bolster William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s status as legendary western icon. Buffalo Bill Superhero displays selections from 800 dime novels that the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave received in 2011. The novels portray Buffalo Bill as a fearless hero who challenged everything from villains to monster-like creatures. They depict Buffalo Bill not only through the art of story telling, but also through the artistic covers of the vintage paperback books and magazines in which the stories appeared. The exhibit will run throughout 2012, closing in January of 2013.
Denver Firefighters Museum
On Saturday, December 1st from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. is the Holiday Open House. This event is free, so stop by and take in a tour of Old Station No. 1. Included in the tour are holiday refreshments, children’s arts and crafts, and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus! And please bring a toy to contribute to the Toys for Tots Drive!
Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys
On December 1, 2012 join the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys for the Holiday House Tour. The tour starts at the home of Marcia Knight and ends at the home of Judi Hamilton. In between is a luncheon at the Belmar Library. The tour starts at 10:30 A.M. and costs $40.00. See miniatures, castles, embroidery, nutcrackers and hot air balloons, but most of all enjoy some festive fun.
During December, Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys will have the Gingerbread House Workshops. The workshops are for children and adults to have fun together creating their graham cracker and icing, holiday treats. The one-hour workshops cost $8.00 for nonmembers, $10.00 for members and $6.00 for all adults not making a house. Call 303-322-1053 to make a reservation for the following dates and times:
- Sat. Dec. 8 11:00 & 2:00
- Sun. Dec. 9 1:30
- Sat. Dec. 15 11:00 & 2:00
- Sun. Dec. 16 1:30
- Sat. Dec. 22 11:00 & 2:00
- Sun. Dec. 23 1:30
Four Mile Historic Park
On Saturday, December 15 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. come to the Four Mile Historic Park for Raptors of The Rockies. Learn about the relationship raptors had with the pioneers and Native Americans of the mid-to-late 1800s. Also learn about how these birds adapt to the challenges in the wild. See raptors that are native to Colorado engage in a flying demonstration (weather permitting). This is a chance to learn about raptors and to actually see them up close and in-person.
FMHP Members: Free
Adults: $5
Seniors (65+) & Military: $4
Youth (7-17): $3
Children 6 & Under: Free
Parking is free.
Molly Brown House Museum
On select days in December, join your friends at the Molly Brown House for the Holiday High Teas. There are plenty of dates and times to enjoy tea with friends throughout December, so call ahead at (303) 832-4092 or visit the website at www.mollybrown.org to make reservations.
Museo de las Americas
Now through January 13th, 2012 at the Museo de las Americas is an exhibition entitled Hilos. Hilos is the Spanish word for thread, the threads that connect the current collection to the museum’s past. So the display is a celebration of the 20 year history of the museum, and it features works from the museum’s collection. Expect to see a range of styles from Colonial to Contemporary art.
Bloice Davison is a blogger who blogs about American and Canadian museums.
