My kids loved the Night at the Museum movies when they were young. They were favorites of my husband's and mine, too! In fact, we still quote the famous "firepower' line in our family to this day.
So, when we had the opportunity, years ago, to visit our favorite museums at night, for free, we jumped at the chance. We visited tried and trues and museums that we had never been to before. There was a free shuttle to bring us to each location, so we didn't have to worry about directions or parking. We had a blast. It is one of our favorite family memories.
I can't guarantee that the exhibits will come to life at night, but it is definitely a must-do, no matter what age you are! And you're in luck, because Free Night at the Museums is happening on November 2.
Free Night at the Museums is an opportunity for some of Denver's best museums to stay open late and offer free admission. This year, visit your favorites on Saturday, November 2 from 5pm to 10pm. To make it even easier to explore, FREE shuttles will be available, stopping at or near different museums in downtown Denver.
Listed below are the participating museums. Be sure to check each museum's website before you head out for any updates or changes to the Night at the Museum schedule.
Participating Museums
Center for Colorado Women's History
Take a guided tour at the historic house that has been the home to inspiring women since 1883, such as Anne Evans, who lived and worked in the home, featuring the Rumors of Bloomers exhibit.
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Release your inner child at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus during Night at the Museums, when adults are allowed in the Museum without children. Come launch rockets in Energy, see who can make the biggest bubble, create a masterpiece in The Art Studio and so much more. Presenting Denver will be onsite for a special performance featuring local artists!
The Clyfford Still Museum welcomes guests to visit for free from 10am to 10pm during the SCFD Free Day on November 2 (5pm to 10pm during Night at the Museums). Experience Dialogue and Defiance: Clyfford Still and the Abstract Expressionists . The exhibition considers the nuanced ways in which Clyfford Still was part of an artists' community in the late 1940s and early 1950s, despite his protestations to the contrary, and how his paintings, through their scale and composition, promote ideas of community.
Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL)
Explore the CELL’s immersive experience investigating the root causes of violent extremism and learn how to help prevent future threats. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, you'll see how world leaders use language as a weapon and how state-sponsored terrorism affects both domestic and global security. Join us on November 2 for an evening of learning and empowerment. Be vigilant through everyday scenario simulations and become a champion of change for a safer, more inclusive community. This evening is part of our Free Days at the CELL, from 10am to 10pm.
Don’t miss your chance to visit this world-class institution to see exhibits such as Composing Color: Paintings by Alama Thomas from the Smithsonian American Art Museum (general admission access). Check out the Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak (separate ticketed admission of $15 is required; advance purchase is recommended).
See historic fire engines and more at Denver Firefighters Museum, a space that preserves the history of the Denver Fire Department and firefighting through the collection and preservation of artifacts, documents and photographs.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Explore art, nature and science at the museum! You'll make all kinds of discoveries. Did you know that artist Kent Pendleton painted hidden elves in the background murals of wildlife dioramas? Take a closer look at the artwork as it appears throughout museum exhibitions, visit temporary exhibitions The Power of Poison and Animals of the Rainforest.
Dinosaur Ridge & Morrison Natural History Museum
Get ready to travel back in time and experience the ultimate prehistoric party! Dinosaur Ridge and Morrison Natural History Museum are teaming up to bring you Night at the Museums 2024 — and it's going to be dino-mite! Experience the time when Colorado had a coastline and was home for marine animals and dinosaurs as Dino Ridge transforms into “Cretaceous Colorado” for the evening. Located just 20 miles west of Denver near Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, a free shuttle will be provided between the two museum locations for attendees. Arrive at either museum to access both for the evening!
*Not on main Night at the Museums shuttle route. The shuttle between these two attractions is provided by the museums.
Forney Museum of Transportation
Cars and motorcycles, bikes, trains and planes... you'll discover the ultimate world of transportation at Forney Museum! All ages are welcome during Night at the Museums.
Four Mile Historic Park is a gateway to Denver’s Western heritage, offering a vibrant 12-acre oasis with a working farm and Denver’s oldest standing structure, the Four Mile House Museum. Join us for Night at the Museums and experience campfire stories, a craft station, prairie games and tours of the Four Mile House.
Freyer - Newman Center at Denver Botanic Gardens
Visitors enjoy free admission to the Freyer – Newman Center for Science, Art & Education to explore art and science through exhibitions, music, fabulous fungi and library activities. Discover three exhibitions, attend a performance lecture by artist Nathan Hall and be inspired by floral creations by Arthur Williams of Babylon Floral. No access to garden grounds.
Artifacts, stories and art intermingle to tell the tale of Colorado and the American West. The museum is designed for multi-generational audiences and consists of more than 15 exhibits spanning four floors.
Experience exhibitions on view, enjoy the rooftop cafe with city views and peruse the MCA Denver shop.
The historic home of Titanic survivor and famed Colorado resident, Margaret "Molly" Brown, will be open for Night at the Museums! Walk back in time and learn about Brown's life as you self-explore her Denver home. See the Funeral Practices Exhibit on display: Step into Mrs. Brown’s Victorian funeral parlor and learn about death watch, hair wreaths and Denver’s connection to embalming. You’ll meet those who have died in the house and who might still be here!
Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Americas and create lasting memories during this special Night at the Museums event. Embark on an exciting Scavenger Hunt through captivating exhibitions. Put your observation skills to the test as you explore a diverse collection of art and artifacts from across the Americas.
Discover a unique space dedicated to celebrating the rich art, culture and heritage of Black women. The museum features interactive exhibits designed to honor and uplift the contributions of Black female artists and cultural icons.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Transport yourself to a different time and place. Our exhibits allow you to get up close and personal with historic aircraft, artifacts and memorabilia and explore the future of aviation and space through immersive events and realistic flight simulators. Experience the newest exhibit, Space: A Journey to our Future, or catch a showing of Space: The New Frontier and Behind the Wings.
Catch a free shuttle during Night at the Museums for even easier adventures!
A Route – 30 minutes round trip
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Wings Over the Rockies and Space Museum
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
B Route – 25 minutes round trip
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Forney Museum of Transportation
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
C Route – 15-20 minutes round trip
- Denver Art Museum (also servicing Clyfford Still Museum, the CELL and Center for Colorado Women’s History)
- The Museum for Black Girls
- Denver Firefighters Museum
- Denver Art Museum (also servicing Clyfford Still Museum, the CELL and Center for Colorado Women’s History)
D Route – 35 minutes round trip
- Denver Art Museum (also servicing Clyfford Still Museum, the CELL and Center for Colorado Women’s History)
- MCA Denver
- Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
- Denver Art Museum (also servicing Clyfford Still Museum, the CELL and Center for Colorado Women’s History)
E Route – 30-40 minutes round trip
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Denver Art Museum (also servicing Clyfford Still Museum, the CELL and Center for Colorado Women’s History)
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
F Route – 20 minutes round trip
- History Colorado Center
- Museo de las Americas
- Molly Brown House Museum
- History Colorado Center
G Route – 35 minutes round trip
- History Colorado Center
- Fryer Newman Center at the Denver Botanic Gardens (no access to the Garden or Grounds)
- Four Mile Historic Park
- History Colorado Center
For EVEN MORE Denver Arts Week fun, visit Denver Arts Week.
