Denver is set to create a museum dedicated to the city’s rich history and culture, Mayor Mike Johnston announced on Wednesday. The new museum will be housed in the McNichols Civic Center Building, a landmark in Civic Center Park with a history dating back over 110 years.
“A museum highlighting Denver’s rich history and culture at the historic McNichols Building will create a one-of-a-kind, memorable space for locals and tourists alike to learn about our great city,” Johnston said in a news release. This initiative is part of a broader effort to celebrate and build upon downtown Denver’s cultural heritage.
The second floor of the McNichols Building will be reserved for museum space, while other floors will continue to host private events and exhibits. The city is also exploring options for future food and beverage services to enhance the visitor experience.
“We’re thrilled to begin the process that will bring an educational and entertaining space to Civic Center Park for the community to enjoy, while creating a downtown that is vibrant, culturally enriching, and economically prosperous,” Johnston added.
The museum project is part of Johnston’s ambitious plan to “further activate” downtown Denver, an area that has struggled with perceptions of crime, open-air drug use, and homelessness. However, recent efforts to improve safety and move homeless individuals into shelters have shown positive results, with a business chamber reporting that people feel safer.
Johnston is also pushing for the expansion of the Downtown Development Authority to generate revenue for further investments in the area. This could potentially bring up to $500 million in infrastructure improvements, aiming to attract more visitors and revive downtown’s vibrancy post-pandemic.
In the early stages of planning, the city has issued a request for information to potential exhibitors to gauge interest and capabilities in developing and managing the museum. “We are still in the very early steps,” said Benjamin Heinemann, spokesperson for Denver Arts and Venues.
The announcement of the museum follows Denver’s Outside Festival, which highlighted Colorado’s outdoors and tourism industries. Civic Center Park, which also hosts the popular Christkindlmarket and features a massive Christmas tree during the holidays, stands to benefit from this new cultural addition.
The McNichols Building, originally the Carnegie Library, was established in 1910 with a $200,000 donation from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. After serving various functions over the years, including as the home of the Denver Water Board, the building was renovated and renamed in honor of Colorado’s 35th governor, Stephen McNichols.
Deputy Director for Denver Arts and Venues Jen Morris expressed excitement about the project, stating that the museum will anchor the McNichols Building as a hub for art and culture as it nears its 125th anniversary. “The building has a tremendous history as a center for learning in Civic Center Park,” Morris said. “This is an exciting time for those who have long cared about the McNichols Building.”
Eric Lazzari, executive director of the Civic Center Conservancy, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the building’s role in the ongoing revitalization of Civic Center Park. “The continued programming and beautification of the building benefit everyone who uses the park, and we’re excited by what’s to come in the building,” Lazzari said.
As plans for the museum take shape, Denver looks forward to offering a unique space where residents and visitors can delve into the city’s storied past and vibrant culture.