Aspen, Colorado, evokes images of snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and a pristine winter wonderland. It is especially popular with skiers and snowboarders during the winter months and hikers, bikers, and horseback riders during the summer. However, Aspen is more than just a ski resort town.
This luxurious oasis in the heart of the Rocky Mountains boasts a hip and modern cultural scene. It is home to multiple museums and art centers dedicated to showcasing art from new, emerging artists and established creatives. When visiting Aspen and experiencing its art scene, or if you’re looking into Aspen real estate, these are the art centers and museums you must check out.
Aspen Art Museum
637 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO
Established in 1979, the Aspen Art Museum is a contemporary art museum in downtown Aspen featuring a rotation of exhibitions with cutting-edge contemporary art. It has exhibited the work of numerous prominent artists, such as Yayoi Kusama, Teresita Fernández, and Rashid Johnson. The Aspen Art Museum moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility in 2014. The building was designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban, with a distinctive exterior lattice structure made from a sustainable wood material called Prodema.
Along with the exhibitions, the museum features an education workshop, a rooftop sculpture garden, a café, and a museum shop. Educational programs and public events for patrons include workshops, lectures, and artist talks.
Red Brick Center for the Arts
110 E Hallam St #118, Aspen, CO
This fantastic community arts center in downtown Aspen has exciting exhibits to visit while offering a variety of different classes and workshops throughout the year. Built in 1889, the Red Brick Center for the Arts is housed in the historic Red Brick School building, serving as a vibrant hub for artists, educators, and art enthusiasts in the Roaring Fork Valley. Their mission is to promote the arts in Aspen by providing affordable studio and exhibition spaces for local artists through various services, such as the Resident Artists Program.
The Wheeler Opera House
320 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO
The Wheeler Opera House is a historic theater and cultural landmark in the heart of Aspen, hosting various performances, including concerts, theater productions, and dance. In the present day, the opera house is home to prominent events and artistic institutions in the area, such as the Aspen Filmfest, Aspen Laff Festival, and the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.
Originally built in 1889, the Wheeler Opera House quickly became a central gathering place for the town's residents. The exterior of the opera house is designed in an exquisite Victorian style due to its historical roots. Inside the building is a beautiful and intimate performance space for patrons to admire during their visit.
Aspen Music Festival and School
225 Music School Rd, Aspen, CO
An annual summer event, the Aspen Music Festival and School attracts the world's most talented classical musicians to Aspen. It was established in 1949 to host concerts, lectures, and master classes for participants over eight weeks. It primarily focuses on providing world-class music education. The festival features over 400 musical events, showcasing the skills of the students, faculty, and guest artists, with a diverse repertoire ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works.
Baldwin Gallery
209 S Galena St, Aspen, CO
A contemporary art gallery with diverse pieces, the Baldwin Gallery was established in 1994 by Richard Edwards. The gallery is known for showcasing modern art by established and emerging artists. The art shows often explore current issues and ideas, focusing on painting, sculpture, and photography. The gallery is in a beautifully restored historic building, which offers an elegant and inviting space for patrons to explore its several exhibition spaces.
The Baldwin Gallery has exhibited the work of prominent artists, such as David LaChapelle, Robert Mapplethorpe, Marilyn Minter, Ed Ruscha, and James Turrell, among others. It has played an instrumental part in launching the careers of many emerging artists by giving them a platform to show their talent.
Aspen Chapel Gallery
77 Meadowood Dr, Aspen, CO
The Aspen Chapel Gallery was established in 1985 as a unique, nonprofit art gallery. This gallery is located within the Aspen Chapel, a non-denominational community center. The rotating exhibitions showcase a range of artistic styles and mediums, such as painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and textiles, exploring themes related to spirituality, nature, and the human experience.
The gallery also hosts various events, including artist talks, panel discussions, and opening receptions, to allow artists and art enthusiasts to engage and connect. The Aspen Chapel Gallery also collaborates with local arts organizations and participates in community-wide events to further promote the arts in the region.
Harvey Preston Gallery
225 N Mill St Suite B-01, Aspen, CO
The Harvey Preston Gallery is an established contemporary art gallery specializing in ceramic art, paper works, and sculpture. The gallery focuses on ceramics because the founder, Sam Harvey, is an accomplished ceramic artist.
The gallery supports emerging and established ceramic artists worldwide. Each collection encompasses various styles, techniques, and forms, such as functional pottery, sculptural pieces, and mixed-media installations. The focus on ceramics helps increase the visibility and appreciation of this unique and versatile art form.
Living in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen offers an ideal balance of natural beauty and refined luxury, whether you are seeking outdoor adventure or urban sophistication. In addition to its fantastic outdoor scene, this incredible mountain town's thriving arts and cultural scene will draw in anyone looking to purchase Aspen real estate.
If your dream is to invest in an Aspen luxury home, connect with the expert team at Aspen Luxury Brokers for guidance you can count on. The team's unique skillsets and experience within the construction and home design industry means you will find the perfect house for your lifestyle and a team who can customize it to your taste. Whether this is your primary residence or a vacation home, buyers and sellers will benefit greatly from partnering with Aspen Luxury Brokers.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
