Museums are important. They connect us to our collective culture. They have the power to foster meaningful conversations and self-reflection.
Are you the kind of person who is inspired by fine art? The environment? Human connection? Architecture?
Boulder County is lucky enough to have inspiring museums of all genres. And the best thing about museums? They’re always changing and evolving. The Burgess Group of Boulder realtors list everything you need to know about what’s new with Boulder County Museums.
Museum of Boulder
Sonder. That’s the word for the feeling of wonder that consumes you when struck with the realization that every life is as vivid and complex as your own.
Every life carries a story.
These stories are powerful. The Museum of Boulder’s mission is to showcase (past and present) community stories. They preserve them for future generations to learn from. There are thousands of historic documents and photographs available in the museum’s archive collection.
Wander through the Boulder Experience Gallery to understand the timeline of change throughout Boulder history. From Native American reign to the building of the Kepler Telescope.
Rotating exhibits are relevant to current times. Most recently, the Memorial Crane Project honors the victims of Coronavirus. The Food Access Exhibit delves into the extreme wage gap in Colorado. It tells the stories of locals living with food insecurity. It also educates visitors on ways you can improve the local food landscape. If this is a topic that interests you, the Boulder real estate agents at Burgess Group’s Food Security Project explains more.
The museum also seeks to bring the community together through local events. Head to the museum rooftop for Vinyasa yoga and dance classes.
Meow Wolf
Ok… you caught us! This is a Denver spot. It’s not technically a Boulder County museum. But Meow Wolf is brand new and very unique. So, our Boulder realtors felt it couldn’t be left out.
The museum has been three years in the making and finally opened its doors in September 2021. The 4 story building features colorful, glowing installations. These visceral exhibitions will transport you into a different dimension.
The bizarre museum is one of 3 locations. The Santa Fe-based founders have built an immersive storytelling experience at Meow Wolf Denver. To create Meow Wolf Denver, over 110 local artists were hired. Each artist has a long history and deep connection with the local community.
Fiske Planetarium
This 65-foot dome is the largest planetarium experience between L.A. and Chicago.
Fiske is a great option for a bad-weather day. Reclining chairs and a full-dome theatre makes for a relaxing, yet prolific experience.
You’ll get to experience the galaxy up close and personal. The Fiske Planetarium offers star talks and climate change lectures as well as laser shows and concerts (Laser Floyd, anyone?!).
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
This is a small but vibrant art museum on Pearl Street. Their exhibition schedule is ambitious. They rotate their installations frequently throughout the year.
Exhibits are best defined as exploratory. They love to push boundaries, and there is no shortage of local talent.
This is a great museum for a quick, introspective fix after a morning at the Boulder Farmer’s Market.
The museum is also responsible for sponsoring many pop-up exhibits around the city. They also put on the Summer Arts In The Park event in the downtown Bandshell.
CU Museum of Natural History
Attention Jurassic Park Fans! There is a full triceratops skull in this museum. And it’s just as gigantic as you’d expect.
If you’re the kind of person who is endlessly fascinated by plants, animals, and how we all function together within the circle of life… you’ll love this spot. This university-sponsored museum contributes to the knowledge of humanity within the natural world. But it’s not only science-based. The museum encourages university students to interact creatively with the natural world.
After all, isn’t the natural world the greatest example of creativity?
The art and algae exhibit showcases artistic interpretations of microorganisms. The annual Trash the Runway event inspires students to think out of the box. In this event, Middle and High School students upcycle materials to create runway-worthy outfits. Then they put on a fashion show.
Lafayette Miners Museum
Alright…As Boulder County Realtors, we admit…We’re a real sucker for a historical home. This home was built in 1895. It was occupied by miners for the Gladstone Silver Mine, located in northeast Lafayette. The home has been a museum since 1976 and is a great resource for learning about pioneering in the West. The kitchen is chock-full of unusual household items that were used regularly during this era (and trust us- it’ll make you thankful for your blender!). But, that’s only one of the reasons the Boulder realtors here at Burgess Group love the Lafayette Miners Museum.
The museum also hosts historical walking tours. This includes a haunted history walking tour during October.
The Formula for Inspiration: Get Out of the House. Go to a Museum.
Meditation teaches the idea of approaching life with a child’s mind. A child’s mind is constantly curious and explorative. Museums have a way of bringing this out in us.
Allow yourself to be filled with wonder.
