Updated: 11:10 a.m., Nov. 20
When Gov. Jared Polis announced new restrictions for counties hit hard by the coronavirus on Tuesday, it was unclear how art and cultural institutions would be affected. But the message since has been made clear: Many indoor venues will have to close their doors once again to help stop the spread. Those affected include large and small venues alike, with a few exceptions.
Some outdoor venues, like the Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Zoo, can remain open because they don't rely on riskier indoor settings. Even certain outdoor holiday markets will be able to open as planned, as long as they adhere to social distancing and capacity guidelines. Some places, like the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, have a variance to continue operating. Smaller galleries and arts spaces are adapting their policies out of caution.
If you were planning to stop by a museum or another indoor venue after Friday, call ahead for the latest information or check their websites. We checked in with a few venues around town to learn about their plans.
The DAM said in a statement that it "will continue to operate on current reduced capacity." Tickets are no longer available for future general admission, or for its Mexican modernism exhibit online, and its variance status may change.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Although the museum itself may still be open, certain attractions, like the planetarium and IMAX theater, will be closed. Following the new restrictions' ban on indoor dining, the museum's dining area will also be closed and food options will be restricted to packaged snacks and beverages.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
The MCA will temporarily close its doors after Friday at 5 p.m. The museum is encouraging would-be visitors to enjoy its free virtual programs available on its YouTube channel.
The Kirkland Museum will temporarily close its doors after Friday at 5 p.m.
The Clyfford Still Museum will also temporarily close its doors after Friday at 5 p.m. In an announcement, the museum said the closure would last at least one month and encouraged visitors to check out its free virtual programs.
The music venue will cancel concerts originally scheduled from Friday through December 6. In a statement, the theatre said it would "keep a close eye on how things progress over the next few weeks before deciding about future weeks."
Broadway Roxy's Paula Vrakas told Westword that the music venue would cancel the rest of its shows and likely not reopen until next year.
Comedy clubs like The Comedy Works have also been forced to close. Ticket-buyers for shows scheduled throughout November will be contacted by the venue with more details.
The facility's gallery space opened a new photography exhibit, "Black in Denver," Nov. 19 and will continue to welcome visitors one family group at a time. Schedule your visit in advance on the Arvada Center's website.
"Carne y Arena" Installation at The Hanger in Aurora
The presentation of Alejandro G. Iñárritu's virtual reality installation will close to the public on Nov. 21. Ticket sales for future dates have also been paused, but visitors can sign up for an update for when the show reopens.
The Molly Brown House Museum will temporarily close its doors Friday at 5 p.m. The on-location gift shop will remain open for limited hours. Virtual visitors can enjoy future events or shop on the website until they reopen.
History Colorado, Stephen H. Hart Research Center and the Center for Colorado Women's History will temporarily close its doors after Friday at 5 p.m. The El Pueblo History Museum will follow suit on Saturday. However, History Colorado will continue to offer on-site child care and remote-learning for families affected by school closures. The museums' gift shops will remain open for both in-person and online holiday shoppers.
