Fort Collins shares a culture of learning, discovery, and celebration of diversity. There are a number of must-visit museums throughout the town. We’re sharing all our museums with you so you can plan your own adventure!
Museum of Discovery
The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a distinctive interactive museum, engaging visitors through hands-on learning experiences and historical storytelling. The unique approach to learning is appealing to kids and all with a curious kid-at-heart spirit too. One of the most popular permanent exhibits is their Music and Sound lab, where people of all ages can learn how to play bass, be a DJ, or lay down a beat on the drums. The museum is also home to Northern Colorado's only 360° dome theater: the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater, where a 39-foot overhead screen surrounds viewers with state-of-the-art laser projection and spatial audio.
Current Exhibits:
- First Peoples
- Schatz Family Exploration Zone
- The Tot Spot
- Wildlands & Wildlife
- Animal Encounters
- Food, Forage, & Farm
- People on the Move
- Natural Areas
- Healthy Steps
- Alebrijes
Museum of Art
The Museum of Art | Fort Collins exhibits large, touring art shows, includes many contemporary artists and is housed in the beautiful historic Post Office. The museum was originally incorporated in 1983 as Horizons Gallery of Contemporary Art and founded by artist, writer and musician Roz Spencer, who is credited with bringing contemporary art and artists to Fort Collins.
Current Exhibits & Classes:
- Indigenous Voices: A Contemporary Art Exhibition (Oct. 3-Jan.4)
- Indigenous Voices Zoom Panel on Nov. 19
- Timothy David Orme-Fulcrum (Oct.3-Jan. 4)
- Wonderlab! School Days off Art Classes (9 am-4 pm; Nov. 24 & Jan. 5th)
Global Village Museum of Arts and Culture
Since 2006, the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures has been a gateway to the world’s diverse cultures, traditions, art, and history. Through thoughtfully curated exhibits featuring folk art, fine art, artifacts, and musical instruments, the organizers inspire curiosity and connection. In collaboration with local collectors and global travelers, the museum brings unique perspectives to life, enriching our exhibits and expanding educational opportunities that deepen cultural understanding. There are three permanent exhibits: John E. Roberts Village Arts Gallery, Mundoville Gallery: International Folk Art in Miniature, and The Losel Doll House.
Current Exhibits & Classes:
- Clay Metamorphosis: From Mud to Modern (Oct. 3-Jan. 24)
- The Larimer County Jail Art Project
- Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. - Art from the Inside
- Make-And-Paint Holiday Gnomes with Flingin' Pots (Nov. 29 at 11 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Gregory Allicar Museum of Art
Colorado State University's Gregory Allicar Museum of Art invites individuals to engage with art and each other to inspire fresh perspectives and wonder. Always free and open to all, the museum is a catalyst for visual literacy and critical thinking that instills a passion for learning. A well-balanced docket of permanent and rotating exhibits ensures a fresh experience each time someone walks through the doors! There are three permanent exhibits: Hartford-Tandstad Galleries, Main Gallery (highlights from African and The Americas Collections), and African Gallery (highlights from the Africian Collection).
Current Exhibits & Classes:
- Here & Now: Recent Work by the Department of Art & Art History (Aug. 27-Dec. 12)
- Collection Connections: Visiting Artists (Aug. 27-Dec. 12)
- Collection Connections: Former Faculty and Alumni (Sept. 10-Dec. 12)
Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising
Colorado State University's Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising features changing exhibits of historic apparel, fashion, and global textiles with three galleries in the University Center for the Arts. Their collection of 20,000 historically and culturally significant artifacts tell global stories of people and their textiles, dress, and interior furnishings. Their current exhibition of Tiger's Leap: Fashion's Past Present and Future Part II will be up until the middle of July. Two other exhibits, The Richard Blackwell Gallery and The Lucile Hawks Gallery, are set to start at the end of May too! Did we mention it's free?!
Current Exhibits & Classes:
- Thanks! It has Pockets (Sept. 18-Mar.14)
- "Dear Old Coat": Sentiment, Stewardship, Sustainability (May 27-Dec. 20)
- Deck the Hall: Julie Rieken's Art Stockings (Oct. 7-Dec. 20)
- Make and Mend (First Saturday of Every Month, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
- Collage Day: Study Break (Dec. 16, 2-4 p.m.)
1879 Avery House
A must-see historic structure in the heart of Old Town is the Avery House, built in 1879 by Franklin Avery. Avery designed Fort Collins' distinctive wide streets, founded the local First National Bank, and spearheaded other projects that helped Northern Colorado thrive. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house is open for tours and features rotating special exhibits.
1883 Water Works
The 1883 Water Works was Fort Collins' first public works project. It is located along the foothills west of Fort Collins, where the historic Overland Trail runs through the property. It now boasts 23+ acres, 4 buildings, 2 ditches, vintage apple trees, and more.
Totally 80's Pizza
Pizza and a museum?! Check out Totally 80's for 80's pop culture artifacts including rare vintage arcade games, cereal boxes, autographed photos, computers, and original hand written lyrics. It's the world's only 1980's Museum and Restaurant!
Blue Moose Art Gallery
Blue Moose isn't your typical art gallery; they like to have fun! It's an organization that represents 80+ professional Colorado artists featuring a wide variety of original fine art and gifts. With over 3,400 items that are all for sale, you'll definitely find something that suits you. If you enjoy what you see, take one of their art classes to learn how to do it yourself!
Art About Town
You can enjoy free art in public spaces all over Fort Collins while on your travels. Painted pianos, mesmerizing transformer cabinet murals, sculptures, and all sorts of creative projects are displayed in unexpected places! Check these tours out put together by the Downtown Fort Collins Creative District.
Every first Friday of the month, you can enjoy displays of art from local artists all around Downtown Fort Collins. As you enjoy your leisurely stroll, stop by the venues listed here to appreciate pieces through a self-guided tour. If you're on social media, make sure to tag us @visitftcollins on your adventures throughout beautiful Fort Collins.
