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
- Music & Sound Lab
- 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:
- A Celebration of Colorado: A Juried Exhibition of Northern Colorado Artists (June 26-Sept. 13)
- Patrick Dunford: On the Plains (June 26-Sept. 13)
- Wonderlab! (Aug.10-14)
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 a few permanent collections: Andrea and Irv Green Huxian Paintings Collection; Nash Family Mundoville Gallery; Todd Cornell Cultural Revolution Collection; Stewart Price Japanese Art and Artifacts Collection; Warren and Genny Garst International Collection; and Jeanne Nash Losel Doll Collection.
Current Exhibits & Events:
- FoCo Trash Mob Presents: The Plastic Detox (July 25)
- What African Cities Can Teach Us About Sustainability (July 29)
- What is Art, Really? Lessons from East and West Africa (Aug. 11)
- Work & Wonder: Behind the Scenes at the Museum (Through Sept. 18)
- International Folk Art in Miniature (Through Aug. 25)
- Resistance Regalia (Through Aug. 25)
- Four Corners (Through April 19, 2027)
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 two permanent exhibits: Hartford-Tandstad Galleries, and African Gallery.
Current Exhibits & Classes:
- Meticulous (Feb. 18- Aug. 9)
- CO/LAB Gallery (Feb. 18-Aug. 9)
- MFA Thesis Exhibition 2026 (April 30-Aug. 2)
- Unexpected Connections: Warhol Prints and Collection Portraits (June 17-Aug. 16)
- Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing Curator Talk and Reception (Aug. 26)
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. Did we mention it's free?!
Current Exhibits & Classes:
- imagiNation: Fashioning A Nation 1776-2026 (April 30-Dec. 19)
- Anchors Aweigh: Sailors' Dress and American Women's Fashion 1900-Present (Jan. 27-Aug. 1)
- The Fashion "Bug": Insects In and On Our Cloth (Jan. 27-Aug. 1)
- Make and Mend (First Saturday of Every Month, 10 a.m.-3 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. Additionally, our mural itineraries and map on found on this page.
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.
