There is no shortage of history in Fort Collins. From historic buildings, to our many museums, there's always something to discover. One of our most unique museums is the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising. This free museum is located on Colorado State University's campus by the University Center for the Arts and features exhibits created from CSU's historic apparel and textiles collection.
We spoke with Brooklyn Wenzel, the Visitor Engagement Coordinator at the Avenir Museum, to learn more about this free museum!
What do you love about Fort Collins?
Fort Collins is such a vibrant and thriving community of artists, musicians, scholars, and makers. Coming from a small town in Iowa, I appreciate how many events and activities are happening around Fort Collins on any given day. On the other hand, I love Fort Collins’ proximity to nature. It’s the best of both worlds!
What are your top 3 favorite activities to do in Fort Collins?
- I love the monthly Fort Collins Foodie WalkTM (third Friday of every month) and the Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art WalkTM that happen in Old Town! I try to attend both each month.
- When visiting Fort Collins, I think everyone should try to conquer a hike! I have a special place in my heart for the Horsetooth Falls hike and recommend it for both beginner and advanced hikers.
- I love a sweet little treat, and there is no shortage of ice cream shops in Fort Collins to satisfy a sweet tooth. My favorites are Walrus Ice Cream, Old Town Churn, and Kilwins!
What "can't miss" activity/restaurant/place would you tell a first-time visitor to go?
I am absolutely obsessed with Tap & Handle! The variety of beers and their appetizers can’t be beat (my personal favorite are the cheese curds). It is a required stop when I am welcoming guests from out of town.
What makes the Avenir Museum unique?
Whether you are wearing a designer garment or a T-shirt you have had for years, wearing clothing is something we all have in common. At the Avenir Museum we use clothing and textiles as a familiar entry point to teach and explore a wide range of topics. You can view our past exhibitions on our website.
How did the Avenir Museum get its start?
The collection began in the early 1950s as a small teaching resource for faculty in the former Department of Home Economics at Colorado State University. Over the years, the collection has grown through donations and strategic acquisitions while holding true to its origins as a teaching collection. We use our objects to support student learning, faculty research, and interpretive exhibitions.
The collections are comprised of 19th and 20th-century Euro-American garments and accessories, flat textiles, and global dress with depth in Central Asia, India, China, and Japan. Special collections include designer garments from Calvin Klein, Arnold Scaasi, James Galanos, Carolina Herrera, and Mr. Blackwell, self-proclaimed arbiter of fashion and author of the annual Worst-Dressed List. Located in the University Center for the Arts complex, the Avenir Museum’s public spaces presently include three galleries with an established schedule of exhibits. The Avenir Museum is always free and open to all!
What do you want visitors to experience at the Avenir Museum, and what is the story behind your current exhibitions?
We have three gallery spaces that we use to share our collection through exhibitions. Our mission is to inspire respectful curiosity across peoples, places, and cultures; we hope that when visitors enter the museum they can relate to the exhibitions on a personal level, but also that our exhibitions encourage our visitors to think about experiences that may be outside of their own.
Our exhibitions are supported by a variety of public programs— from our signature Make & Mend open studios to exhibition specific lectures, to workshops. You can explore our Fall 2025 programs on our website.
Thanks! It Has Pockets
September 18, 2025 – March 14, 2026
Beyond the surface of this exhibition's ubiquitous title phrase is a centuries’ long history in which women’s clothing has been denied the functionality, portability, and privacy of pockets. Despite the increased availability of pockets today, the enduring echoes of “thanks, it has pockets” suggests this simple application of cloth is a source of agency, autonomy, and joy.
Dear Old Coat: Sentiment, Stewardship, Sustainability
May 27 – December 20, 2025
Curated by DM graduate student, Rebecca Evans, this exhibition offers a unique lens to view the current fashion sustainability crisis by exploring historical practices of garment stewardship, including repair, reuse, and care of clothing from 1800 – 1850.
Deck the Hall: Julie Rieken’s Art Stockings
October 7 – December 20, 2025
This exhibition showcases the work of northern Colorado artist Julie Rieken who uses the shape of a holiday stocking as a frame to capture moments of her life in embroidery, beading, and stitching.
(Photos Provided by the Avenir Museum)
Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising
Address: 216 E. Lake Street, Fort Collins, CO 80523
Hours: Tuesday - Friday from 11am to 5pm; Saturday from 10am to 4pm
Phone: (970) 491-1983
Email: avenirmuseum@colostate.edu
Website: avenir.colostate.edu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvenirMuseum
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avenirmuseum/
