The Fine Arts Center at Colorado College brings an art museum, theatre and art school together at 30 W Dale St in Colorado Springs. Its galleries range from Southwestern, Native American and Spanish Colonial works to modern art, with changing exhibitions alongside pieces by Georgia O’Keeffe, Dale Chihuly and Richard Diebenkorn. Look for Diebenkorn’s Urbana #4 and Chihuly glass, then take in the views of Pikes Peak from the patio in summer. You can also plan an evening around a production by the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company.
Art across the galleries
The museum’s collection brings together Native American, Hispanic, Latin American, Southwestern and modern American art. Regional artists share space with works by internationally known names, including Georgia O’Keeffe, Dale Chihuly and Ansel Adams. Richard Diebenkorn’s abstract painting Urbana #4 is another work to look for.
Some exhibitions draw from the permanent collection; others change over time. Chihuly’s glass works and displays of Spanish Colonial art, including retablos and statues, are among the collection highlights. The museum also presents contemporary work and exhibitions focused on artists from the region.
A building with several arts under one roof
The Fine Arts Center is on the Colorado College campus, just north of downtown Colorado Springs. Its red sandstone building combines Art Deco and Pueblo Revival elements. The center includes museum galleries, a professional theatre company and the Bemis School of Art, bringing visual arts, performances and art education together at one address.
The museum’s galleries show paintings, photographs and sculpture. The center also uses parts of its collection for teaching and research, and gives attention to how art is cared for and stored. A sensory-friendly area includes works visitors can touch; follow the instructions provided for each piece, since other artworks need protection.
Theatre, tours and programs
The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company stages musicals, plays and comedy in a 400-seat theatre. Productions have included Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz and Guys and Dolls. Check the current programme if you want to pair a gallery visit with a performance, as the schedule changes.
Free daily tours can add background to a museum visit. The center also runs arts programs and classes through the Bemis School of Art, including summer training for young people aged six to eighteen. Free museum admission is available on the second Saturday and third Friday of each month. In summer, the patio gives visitors a view toward Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Fine Arts Center?
It is at 30 W Dale St on the Colorado College campus in Colorado Springs, just north of downtown.
When is admission free?
The museum has free admission on the second Saturday and third Friday of each month.
Does the Fine Arts Center have a theatre?
Yes. The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company presents performances in a 400-seat theatre.
Can you take a tour of the museum?
Free daily tours are available.
