Jumpstart a fun-filled summer at the new History Colorado Center, Denver’s newest cultural destination
On tap for the summer: Daily live performances included with standard paid admission! From local musicians and dancers to performing animals and magicians—every day there’s a new performer starting this weekend through the end of August.
Also included with admission is “LEGO-rado,” a new whimsical Centennial State-inspired display built entirely out of LEGO® bricks. Opening on Saturday, May 26, local LEGO builders with the Colorado & Wyoming LEGO User Group (CoWLUG) bring a fanciful version of Colorado to life. This 700-foot display features a train track circling four themed sections that showcase Colorado stories from particular places and times; past and future! “LEGO-rado” will be on display through Colorado Day – August 1, 2012.
The four themed “LEGO-rado” sections include: Geological Colorado, featuring landscapes and an archaeological dig; Old Town Colorado, highlighting Bent’s Fort, a river basin and prairies; Contemporary Colorado, which looks at small town and suburban Colorado with comical twists; and Future Colorado, a fantastical vision of future Denver filled with extraterrestrials and flying vehicles.
The display took 12 builders over two months to build and install. “The display is an artistic interpretation — not meant to be truly historical or completely serious — and made to inspire young builders to envision their surroundings, past, present and future in a fun and refreshing way,” said Jessica Rigney, CoWLUG builder. For more information on CoWLUG, visit www.cowlug.net.
Plenty of LEGO bricks are available at tables around the display for visitors to build their own creations. History Colorado is also offering LEGO building workshops — an opportunity to learn from the experts how to re-purpose old LEGO sets into something new.
Workshops are $45 ($40 for History Colorado members) and include a small LEGO set to take home. Space is limited; pre-registration required. Registration information can be found at HistoryColoradoCenter.org or call (303) 866-2394.
- Sunday, June 24: 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (for ages 10+)
- Saturday, July 14: 11a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (for ages 5 to 9, w/ a parent)
- Sunday, July 29: 1p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (for ages 10+)
Other notable summer happenings at the History Colorado Center:
- Sign up for a summer adventure through our Tours and Treks programs. From bike tours to gold mines and ghost towns—choose a tour or a trek and create a summer memory! A complete calendar of Tours and Treks is located at HistoryColorado.org under Programs and Events.
- Escape the Heat in a “Colorful Colorado” lecture. Meet experts that inspire and educate on a variety of Colorado topics—from a look at Colorado’s Most Endangered Places to Ghost Towns of the Rockies. The 2012-2013 series begins on June 5 and lectures are offered throughout the year. A complete calendar is located at HistoryColorado.org under Programs and Events.
- Coming June 18 – For the People of Colorado: Our Constitution, a temporary exhibit that takes a fresh look at the state’s founding document. A copy of the original state Constitution plus versions in Spanish and German from 1876 will be on view.
- Workshops with History Colorado librarians in the Stephen H. Hart Research Library on topics that include how to research your family history, use the library’s online catalog and protect your family’s historic treasures. Workshops offered June 12, July 10, July 24 and August 8. Reservations required, $5 general public – call (303) 866-2394 to register.
- Sweet Summer Saturdays for families with children 8+. Every second Saturday the History Colorado Center features a special program on how sweet things are made in Colorado – tastings included! Offered June 16, July 21 and August 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. Pre-registration required by calling (303) 866-4686; $20 adult, $5 children 8 to 17. One free adult for every three registered children.
- Exclusive Member Hours: the History Colorado Center is open exclusively to members only from 10 a.m. to noon every Sunday, starting June 3 through Sept. 2. Visitors must present a member card or check in at the membership desk.
- Free Day! August 1, Colorado Day, is a public free day at the History Colorado Center.
- Free admission for active duty military and their families! The History Colorado Center—as well as other History Colorado statewide museums—is a Blue Star Museum member and provides free admission for active duty military (I.D. required) and their families Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The History Colorado Center is located at 1200 Broadway in Denver. It is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $10/adults; $8 students (w/ ID)/seniors (65+); $6/children 6 to 12; children 5 and under are free. For more information visit HistoryColoradoCenter.org.
