“Living West” – a new exhibit at History Colorado Center is Fun for the Family

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November 22, 2013 by coloradokidsblog

The other night I had the opportunity to visit the fabulous History Colorado Center in downtown Denver. The occasion was the opening of the “Living West” exhibit which brings the vital and important new Center into the second phase of exhibitions. On my previous visits I and my companions have been so impressed by the way the curators have presented our state’s history. The contents of each exhibit are chosen carefully to capture the experiences of those who lived the history and to capture the stories of a wide range of different types of people. When you tour the artful exhibition halls you will learn about the life and work of miners during the late 1800’s, the internment of the Japanese during World War II in a relocation camp right here in Colorado, the life of a trading post along the Santa Fe Trail, and the history of our Native Americans – stories both enlightening and devastating. The examples that illustrate the stories are chosen to capture the attention of both children and adults and provide a chance to interact with the living history. I won’t reveal the gems that compose each exhibit but I can promise you and your children will have tons of fun.

“Living West” is described by the curators as an exhibit “that explores the living dynamics between the people of Colorado and their state’s extraordinary environment.” As in the earlier opened exhibits this one achieves it’s goal using wonderful examples of history, interactive displays, and a good amount of humor to remind the visitor that history can be fun. You will explore the life of the early Native Americans in Mesa Verde, experience the epic “Black Sunday” of the 1930’s Dust Bowl, and learn how to keep our mountain ecosystems healthy for today and tomorrow.

The History Colorado Center is a seminal achievement in museum design which will entertain and educate Coloradans and visitors of all ages. Along with the thoughtful exhibits they offer weekly (sometimes daily) events, such as story telling for little kids, dance performances, crafts demonstrations, and more. I can guarantee that once you visit you will return many times and will make this a must visit for all of your out-of-town guests. Have fun!

Museum hours: Mon–Sat 10 am to 5 pm
Sun noon to 5 pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

Admission: Adult  $10
Senior  $8 (65 and older)
Student  $8 (ages 13–22 with student ID)
Child  (ages 6–12)  $6
Child (5 and under) FREE
Members FREE
Active Duty Military FREE May 27–Sept. 2, 2013.

Located at 1200 Broadway in Denver.