Mayor Mike Johnston Announces New Project to Enhance and Foster Downtown Denver Art Scene

Mayor Mike Johnston and Denver Arts and Venues announced today the City and County of Denver’s effort to build upon downtown Denver’s cultural center by creating a museum at the McNichols Civic Center Building (McNichols Building) showcasing the history and culture of Denver.  

“A museum highlighting Denver’s rich history and culture at the historic McNichols Building will create a one of a kind, memorable space for locals and tourists alike to learn about our great city,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “We're thrilled to begin the process that will bring an educational and entertaining space to Civic Center Park for the community to enjoy, while creating a downtown that is vibrant, culturally enriching and economically prosperous.” 

To ensure our downtown area reflects the creativity and diversity of our community, the McNichols Building will continue to offer public art, programming, and event space on the third floor, while also undergoing changes on the first and second floors that will both transform the building’s use and further anchor it as an important part of Downtown Denver.

“This is an exciting time for those who have long cared about the McNichols Building,” said Jen Morris, deputy director for Denver Arts& Venues. “The building has a tremendous history as a center for learning in Civic Center Park, and bringing in a museum on the second floor will not only honor its history but also will further anchor it as a hub for art and culture as it approaches its 125th anniversary.” 

The McNichols Building, originally a Carnegie Library and renovated in 2012 by Denver Arts & Venues, will add a tenant museum as part of a program to further activate the building and the surrounding Civic Center Park and make the area a sought-out destination in downtown Denver. In addition to attracting a museum to the second floor of the McNichols building, the city will continue to host private events and exhibits while exploring future food and beverage options.  

A Request for Information (RFI) is available today on Denver Arts & Venue’s website: ArtsAndVenues.com. The RFI will solicit information from businesses or organizations who are interested in developing, establishing, and managing a museum that highlights the history of Denver at the McNichols Building. This RFI process will inform a future Request for Proposal to identify a qualified partner.  

“We are working in close partnership with the city on the revitalization of Civic Center Park, and the McNichols Building is a really beautiful and useful part of our work to keep the park active and thriving for all,” said Eric Lazzari, executive director of the nonprofit Civic Center Conservancy. “The continued programming and beautification of the building benefit everyone who uses the park, and we’re excited by what’s to come in the building.”