Civic Center Park, Denver

The massive, fortress-like Denver Art Museum has a vast collection which includes American Indian, African, European, Asian, and Oceanic Art. Collections also include Spanish colonial and pre-Columbian works.The remodelled American Indian galleries are particularly impressive, covering a broad range of cultures and tribes from the United States and Canada. This extensive collection has gained a reputation throughout North America, with pieces that span 2,000 years of history. Also of note is the museum's African art collection.The modern and contemporary art collection features both well known names and emerging talent in a variety of media. There is also a separate gallery dedicated to photography.The Denver Art Museum began in a building which is now known as the North Building, which was designed by Italian Architect Gio Ponti and opened in 1971. In 2006 the 146,000-square-foot Hamilton Building, an expansion designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, was opened to the public. The new building captured attention with its unique design, inspired by the peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Immediately beyond the City and County Building is the U.S. Mint, one of the United States' six facilities. This is where the American currency is created and part of the country's gold reserves is stored here.Visitors can take a free guided tour of the facility to learn about the history and process of making money. There is a small gift shop on site selling commemorative coins, souvenirs, games, and other items.Reservations for the tours are always required and can be scheduled online through the website. You must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. Security is tight, with bags and some other items not permitted. Visitors can check with the Mint's website to see about restrictions. The facility is wheelchair accessible.

On a low hill on the east side of the park is the Classical-style State Capitol, crowned by a gilded dome 250ft/76m high. From the viewing platform on the drum of the dome there are magnificent views of the city's imposing skyline and the Front Range. The 13th step on the west side of the Capitol is exactly one mile above sea level (the "mile high city").

To the southeast of Civic Center Park is the State Historical Museum, with prehistoric Indian cultures, including the Anasazi, and relics of pioneering days, including gold-mining.On March 29, 2010, the Colorado History Museum closed to the public to move to the new History Colorado Center.

The Denver History Museum is located in the restored Byers-Evans House, built in 1883 by Rocky Mountain News publisher Williams Byers. This Victorian homes was then sold to the Evans family in 1889. Guided tours through the home highlight the original furnishings.

Famed architect Michael Graves designed the Denver Public Library, which opened in 1995. The library is noted for its western history and genealogical collections. Outside, the thirty-foot tall red-orange steel sculpture is often used as a landmark!

To the west of the park is the City and County Building, another imposing Classical-style complex.