Members of the DU community can find out what’s so special about the buildings they walk by every day during the 7th annual Doors Open Denver, a two-day event that gives the public free access to some of the city’s most interesting and historic buildings.
“Denver is a city that does not demolish buildings; they renovate buildings,” says event manager Carol Hiller. “The history of our city can be found in our architecture. People interested in art and architecture enjoy this event, but a lot of history buffs love to come to this event as well.”
This year’s theme is “Modern Architecture: The ’50s and Beyond,” and among the more than 70 sites selected for the April 16–17 event are six University of Denver buildings: the Cable Center, the Daniels College of Business building, Boettcher Center West, Olin Hall, the Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness and the Robert & Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts. The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, which is named for the former DU art professor, also is part of the event.
“Your buildings are landmarks,” Hiller says. “People know exactly where you are but many people would never just stop by and take a look at the Daniels building or the Ritchie Center. They drive by, they see it from the highway, but this really gives people an opportunity to come and take a close look.”
Beyond DU, Doors Open sites throughout the city include Augustana Lutheran Church of Denver, the Buell Theatre, the Colorado Convention Center, the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Police Firearms Training Facility. Most tours are self-guided, though architects and historians will be available to provide information.
The weekend also includes a number of free expert guided tours, including behind-the-scenes looks at Coors Field, the Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Headquarters Building and the Mayan Theatre. Walking tours and bike tours are on the schedule as well. Preregistration is required for all guided tours.
Most buildings are open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. April 16–17; check the website for specific days and times.
At DU, the open buildings are:
Cable Center, 2000 Buchtel Blvd. (open 10 a.m.–2 p.m. April 16 and 17)
Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness, 2240 E. Buchtel Blvd.
Robert & Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave.
Boettcher Center West, 2050 E. Iliff Ave.
Daniels College of Business, 2101 S. University Blvd.
F. W. Olin Hall, 2190 E. Iliff Ave.