During the early days of the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus in 1973, the museum carried out two successful traveling exhibitions before museum officials realized they would need a permanent location.
So, the museum leased and renovated a building south of downtown Denver on Bannock in 1975. After drawing record numbers from the Denver metro area and beyond, the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus moved to its current location along the west bank of the South Platte River at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. The larger space, which opened in 1984, underwent a large expansion in 2015 when the building’s public space was doubled, and seven new exhibits and amenities were added.
What was once a dream of parents, educators and other professionals who wanted to create an interactive cultural and educational institution for children and families has turned into a 50-year long staple in the Denver area.
On May 9, the same day the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus was founded 50 years ago, celebrated its milestone. Officials like Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Lisa Roy, executive director of the Department of Early Childhood, museum founders, board, and staff gathered to commemorate the milestone.
“This year, the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary, and we have been reflecting on our vibrant history while looking toward the future with a focus on extraordinary experiences that champion the wonder and joy of childhood. We’re excited to continue growing with our community and challenging expectations of what a children’s museum can be and do,” said Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus President and CEO, Michael Yankovich.
At the event, Polis read an official proclamation declaring May 9, 2023 as “Children’s Museum of Denver at Marisco Campus Day.” During the 2022 fiscal year, the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus served 36,308 students and teachers through educational outreach programs and field trips and provided 19,766 free admissions to children from Title 1 elementary schools and childcare centers through the Sponsored Admissions Program. The museum also served more than 41,740 children and adults through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Access Initiative — a program that allows $1 admissions per person for families who receive SNAP benefits.
Among the museum’s interactive exhibits include “Adventure Forest,” a 500-foot-long challenge course, a 2,300 square foot art studio that offers clay, paint, mixed media experiences, and an artist in residence studio, and “Bubbles,” an exhibit that shows the science behind bubbles.
On Sept. 8, the museum will host its 50th Birthday Bash where it will offer food from caterers, open bars, auctions, and dancing. Tickets for the event cost $175 with proceeds from the event directly benefiting the museum’s educational programs, exhibits, access initiatives and general operations. To purchase tickets, visit www.mychildsmuseum.org/events/EventDetail/50th-birthday-bash.
