On the flipside of the Colorado Rockies' adventurous spirit, you’ll discover its artistic heart. Beyond the slopes and trails you can immerse yourself in the local art scene, where public installations, galleries, exhibitions, and art walks showcase the creative souls of Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek and Steamboat.
Stroll around any of Vail’s villages and you’ll encounter more than 70 art pieces curated through the community’s robust Art in Public Places program. Often referred to as a “Museum without Walls,” the collection ranges from paintings, sculptures, murals, playground elements, to site-specific integrated art. You’ll even find some of the most striking art in the parking garages!
The epicenter of Breckenridge’s colorful arts scene is its Arts District where the town has melded together its historic past with contemporary creativity. It’s a campus of renovated historic structures that now function as studios, galleries, performance spaces, restaurants, cafes and other creative businesses. The Arts District is also an excellent starting point for a self-guided tour of the Breckenridge public art collection.
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Steamboat’s Western heritage is intertwined with its colorful art scene. At the epicenter is the Depot Art Center that houses Steamboat Creates. Abandoned in 1968 when passenger train service was discontinued, it was renovated and today hosts exhibits and classes. As part of Steamboat's public art collection are 18 murals around the town, each uniquely designed and painted by artists from around the world and inspired by the area’s natural landscape and wildlife.
Immerse yourself in Vail’s artistic vibe during Wednesday Summer Art Walks through August 28, 2024. Meet at the Vail Village Welcome Center at 11am and enjoy a free one-hour public art tour. The tour winds its way through the Village with discussions of the history of the Vail Valley, the founding of Vail Mountain, the master planning of the Village, and the importance of site-specific art. Or stroll on your own time using this interactive map.
Every second Saturday of the month from 4-6 pm, the Breckenridge Arts District hosts an open-house walk. Visitors can view new exhibitions at the Breckenridge Theatre Gallery and visit with guest and resident artists. The galleries around town remain open until 8 pm that night. Earlier in the day, there's art for the entire family on the arts District campus with exhibits and kids' crafts. The Arts District is also an excellent starting point for a self-guided tour of the Breckenridge public art collection.
Meander at your own pace on a self-guided tour of the murals and other public art around Steamboat, including installations at the library and along the Yampa Core Trail, and sculptures at the Yampa River Botanic Park. A town favorite is the First Friday Art Walk, held every week, year-round from 5-8pm. The art galleries and museums stay open late and many feature changing exhibits each month.
Numerous art galleries in Vail and Beaver Creek showcase the creative genius of local, national and international artists. Be sure to browse through some of our favorites:
Stroll up and down the streets of historic downtown Breckenridge and you’ll discover fabulous artwork in the windows of the many galleries that are peppered along the streets. Be sure to pop into some of our favorites:
Steamboat’s ranching history and Western heritage is celebrated in art that you’ll find on display in galleries around town. While you’re downtown picking up some cowboy boots or a hat at F.M. Light & Sons, allow time to linger in some of our favorite galleries.
