Imagine a place where modern galleries pulse with creativity, live performances electrify the night, and street art adds a splash of color to every corner – all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rockies. That’s Boulder’s art scene.
Some come to Boulder for the hiking, others for the food, but art lovers find something even more magical. The city is a canvas, constantly evolving with fresh talent, innovative exhibits, and a community that lives and breathes creativity. Stroll through contemporary galleries, catch an intimate theater performance, or step inside a local artist’s studio – every corner of Boulder offers something to discover.
Art Galleries: A Feast for the Eyes
Boulder’s Arts scene is both eclectic and accessible, showcasing works that range from local masterpieces to international treasures. Here are some must-visit spots:
SmithKlein Gallery, a Boulder favorite since 1984, features diverse contemporary art including paintings, sculptures, and glassworks by local and international artists. Situated on Pearl Street Mall, this family-owned gallery offers art consultations, virtual tours, and nationwide shipping. Its friendly atmosphere and curated selection make it a must-see for any art enthusiast.
- Location: 116 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302
- Hours: Mon – Thurs 11 AM – 5 PM | Fri – Sat 11 AM – 6 PM
- Highlight: Offers in-person and virtual showings, plus expert guidance to help you find the perfect piece.
Mary Williams Fine Arts, a Boulder staple since 1996, showcases fine art paintings, antique prints, and sculptures by American artists. The gallery offers art and framing design services for projects of all sizes, including residential and commercial spaces. Visitors can explore contemporary and historical pieces from as early as the 1700s.
- Location: 5311 Western Ave, Ste. 112, Boulder, CO, 80301
- Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 5 PM | Sat: 12 PM – 4 PM | Hours vary weekly, check before visiting!
- Highlight: Offers a virtual gallery tour, allowing art enthusiasts to explore the collection online.
For more than half a century, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) has been a beloved part of Boulder’s vibrant cultural scene. Housed in a charming 1906 building, BMoCA features a mix of cutting-edge art from both local and international talents. With its exciting exhibitions, enriching educational programs, and fun community events, this museum is sure to captivate and inspire art lovers of every age.
- Location: 1750 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302
- Hours: Tues – Sun: 11 AM – 5 PM | Closed Mondays
- Highlight: Offers a “Pay from Your Heart” admission, allowing visitors to choose their entry fee.
15th Street Gallery stands as Boulder’s premier contemporary art space, showcasing a curated selection of works from both established and emerging artists across the United States. Beyond its exhibitions, the gallery offers museum-quality custom framing services, trusted by artists, museums, and collectors for over three decades. Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere where engaging with art and fostering appreciation are at the heart of the experience.
- Location: 1708 15th St, Boulder, CO 80302
- Hours: By appointment only; call (303) 447-2841 to schedule a visit.
- Highlight: Renowned for its museum-quality custom framing, serving the Boulder community since 1984.
Ana’s Art Gallery, located just steps from Boulder’s famed Pearl Street Mall, offers an eclectic collection of art from the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond. Founded by long-time art curator Ana Weir in 2022, the gallery specializes in oils and acrylics on canvas, wood masks, and sculptures from both established and emerging international artists. Ana’s passion for global art and her commitment to showcasing unique styles make this gallery a vibrant cultural destination.
- Location: 1100 Spruce St, Ste 101, Boulder, CO 80302
- Hours: Tues – Sun: 12 PM – 5 PM | Closed Mondays
- Highlight: Features a diverse selection of art from the Caribbean, Africa, and other regions, offering a global artistic experience in the heart of Boulder.
Arts Centers & Performance Arts
Boulder’s performing arts scene is a vibrant mix of live music, theater, and dance, bringing creative energy to the city year-round. From historic theaters to cutting-edge performance spaces, these venues are where artists and audiences come together for unforgettable experiences.
Once a dairy processing plant, the Dairy Arts Center has transformed into Boulder’s bustling hub for live theater, music, dance, comedy, and film. With multiple performance spaces and galleries, it’s a place where art in all its forms converges. Patrons often praise its diverse programming and the intimate settings that make every performance feel personal.
- Location: 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302
- Hours: Varies by event; check the website for schedules.
- Highlight: A true multi-arts venue featuring theater, film, and visual art all under one roof.
Located just off the Pearl Street Mall, the historic Boulder Theater is an iconic venue that hosts a wide array of events, from concerts and film screenings to comedy shows. Its art deco architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a standout destination. Visitors love the central location, surrounded by dining and entertainment options.
- Location: 2032 14th St, Boulder, CO 80302
- Hours: Box office hours: Mon – Fri: 3 PM – 7 PM | Event hours vary.
- Highlight: Stunning art deco design paired with an incredible lineup of live music and performances.
Tucked into University Hill, the Fox Theatre is a go-to spot for live music with a reputation for showcasing up-and-coming artists before they make it big. Its smaller capacity makes for an intimate concert experience, and locals love its legendary sound system. It’s the perfect place to catch a high-energy show without the stadium-sized crowd.
- Location: 1135 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302
- Hours: Box office: Mon – Fri: 12 PM – 5 PM | Event hours vary.
- Highlight: Known for its intimate setting and incredible acoustics, making every show feel personal.
Music and Festivals: The Heartbeat of Boulder
Music lovers will find Boulder’s scene both vibrant and varied, with festivals and performances that celebrate genres from classical to contemporary:
Each summer, the Colorado Music Festival transforms Boulder’s Chautauqua Auditorium into a haven for classical music enthusiasts. The 2025 season runs from July 3 to August 3, featuring a diverse lineup of performances. Highlights include pianist Hélène Grimaud performing Brahms on July 3 and 6, and a family concert titled “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Maestro” on July 6.
- Location: Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80302
- Dates: July – August
- Type: Classical and orchestral music festival
- Highlight: Features internationally renowned musicians performing in one of Colorado’s most scenic venues.
The Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra offers a dynamic season that resonates with the community’s eclectic tastes. The 2024–2025 season includes performances such as “From the New World” on January 12, 2025, featuring Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, and “Beethoven’s Magnum Opus” on May 4, 2025, presenting Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis.”
- Location: Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, CO 80309
- Dates: Seasonal performances throughout the year
- Type: Classical and contemporary orchestral performances
- Highlight: Known for unique collaborations and innovative programming that blend tradition with bold new ideas.
The Bluebird Music Festival is an annual event held at Macky Auditorium in Boulder. The 2025 festival is scheduled for April 18–20, featuring artists like Bruce Hornsby and The Tallest Man On Earth.
- Location: Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St, Boulder, CO 80309
- Dates: April 18 – 20, 2025
- Type: Folk and indie music festival
- Highlight: Intimate performances by renowned and emerging artists in a historic venue.
A beloved tradition, the Boulder Creek Festival marks the unofficial start of summer in Boulder. Spanning Memorial Day weekend, it features live music, art vendors, food stalls, and various activities along the picturesque Boulder Creek.
- Location: Downtown Boulder, along Boulder Creek
- Dates: Memorial Day weekend
- Type: Multi-genre music and arts festival
- Highlight: A mix of music, food, and art that captures the essence of Boulder’s creative spirit.
Community Involvement: Immerse Yourself in the Arts
Boulder’s vibrant public art scene transforms the city into an open-air gallery, inviting residents and visitors to immerse themselves in creativity around every corner. From colorful murals to thought-provoking sculptures, the city’s commitment to accessible art fosters a deep sense of community and cultural appreciation. Here’s how you can explore and engage with Boulder’s outdoor art offerings:
Located in North Boulder, the NoBo Art District is a thriving community of artists and creatives dedicated to enhancing the cultural landscape through public art installations and events. The district actively fosters collaboration among local artists and tradespeople to bring new public art projects to life, particularly in the Emerald City area.
- Location: North Boulder, along Broadway and adjacent streets.
- Highlight: Monthly First Friday Art Walks, where galleries and studios open their doors to the public for exhibitions and interactive experiences.
Boulder Arts Week is an annual celebration that honors the artists, nonprofits, businesses, theaters, and galleries that bring the arts to life and strengthen connections within the community. The week features a variety of events, including mural tours, theater performances, dance workshops, poetry readings, and pottery classes, offering numerous ways for the public to engage with Boulder’s creative scene.
- Location: Various venues throughout Boulder
- Dates: April 4 – 12, 2025
- Highlight: Diverse range of events that showcase Boulder’s vibrant arts community.
Discover Boulder’s public art by embarking on a self-guided walking tour through downtown. This leisurely stroll takes you past numerous sculptures and murals, such as the beloved “Hearts on a Swing” sculpture and the “Buffalo” sculpture, both located along Pearl Street.
- Location: Downtown Boulder, primarily along Pearl Street
- Highlight: Experience a diverse array of public art installations while enjoying the charm of downtown Boulder.
Boulder’s blank walls have been transformed into vibrant canvases through various mural projects, including the annual Street Wise mural festival and the Creative Neighborhoods initiative. These murals add bursts of color and creativity to the cityscape, making for an engaging self-guided tour.
- Location: Various locations throughout Boulder, starting at Dairy Arts Center
- Highlight: Explore a diverse collection of murals that reflect the city’s dynamic artistic spirit.
Boulder Alley Gallery
The Boulder Alley Gallery reimagines alley and back-of-building doors as canvases for local artists, turning overlooked spaces into an outdoor gallery. This initiative not only beautifies the city but also provides artists with a unique platform to showcase their work.
- Location: Alleys throughout downtown Boulder.
- Highlight: Discover hidden artistic gems while exploring Boulder’s lesser-known pathways.
Conclusion
Boulder’s art scene warmly showcases the city’s dedication to creativity, culture, and community. With thought-provoking galleries and live performances under the stars, the city’s vibrant artistic vibe is hard to miss.
Whether you’re admiring a mural, enjoying a concert at Chautauqua, or diving into NoBo’s creative scene, there’s always something inspiring waiting for you to discover.
Want to stay up to date on everything happening in Boulder? Explore the Boulder Events Calendar to find concerts, festivals, art shows, and community events across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Arts Scene in Boulder
What are the must-visit art galleries in Boulder, Colorado?
Boulder features top galleries like the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, SmithKlein Gallery, and Mary Williams Fine Arts, showcasing contemporary, local, and traditional art for visitors and residents alike.
Where can I find public art and murals in Boulder?
Public art is abundant, especially along Pearl Street Mall and the NoBo Art District. Boulder also offers a self-guided walking tour to explore murals and sculptures throughout the city.
What are the main art festivals and events in Boulder?
Annual events like the Pearl Street Arts Fest, Boulder Art Festival, and Community Roots Art Festival (CRAfT) celebrate local artists with exhibitions, live demos, and interactive activities.
Can I take a self-guided art walking tour in Boulder?
Yes, Boulder offers self-guided tours through downtown and the NoBo Art District, letting you explore murals, sculptures, and public artworks at your own pace.
What is the NoBo Art District?
The North Boulder (NoBo) Art District is a vibrant community of over 350 artists and creatives. It hosts monthly events like the First Friday Art Walk, offering visitors a chance to explore local studios and galleries.
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