The city’s creative center of gravity.

Our Mission 

We are paving a new path for a 21^st century museum that is both/​​​and: both advancing the field of contemporary art and providing a platform for creative expression in the broadest sense. We present both world-class exhibitions and quirky events, serious lectures and epic parties. We are both sophisticated and unpretentious. 

We are committed to being a custodian of Denver’s creative future by helping to ensure that Denver’s prosperity integrates the crucial creative elements that lend character and diversity to the city. 

Our Vision

As a steward of Denver’s creative future, we are committed to ensuring that Denver’s prosperity integrates the crucial creative elements that lend character and diversity to the city. Our vision is to advance what a 21^st century museum can be — welcoming all audiences, celebrating all voices, and sharing all stories. 

In the beginning

MCA Denver was founded in 1996 by philanthropist Sue Cannon, alongside Marina Graves, Mark Sink, Dale Chisman, Lawrence Argent, and others, with the mission to celebrate contemporary art in the heart of Denver. Cannon, together with many generations of her family, provided invaluable and ongoing support for the museum over decades. Her vision for MCA Denver, her dedication to making it a reality, and her broader impact on civic life— particularly through her support of regional artists — are but a few of the details of her astounding legacy. 

For seven years, MCA Denver operated out of a renovated fish market in Sakura Square in downtown Denver. In 2003, Board of Trustees members Mark Falcone and Ellen Bruss, helped propel the museum into its next chapter by donating a gift of land in Denver’s Central Platte Valley in order to realize the organization’s goal of building a permanent home for contemporary art in Denver.

The big move

In October 2007, under the directorship of Cydney Payton, MCA Denver opened its new, 27,000-square foot, environmentally sustainable facility in downtown Denver. Designed by acclaimed architect Sir David Adjaye OBE of Adjaye Associates (UK),the building — Adjaye’s first U.S. museum commission — was designed to minimize boundaries between the city’s exterior and the museum’s interior galleries. In 2019, thanks to a visionary gift to the museum, the iconic building at 1485 Delgany Street was officially named the Fries Building.

In March 2009, Adam Lerner was appointed director of MCA Denver. Upon transitioning from his role at The Lab at Belmar to MCA Denver, the Boards of Trustees of both institutions agreed to merge bringing with it two key elements:  MCA Denver’s beloved dog (lab) logo and the renowned Mixed Taste program. During his decade-long tenure with MCA Denver, Lerner showcased groundbreaking local and international artists, introduced teen-specific programming, and more than doubled museum attendance. He redefined MCA Denver as the ​“living room” of downtown Denver, fostering a culture of creative risk-taking and a sense of humor rarely found in contemporary art spaces. By striking a balance between rigorous exhibitions and light-hearted, unconventional programming, he invited audiences to engage with contemporary art in ways that were both thought-provoking without taking oneself too seriously. 

Paving the way forward

In August 2019, Nora Burnett Abrams was appointed the new Mark G. Falcone Director of MCA Denver. Having served as the museum’s curator since 2010, she played a critical role in shaping and implementing the museum’s curatorial vision while fostering strong relationships with artists, community members, lenders, donors, and the national and international contemporary arts community. Abrams brought a global perspective and unwavering passion for MCA Denver’s mission, including a deep interest in and commitment to exploring unconventional approaches to contemporary arts, curating, exhibitions, and programming. Under her leadership, MCA Denver sought to embody our core values — being inclusive, human-centric, adventurous, and excellent — in everything that we do. 

In April 2022, MCA Denver expanded its reach with the opening of MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater. Located in Denver’s Northside neighborhood, this historic, 100-year-old venue advances the museum’s mission by creating new opportunities for our innovative, community and artist-driven programming and creative partnerships. MCA Denver’s lease of the Holiday Theater was made possible through a landmark arrangement with the Denver Cultural Property Trust, founded by Mark Falcone CEO of Continuum Partners and MCA Denver Emeritus Board Member. The Trust mission is to preserve vital commercial spaces and residences on a long-term, affordable basis for artists and creative practitioners in the community.

MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater is a hub for the arts located in this historic, 400-seat theater.

At the Holiday Theater, we aim to realize one-of-a-kind, creative experiences for audiences that spark curiosity, challenge conventions, inspire, and delight.