Golden, Colorado, is a vibrant town bursting with cultural attractions and artistic experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a music lover, you’ll find plenty to explore and enjoy. Discover the rich local culture through museums, art galleries, and live performances that showcase the unique spirit of Golden.
Museums & Historical Attractions
Check out the many museums in Golden, where you can get your fill of local culture and history! At the Golden History Museum & Park, you’ll find an interactive gallery and a number of historical objects on display that tell the story of our town dating all the way back to its founding in 1859. Continue your time travel with a visit to the Colorado Railroad History Museum that’s built to look like a 19th-century depot. Inside, learn about the history of Colorado’s railroads, check out hands-on exhibits, and even go for a ride on a locomotive, motor car, or Thomas the Tank Engine replica. Golden is also home to the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, which carries on the tradition of quilt making by displaying quilts both old and new and teaching visitors about the craft.
Art Galleries & Centers
Experience Golden’s thriving art scene with a visit to local art galleries and art centers. Start at the Foothills Art Center where entrance is free. There, you can admire rotating exhibits of different mediums or join in engaging community activities, like art classes that cover everything from printmaking and ceramics to watercolor painting and more. Next, visit the Spirits in the Wind art gallery downtown to see pottery, sculpture, jewelry, prints, and home decor pieces that capture the allure of the West. Another cultural highlight of Golden is the annual Golden Fine Arts Festival, a beloved local event that features live shows and art displays, with plenty of beer gardens and food vendors that keep the fun going throughout the weekend.
Theater & Live Music Performances
Golden’s rich cultural identity is partly thanks to the many theater and live music performances available in town. There’s the Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, a theater in Golden where you can attend plays, musicals, and kid-friendly shows in the heart of downtown. For live music, there’s no better venue than Buffalo Rose, located on a historical property at the corner Washington Ave and 12th street. You can catch a show nearly every weekend of the year at Buffalo Rose, or just stop by for dinner and drinks. Golden is also home to the Colorado School of Mines Green Center venue that hosts regular events, and is located a short drive away from the otherworldly Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.
