Denver Performing Arts Complex
A premier cultural hub in Denver, featuring 10 venues for theater, opera, ballet, and concerts, plus an outdoor sculpture park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for live performances
Denver Performing Arts Complex
Best Time
Best for live performances

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier cultural hub in Denver, featuring 10 venues for theater, opera, ballet, and concerts, plus an outdoor sculpture park.
"Each theater setting is great. It's beautiful down here and there is always plenty of parking."
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out fast! Secure your seats in advance for the best selection and prices.
🚶 Explore the Sculpture Park
Great for photos and often hosts free events. A must-see outdoor space!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boettcher Concert Hall
Inside the complex
Denver's premier venue for orchestral performances, known for its stunning acoustics and unique in-the-round seating.

Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Inside the complex
A visually striking opera house hosting world-class opera and ballet productions with opulent interiors.

Buell Theatre
Inside the complex
Home to touring Broadway shows and major theatrical productions, offering a grand stage for diverse performances.

Sculpture Park
Outdoor area of the complex
An expansive outdoor space featuring public art installations and a popular venue for festivals and community events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Explore the Sculpture Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out fast! Secure your seats in advance for the best selection and prices.
🚶 Explore the Sculpture Park
Great for photos and often hosts free events. A must-see outdoor space!
🍽️ Dining Options Nearby
Plenty of restaurants around for pre or post-show meals.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Easy access to parking garages, some even sheltered from weather.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out fast! Secure your seats in advance for the best selection and prices.
🚶 Explore the Sculpture Park
Great for photos and often hosts free events. A must-see outdoor space!
🍽️ Dining Options Nearby
Plenty of restaurants around for pre or post-show meals.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Easy access to parking garages, some even sheltered from weather.
✨ Check for Free Events
The complex and Sculpture Park often host free performances and festivals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Denver Performing Arts Complex for its diverse range of high-quality performances across its multiple venues. The convenient downtown location, ample parking, and proximity to dining options are frequently highlighted as major advantages. While the venues themselves are generally well-regarded, some attendees find audience behavior, like singing along during shows, to be a minor annoyance.
"No matter which venue you are coming down here to see, each one is great. My family and I have never had a bad experience in any of them. We've seen several different types of shows down here everything from watching the symphony to seeing Anthony Boudain. Each theater setting is great. It's beautiful down here and there is always plenty of parking. You can also find some place to eat nearby. There are so many choices."
Erika Duke
"Biggest center for all forms of Art in Denver Worth visiting Huge mural of Dancing couple attracs you first I was impressed"
Dr Arun Jamkar
"This was a venue for an event we attended. It was a great location. Beautiful sunset views too"
Katherine Lukins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) is centrally located downtown at 1401 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation is also a great option, with numerous bus routes and the light rail serving downtown Denver.
Yes, there are multiple parking garages connected to or very close to the complex, including the Denver Center Garage and the Cultural Center Garage. These offer convenient access, sometimes even allowing you to avoid stepping outside in inclement weather.
For popular shows, consider public transport or ride-sharing to avoid parking hassles. The complex is well-served by Denver's public transit system, making it a convenient choice.
If you're staying in a downtown Denver hotel, walking to the Denver Performing Arts Complex is often a pleasant and feasible option. It's a central hub in the city.
Yes, numerous hotels are located within walking distance of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, making it easy to stay overnight after a performance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased directly from the official website of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, through authorized ticket vendors, or at the box office. For popular shows, it's best to buy well in advance.
Dress codes vary by performance. For major productions like Broadway shows, smart casual is common, while classical concerts might lean towards slightly more formal attire. It's always best to check the specific venue's recommendations or err on the side of slightly overdressed if unsure.
Yes, the Sculpture Park often hosts free events, festivals, and performances throughout the year. Keep an eye on the complex's schedule for these community-focused happenings.
While possible for some less popular shows, it's risky for major productions. Many performances sell out in advance, so booking ahead is strongly advised.
Box office hours can vary, but they are generally open during business hours on weekdays and often have extended hours on performance days. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current information.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The complex houses multiple venues, including the Boettcher Concert Hall, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Buell Theatre, Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, and the Seawell Ballroom, among others.
Yes, the Denver Performing Arts Complex is committed to accessibility and offers various accommodations, including accessible seating, elevators, and restrooms. It's recommended to contact the venue directly when booking tickets to arrange specific needs.
You can experience a wide range of performances, from Broadway musicals and plays to symphony orchestras, opera, ballet, and contemporary music concerts.
Absolutely! The Sculpture Park is a major attraction with public art, and the complex itself features impressive architecture and often hosts smaller events or exhibitions in its galleria spaces.
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid distracting performers and other audience members. However, taking photos in public areas like the lobby or Sculpture Park is usually permitted. Always check venue-specific policies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are concessions and bars within the individual theaters for snacks and drinks during shows, the complex itself doesn't have full-service restaurants. However, there are many dining options located just outside the complex.
The area surrounding the Denver Performing Arts Complex is filled with diverse dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The Corner Office is a popular brunch spot right across the street.
Outside food and beverages are typically not allowed inside the performance venues. Concessions are available for purchase inside each theater.
Yes, most venues within the complex have bars that serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages before the show and during intermissions.
Concession offerings can vary, but many venues are increasingly providing vegetarian and sometimes vegan options. It's best to inquire at the concession stand upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The Sculpture Park is a prime location for photos with its art installations and city views. The architecture of the complex itself, especially the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, also makes for striking images.
Professional photography, especially for commercial purposes, may require permits or prior arrangements. For personal use, casual photography in public areas is generally fine, but always respect performance areas and private events.
The large mural of a dancing couple is a notable visual attraction that draws visitors. The unique architectural designs of the various theaters also offer distinct photographic opportunities.
The Sculpture Park is popular for event photography, portraits, and capturing the vibrant atmosphere of festivals like the Catrinas exhibit.
No, flash photography and recording during performances are strictly prohibited to ensure the best experience for performers and the audience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When attending a performance, consider the age appropriateness of the show. For younger children, shorter performances or those with interactive elements might be best. Many venues offer booster seats or have accessible seating options. Dining nearby provides easy options for family meals, with many casual restaurants suitable for children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider utilizing Denver's public transportation system to save on parking costs. Many downtown restaurants offer happy hour specials or more affordable lunch menus that can be enjoyed before an evening show.
💖 Couples
Consider attending a musical, a ballet, or a symphony concert for a classic date night. The Sculpture Park also provides a romantic setting for a stroll, especially during sunset or before an evening performance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Theaters
Beyond these main stages, the complex includes other spaces like the Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre and the Seawell Ballroom, which host a variety of events, from intimate concerts to private functions. The sheer variety of performance spaces means there's almost always something happening, catering to diverse artistic tastes. Many visitors are impressed by the scale and grandeur of the complex, noting its importance as a cultural anchor for the city.
When planning your visit, it's crucial to check the specific schedule for each venue, as performances and events are managed independently. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts website is the best resource for up-to-date information on shows, tickets, and venue details.
The Vibrant Sculpture Park
The Sculpture Park is not just a static display; it frequently comes alive with a variety of events. From food festivals like the RARE Denver Steak Championship to cultural celebrations such as the vibrant Catrinas en Mi Ciudad exhibit, the park transforms into a lively hub. These events often feature live music, food vendors, and community engagement, making it a must-visit destination, especially during warmer months or for specific cultural observances.
For photographers, the Sculpture Park offers endless opportunities. The interplay of art, architecture, and the Denver skyline creates visually compelling scenes. Whether you're capturing a specific artwork or the general ambiance of an event, the park provides a rich and engaging environment for visual storytelling.
Dining and Amenities
Visitors often appreciate the ease of finding a place to eat near the complex, making it a complete evening out. Many reviews highlight the convenience of having numerous restaurants within walking distance, allowing attendees to enjoy a full dining experience without having to travel far.
Regarding amenities, the complex is well-equipped to handle large crowds. Accessible seating, restrooms, and elevators are available throughout the venues. Parking is also a significant convenience, with multiple garages offering direct or sheltered access to the theaters, which is particularly appreciated during inclement weather.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit