I See What You Mean (Big Blue Bear)
Denver's 40-foot 'Big Blue Bear' sculpture, officially 'I See What You Mean,' is a quirky, iconic landmark peeking into the convention center.
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I See What You Mean (Big Blue Bear)
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Denver's 40-foot 'Big Blue Bear' sculpture, officially 'I See What You Mean,' is a quirky, iconic landmark peeking into the convention center.
"This massive blue bear is a must-see, offering a unique and memorable photo op in the heart of Denver."
📸 Best Photo Spot
View from a distance for the full bear in frame. Up close, it's massive!
💡 Official Name
It's officially 'I See What You Mean,' but everyone calls it the Big Blue Bear.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Big Blue Bear
Colorado Convention Center
A 40-foot-tall, vibrant blue bear peeking into the convention center. A quirky and memorable Denver icon.
Convention Center Architecture
Colorado Convention Center
The convention center's modern architecture complements the bear sculpture, creating a visually striking urban landscape.
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Denver's Iconic Blue Bear
Location & Access
Best Times
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Spot
View from a distance for the full bear in frame. Up close, it's massive!
💡 Official Name
It's officially 'I See What You Mean,' but everyone calls it the Big Blue Bear.
🎨 Why Blue?
Artist chose blue after seeing a prototype; it wasn't originally planned.
📍 Downtown Hub
Great starting point to explore nearby attractions like Larimer Square.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spot
View from a distance for the full bear in frame. Up close, it's massive!
💡 Official Name
It's officially 'I See What You Mean,' but everyone calls it the Big Blue Bear.
🎨 Why Blue?
Artist chose blue after seeing a prototype; it wasn't originally planned.
📍 Downtown Hub
Great starting point to explore nearby attractions like Larimer Square.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Big Blue Bear as a unique and iconic Denver landmark. Its impressive size and vibrant color make it a memorable photo opportunity and a fun addition to any downtown exploration. While some note the challenge of capturing the entire sculpture in a single frame, its charm and accessibility are widely appreciated.
""I See What You Mean" by Lawrence Argent is a big public art piece in front of the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. The sculpture also goes by the name "Big Blue Bear" as it depicts a big blue bear looking into the convention center. It is a massive structure when you look at it up close, as it is 40 feet tall and visible from down the street. If you come here to take pictures, I think it is best seen from a distance. Given the size, it would seem to be difficult to take a picture up close with the entire sculpture in the shot. I will say that this is a must see if you are visiting this area's attractions, including the convention center, opera house and Larimer Square."
Jon L
"That's one big blue bear right there. :)
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Kevin Adventures
"I enjoy visiting the Big Blue Bear everytime I'm in Denver. The convention center staff are great."
TL A
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Big Blue Bear, officially 'I See What You Mean,' is located outside the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. It's easily accessible by public transportation, ride-sharing services, or by walking if you're already in the downtown area. Parking is available in nearby garages. 
Yes, there are several parking garages surrounding the Colorado Convention Center. Rates can vary, so it's good to check in advance if you plan to drive.
Absolutely! Denver's public transit system, RTD, serves the downtown area extensively. Many bus routes and the light rail stop near the Colorado Convention Center, making it a convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Big Blue Bear is a public art installation and is free to view and photograph from the exterior of the Colorado Convention Center.
The sculpture is visible 24/7 as it's an outdoor public art piece. However, daytime offers the best lighting for photos.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best perspective, step back across the street towards the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. This allows you to capture the entire 40-foot sculpture and its interaction with the convention center.
Experiment with different angles! Some find a slightly lower angle emphasizes its imposing size, while a straight-on shot from across the street is classic.
You can get quite close, but getting the entire bear in a single shot from directly in front can be challenging due to its immense size.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The official title of the sculpture is 'I See What You Mean' by artist Lawrence Argent. It's affectionately known as the Big Blue Bear by locals and visitors alike.
The impressive sculpture stands 40 feet tall, making it a prominent landmark in downtown Denver.
Artist Lawrence Argent was inspired by the idea of a bear peeking into a building, representing Colorado in a fun and unexpected way.
The bear is a great starting point for exploring downtown Denver. Nearby attractions include the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Larimer Square, and the 16th Street Mall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a stroll down the nearby 16th Street Mall, which often has free shuttle buses and street performers, making for an enjoyable family outing in downtown Denver. The bear is also a great landmark to help kids orient themselves in the city.
📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during different times of day to experiment with lighting. Golden hour can cast a warm glow on the blue, while nighttime offers a chance to capture the bear against the city lights. The bear's playful pose also lends itself to creative compositions, perhaps focusing on its eyes or paws.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Blue
+1Argent's inspiration reportedly came from observing a bear peeking into a house, a whimsical image he translated into this monumental piece. The bear's curious posture, peering into the windows of the Colorado Convention Center, adds a playful and engaging element to the urban landscape. It's a piece that invites interaction and sparks conversation, embodying a unique spirit of Colorado.
+1This sculpture has become a beloved landmark, a symbol of Denver's public art scene. Its sheer size and distinctive color make it instantly recognizable and a popular spot for photos and a quick dose of local culture.
Experiencing the Big Blue Bear
While the bear itself is the main draw, its location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring other downtown Denver attractions. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, with its theaters and galleries, is just a short walk away. Larimer Square, known for its Victorian architecture, boutique shops, and restaurants, is also nearby, offering a charming contrast to the modern convention center.
For photographers, the bear presents a fun challenge. Its immense size means capturing the entire sculpture can require some distance. However, the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day, and even the city lights at night, can create unique photographic opportunities.
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