Denver Public Art: 10 Must-See Artworks

Denver is a city filled with public art. Longstanding icons like the Big Blue Bear outside the Colorado Convention Center have become social media favorites, while pieces like National Velvet inspire passersby during their workdays and commutes. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious to see what the Mile High City has to offer, this guide highlights must-see Denver public art, complete with artist backgrounds and information on the works. Prepare to be inspired by Denver’s commitment to making art an accessible and engaging part of everyday life.

I See What You Mean, 2004 (Big Blue Bear)

• Artist: Lawrence Argent
• Location: Colorado Convention Center (14th St. & California St.)

This 40-foot-tall sculpture depicts a whimsical, bright-blue bear stretching on its hind legs and pressing its front paws and face against the glass panels of the Colorado Convention Center. The bear’s playful pose suggests it’s peeking inside to see what’s happening, which has made it one of Denver’s most photographed icons. Up close, you’ll notice the faceted surface of the bear, made from multiple triangular planes that give it a modern, geometric aesthetic. The deep blue color stands out dramatically against the building’s neutral facade.

Lawrence Argent, who was a professor at the University of Denver, created this piece as a reflection of curiosity and wonder—he was inspired by the sense of discovery that convention center visitors often experience when attending conferences. Argent was known for his public art projects that often played with scale and viewer interaction, and I See What You Mean is arguably his most famous work. Argent’s Big Blue Bear continues to be a beloved symbol of Denver’s vibrant public art scene and a playful commentary on the relationship between people, architecture, and the city environment.

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Big Sweep, 2006

• Artists: Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen
• Location: Outside the Denver Art Museum (13th Ave. between Broadway and Bannock)

Big Sweep is a massive broom and dustpan that stands nearly 30 feet tall, seemingly caught in mid-sweep. The oversized black bristles and bright red dustpan make for a striking contrast against the Denver Art Museum’s angular architecture. The sculpture exudes a sense of humor, as it transforms ordinary household items into monumental art.

Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen were a husband-and-wife team renowned for their large-scale public artworks that scale up everyday objects to playful proportions. Oldenburg initially gained fame in the 1960s for his “soft sculptures” that reimagined consumer goods. With van Bruggen, he went on to create major public commissions worldwide. Big Sweep fits seamlessly into their tradition of challenging viewers to consider the commonplace in new, often whimsical ways.

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Dual Meridian, 1994

• Artist: David Griggs
• Location: Denver International Airport Concourse A

After passing through security on Concourse A, David Grigg’s Dual Meridian welcomes fliers. The large-scale and multi-element work occupies the open space above the concourse. Its two sides connect the railroad age and the age of flight. One side features repurposed railroad tracks and native stone. The other side features a tiled map of the globe. They are connected by a 66 foot titanium arch, showing the connection between modes of transportation and their evolution. Whether you’re pausing under the arches to look up, or merely catching a glimpse as you pass by with luggage in tow, Dual Meridian adds a dynamic, sculptural element to DIA’s bustling transit area—celebrating both motion and the sense of place.

David Griggs is a Denver-based artist whose public works often explore the interplay between built environments and abstract forms. He frequently incorporates color, light, and industrial materials, transforming functional spaces into immersive artistic experiences. In creating Dual Meridian, Griggs aimed to reflect Denver’s role as a central travel hub, connecting local residents and global visitors through a piece that symbolizes unity, direction, and the shared journeys that define an airport setting.

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Dancers, 2003

• Artist: Jonathan Borofsky
• Location: Denver Performing Arts Complex (Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St.)

Dancers was the first installation in the Performing Arts Sculpture Park. Towering at 60 feet tall, these two steel and fiberglass figures appear locked in an energetic dance—arms outstretched and legs extended. The crisp white surface highlights their silhouettes against the sky, and at night, they are bathed in spotlights, which adds a sense of continuous motion. If you stand between the sculptures and look up, you’ll get a compelling perspective that emphasizes their sweeping limbs and the sense of unity between the two forms.

Jonathan Borofsky, an American sculptor known for large-scale public installations, often explores themes of human connection and universal spirituality in his work. Dancers aligns perfectly with Borofsky’s style: it’s whimsical, universal, and invites conversation about our shared humanity. The position of the dancers accentuates the sensation of motion and celebration at the heart of the performing arts district.

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The Yearling, 1998

• Artist: Donald Lipski
• Location: Denver Public Library (10 W 14th Ave. Pkwy.)

A whimsical red chair stands 20 feet tall, and on its seat stands a life-size horse—an unexpected juxtaposition that immediately catches the eye. The Yearling plays with scale, flipping our usual sense of proportions and sparking a sense of childlike wonder. Children especially love to gaze up at the miniature horse perched upon the giant chair, and adults are invited to reflect on themes of innocence and imagination.

Donald Lipski is known for his large-scale sculptures and installations that challenge viewers to reconsider familiar objects in new contexts. In many of his works, everyday items are stripped from their usual function and recast in thought-provoking ways. The Yearling was originally intended to be installed outside a school in Washington Heights in New York City. But it eventually found its permanent home outside the Denver Public Library. The library’s welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere is a perfect setting for a sculpture that evokes learning, storytelling, and fantasy.

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National Velvet, 2008

• Artist: John McEnroe
• Location: At the southern end of the Highland Pedestrian Bridge over I-25 at 16th St.

National Velvet appears as a stack of bright-red, pillowy blobs—some describe it as a tower of glowing orbs or a giant flashlight shape. The obelisk stands near the Highline Pedestrian Bridge over Interstate 25, offering a bold pop of color by day. At night, it is often lit from within, turning the surface into a glowing beacon that illuminates the surrounding area.

John McEnroe is a Denver-based artist known for exploring organic forms, color, and unusual materials. His works frequently encourage viewers to rethink architectural and natural landscapes. National Velvet sparked conversation for its abstract and somewhat mysterious design. In 2008, the sculpture won the People’s Choice Award for best new public art. By placing an abstract form in a transitional space near a major highway and the river, McEnroe invites us to observe how we move through urban environments and engage with public art in unexpected settings.

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Mustang, 2008 (Blue Mustang/Blucifer)

• Artist: Luis Jiménez
• Location: Denver International Airport (on Peña Blvd. leading to the terminal)

Nicknamed "Blucifer" by locals, this 32-foot, electric-blue fiberglass sculpture of a rearing horse is impossible to miss as you drive in or out of Denver International Airport. Its powerful stance and fiery red, glowing eyes have sparked a range of reactions—from admiration to unease. Up close, you can appreciate the muscular definition and the bold lines of the mustang, which reflect a sense of untamed energy. Many visitors love to capture dramatic photos of the sculpture framed against Colorado’s expansive sky.

The late Luis Jiménez was a groundbreaking artist who specialized in large-scale, brightly colored fiberglass sculptures. He drew inspiration from the American Southwest, pop culture, and vernacular traditions, often focusing on themes that merged cultural identity with contemporary art. Tragically, Jiménez died in an accident in his studio while working on Mustang, and the sculpture was completed posthumously. Despite the controversies—including local urban legends surrounding its ominous presence—Mustang has become an integral part of Denver’s public art, representing a bold spirit of creativity and provocation.

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Scottish Angus Cow and Calf, 2001

• Artist: Dan Ostermiller
• Location: Outside the Denver Art Museum, on W. 12th Ave.

These bronze sculptures of a mother cow and her calf capture a tender moment between the animals. The lifelike detailing—from the texture of their hides to the curious tilt of the calf’s head—suggests a warm, approachable quality. The animals are three times life size and weigh a total of five tons.

Dan Ostermiller is a Colorado-based sculptor recognized for his skillful renderings of wildlife and domestic animals. He often depicts animals in everyday, relatable poses, highlighting their character and relationship to the land. By placing a mother and calf in an urban setting, the artwork nods to Colorado’s ranching heritage and invites city dwellers to connect with the state’s agricultural roots. The sculpture serves as a gentle reminder of the rural and pastoral amidst the bustle of downtown Denver.

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La Alma, 1978

• Artist: Emanuel Martinez
• Location: La Alma Recreation Center, 1325 W 11th Ave.

La Alma is a bold, large-scale mural that spans a building facade in La Alma Lincoln Park, featuring bright colors, stylized figures, and symbolic imagery related to the neighborhood’s Hispanic and Chicano heritage. It portrays cultural icons, floral motifs, and references to the history of Denver’s La Alma Lincoln Park area. The composition radiates warmth and pride, capturing the vibrant spirit of the community.

Emanuel Martinez is a pioneering Chicano artist from Denver who began creating public murals in 1970 during the Chicano Civil Rights Movement. Known for melding social justice themes with traditional art forms and contemporary styles, Martinez has produced influential works across the city and beyond. His pieces often foreground narratives of cultural identity, struggle, and empowerment, making him a cornerstone of Denver’s public art history. La Alma, in particular, stands as a testament to the neighborhood’s enduring spirit and Martinez’s dedication to art as a catalyst for community pride and dialogue.

Those interested in murals should check out our guide to Denver’s murals.

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Sun Spot, 2011

• Artists: Haddad | Drugan (Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan)
• Location: Denver Animal Shelter, 1241 W. Bayaud Ave.

Standing about 20 feet tall, Sun Spot takes the playful form of a giant dog covered in 90,000 stainless-steel dog tags that shimmer in the Colorado sunshine. From afar, the sculpture appears as a gleaming silhouette of a canine companion; up close, viewers can observe the myriad dog tags rustling gently in the breeze, creating a dynamic, ever-changing pattern of light. The reflective quality of the tags gives Sun Spot an almost animated presence, suggesting fur rippling in the wind. The artwork greets visitors to the Denver Animal Shelter and encourages them to think about the bond between people and pets.

Haddad | Drugan is the creative partnership of Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan, artists widely recognized for their site-specific, light-responsive, and often environmentally integrated works. Their projects frequently incorporate interactive or reflective materials, harnessing natural phenomena (like sunlight or wind) to bring sculptures to life. By using thousands of dog tags Sun Spot serves as both a statement piece and a tribute to the countless animals cared for at the shelter. The result is a spirited, memorable installation that brightens the gateway to the Denver Animal Shelter and celebrates the playful energy that pets bring into our lives.

Denver Public Art: Get Out and Explore 

Denver’s public art invites you to pause, reflect, and connect with the city’s character. By placing creativity at the heart of communal spaces—from transit hubs to recreation centers—these artworks remind us that art is not confined to museums but thrives in open-air galleries shared by all. We hope this guide serves as your gateway to discovering the stories, voices, and visions that shape Denver’s artistic landscape. In a city that continually commissions fresh works and revitalizes old favorites, there’s always something new to see. While you’re out exploring these fascinating artworks, remember to take time for yourself and enjoy a relaxing and unique beer spa experience at Oakwell Beer Spa.