The McNichols Building on the edge of Civic Center Park on Sept. 14, 2022.
Kevin J. Beatty/Denverite
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Denver Arts & Venues on Thursday unveiled ambitious plans to transform the historic McNichols Civic Center building into a cultural hub with a new museum showcasing the city’s history and culture.
“The opening of a museum showcasing Denver’s rich history and culture in historic McNicholsville will create a unique and memorable space for locals and visitors to learn about our great city,” Johnston said in a statement.
The goal of this new project is to create a unique, immersive space where locals and visitors can learn about and engage with the Mile High City’s rich history.
The city said the renovations, among other things, will also help it achieve its goal of drawing more people to Civic Center Park.
The McNichols Building on the edge of Civic Center Park, Sept. 14, 2022. Kevin J. Beatty/Denverite
The Many Lives of McNicholsville
DAV renovated the McNichols Building in 2012, originally a Carnegie Library.
Since then, it has been used as an event space and temporary exhibition venue.
The city also used the site as an emergency shelter during extreme weather and for new immigrant families, though mayoral spokesman Jordan Huja confirmed those operations ended in March.
What’s next?
The first and second floors of the McNichols Building will be renovated into a museum, while the third floor will continue to be used for temporary public art exhibits, programs and event space.
The city is also considering whether to add a restaurant or cafe in the building.
Huja said the project is still in the very early stages of the process and there is no timetable for when the museum will open.
