Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

Colorado Springs, United States Of America

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) at Colorado College is a premier multidisciplinary cultural institution. Since its founding in 1936, the FAC has served as a beacon for the arts in the Rocky Mountain region, featuring an engaging blend of visual arts, performing arts, and educational programs. Renowned for its Pueblo Revival and Art Deco architecture by John Gaw Meem, and for a vibrant collection that spans Native American, Hispanic, Southwestern, and modern works, the FAC stands as both a historic landmark and a contemporary creative hub. This detailed guide provides up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, events, nearby attractions, and practical tips, ensuring a rewarding visit for art lovers, families, and travelers alike (FAC official website, History Colorado, Lonely Planet).

Overview and Location
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Guided Tours and Visitor Experience
Accessibility and Amenities
Signature Collections and Exhibitions
Theater and Performing Arts
Educational Programs and Community Events
Architectural and Artistic Highlights
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Visual Experience and Virtual Access
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

1. Overview and Location

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is centrally located at 30 W Dale St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on the Colorado College campus and just minutes from downtown. Its setting at the base of Pikes Peak makes it an ideal destination for those seeking to combine cultural enrichment with the city’s natural beauty (FAC Visit).

2. Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Regular Hours

Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and major holidays
Extended Hours: Select Thursdays until 8:00 PM for special events

Admission

Adults: $12
Seniors (65+): $10
Students (with ID): $8
Children under 12: Free
Museum Free Days: Second Saturday and third Friday of each month

Ticketing

Tickets are available online (FAC Tickets) and at the front desk.
Discounts and memberships are available.
College students from any institution may purchase discounted day-of-performance tickets; Colorado College students receive free theatre admission with ID (FAC Tickets).

3. Guided Tours and Visitor Experience

Docent-led tours: Offered daily, typically at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM (check current schedules online).
Audio guides and self-guided brochures: Available for independent exploration.
Special tours: Behind-the-scenes theatre tours and artist studio visits occur periodically.

4. Accessibility and Amenities

The FAC is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and accessible restrooms throughout. Assistive listening devices are available for theatre performances upon request. For additional accessibility needs, visitors are encouraged to contact the FAC before arrival (FAC Visit). Amenities include:

On-site café: Serving light meals and beverages
Gift shop: Featuring local artisan crafts
Free Wi-Fi
Lockers and coat room
Photography: Permitted in most galleries (no flash or tripods)

5. Signature Collections and Rotating Exhibitions

Permanent Collection

The FAC boasts a collection of over 20,000 works, with highlights including:

Native American beadwork, basketry, and textiles
Hispanic and Spanish Colonial art
Modern and contemporary pieces, such as Richard Diebenkorn’s Urbana #4
Regional works by Colorado artists like Vance Kirkland and Floyd Tunson
Latin American folk art, ceramics, and textiles (Lonely Planet, The Crazy Tourist)

Special and Rotating Exhibitions

Exhibitions feature retrospectives, contemporary installations, and thematic explorations of social issues. Recent highlights include shows by Alisa Banks and Margarita Cabrera, and a major exhibition on Mary Chenoweth opening June 2025 (Adventure Backpack).

6. Theater and Performing Arts

The FAC Theatre Company produces a robust annual season, ranging from classics to new works, musicals, and dance. The 400-seat theater hosts local and national talent, with programming that is inclusive, thought-provoking, and community-oriented (My Global Viewpoint, FAC First Ever World Premiere).

Tickets: Vary by show; advance purchase recommended (FAC Tickets)
Educational workshops and artist talks accompany many performances

7. Educational Programs and Community Events

The Bemis School of Art, housed within the FAC, offers:

Classes and workshops for all ages and abilities (painting, sculpture, digital arts)
Special sessions like “Intro to Papier Mâché” and Art Explorer Tours for families
Community events such as First Friday Art Walks and Museum Free Days (FAC Events, VisitCOS)

The FAC champions inclusivity, featuring discounted/free admission for students, military personnel, and underserved groups, and an affordability policy for ticketed events (Colorado College SMF).

8. Architectural and Artistic Highlights

Designed by John Gaw Meem, the FAC’s blend of Pueblo Revival and Art Deco styles is a defining feature. Notable interior artworks include:

Murals by Boardman Robinson and Frank Mechau
Aluminum relief panels by Arnold Rönnebeck
Lounge murals by Andrew Dasburg, Kenneth Adams, and Ward Lockwood

The sculpture garden offers outdoor installations and hosts community events year-round (The Crazy Tourist).

9. Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There and Parking

Location: 30 W Dale St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Parking: On-site lot and nearby garages; free downtown shuttle (THE ZEB) stops nearby (FAC Events)

Nearby Attractions

Monument Valley Park (scenic walks)
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (local history)
Cornerstone Arts Center (galleries, lectures)
Acacia Park, downtown dining, and shopping

Dining

On-site restaurant and café
Numerous downtown options within walking distance

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays and holidays); check for extended hours on event days.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Adults $12, seniors $10, students $8, children under 12 free. Free admission on Museum Free Days.

Q: Is the FAC wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators and accessible facilities throughout.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, at set times daily; check the website for details.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, in most galleries (no flash/tripods).

Q: Is parking available?
A: On-site and nearby public parking; free shuttle service available.

Q: Are group tours offered?
A: Currently unavailable, but self-guided visits are welcome.

11. Visual Experience and Virtual Access

Explore the FAC before your visit via:

Sample Images:

Alt text: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center building exterior showcasing Art Deco architecture
Alt text: Richard Diebenkorn’s abstract painting Urbana #4 on display at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
Alt text: Sculpture garden at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center featuring outdoor artworks

12. Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Check the official FAC website for current exhibitions, events, and visitor policies.
Download the Audiala app for personalized event reminders, scheduling, and exclusive content.
Follow the FAC on social media for the latest news and inspiration.
Call (719) 634-5581 for visitor information; for Summer Music Festival details, contact (719) 389-6552 or email [email protected] (Colorado College SMF).

Summary and Final Tips

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is a dynamic institution that blends history, art, performance, and education in a single welcoming space. With its exceptional collections, celebrated architecture, and commitment to accessibility and community engagement, the FAC is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking cultural enrichment in Colorado Springs. Make the most of your visit by planning ahead, attending a performance or workshop, and exploring nearby attractions. Stay connected for updates and exclusive offerings by using the Audiala app and following the FAC online.