Architecture of MCA Denver: The Fries Building

About the tour: Explore the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver’s glass-clad Fries Building in downtown Denver, designed by architect Sir David Adjaye OBE of Adjaye Associates (UK). Experience how the building, Adjaye’s first U.S. museum commission, was designed to minimize boundaries between the exterior spaces of the city and the interior of the museum. Throughout the tour, view works from MCA Denver’s newest exhibition, The Future is Present, The Harbinger is Home: Selections from Prospect 6 New Orleans.

About the building: The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) was founded in 1996 with a mission to celebrate the art of our time in the heart of Denver. MCA Denver originally took occupancy in Sakura Square in downtown Denver until 2003, when a gift of land helped realize the organization’s goal of building a permanent home for contemporary art. In 2007, MCA Denver opened its 27,000-square foot, environmentally sustainable facility in downtown Denver designed by architect Sir David Adjaye OBE of Adjaye Associates (UK). Thanks to a visionary gift to the museum in 2019, the iconic building at 1485 Delgany Street was named the Fries Building.

Accessibility: Elevator access is available as the tour moves between floors. Opportunities for seated rest on the 90-minute tour may be limited.

Refund policy: The Denver Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization. Ticket sales support the Foundation in continuing to provide quality events to the public. We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any reason less than 48 hours prior to the event.

Please note that DAF tours take place rain, snow or shine. If your tour includes an outdoor portion, please dress for the weather. DAF staff will contact all attendees directly should a tour be cancelled for any reason.

Photo Credit: Museum of Contemporary Art