The new year always brings high hopes for fine arts fans, and there are a few solid reasons to keep the faith in 2025. Six of the most promising events and exhibitions are listed here.
Of course, there is a lot more going on. The Front Range cultural scene is constantly evolving, diversifying and, for the most part, getting more interesting, with new galleries, performance companies and anything-goes venues popping up regularly. We will keep you informed of interesting options as the year progresses.
But here is a quick, and optimistic, look at what some of the major institutions in Denver have on the books for the next few months.
Kent Monkman, “History is Painted by the Victors,” Denver Art Museum, April 20-Aug. 17
The Denver Art Museum is going all out with this solo show of Canadian artist Kent Monkman, and it is definitely a bold move. Monkman, who has both Cree and Irish heritage, paints sweeping, revisionist scenes of the Old West, never letting the viewer forget about all of the badness that was done to Indigenous people during the period of European expansion. His work is script-flipping, gender-bending and sex-forward — and it is certainly not for everybody. But Monkman has a point, and he sells it big, with monumental, technicolor landscapes that manage to be highly political and wildly entertaining. He is an international art gallery star but this will be his first major museum retrospective.
Info: 720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum.org.
“Casanova,” Jan. 31-Feb. 9, Colorado Ballet
This is a great programming choice for the Colorado Ballet, a solid, adult-friendly title to balance out all the fairy tale stories ballet companies do these days to draw big crowds and balance the books. Choreographer Kenneth Tindall has received excellent reviews for his 2017 take on Casanova, the original decadent womanizer, who has brought a good name to debauchery since the 1700s. This version, adapted from a biography by author Ian Kelly, has music by Kerry Muzzey and enough good moves that it is becoming a fixture on the stages of regional ballet companies across the country. This will be the work’s first time in Denver. “Viewer discretion is advised,” according to the company’s website and honestly, after so many nutcracking offerings, you gotta love that.
Info: 303-837-8888 or coloradoballet.org.
“La Bohème,” Feb. 22 -March 2, Opera Colorado
No opera is more popular than Puccini’s “La Bohème” (well, maybe Verdi’s “La Traviata,” or perhaps Bizet’s “Carmen”) but it is certainly No. 1 on Puccini’s hit list, and audiences love it — again and again — finding the story of young bohemian types doing their thing in 1830s Paris irresistible. This production has Zach Borichevsky as Rodolfo, and Raquel González as Mimi, the couple whose love and lives take fateful turns. I always recommend this as a starter opera for those who do not make it to hear classical music frequently.
Info: 303-468-2030 or operacolorado.org.
Patti LuPone, May 2, Newman Center
The Newman Center Presents performance series brings a lot of world-class artists to town, and many are global names that locals are introduced to for the first time. But LuPone is a qualified superstar, an A-lister and — still, after all these years — the reigning queen of American musical theater, which makes this a special event. The program should be full of old favorites as well, since LuPone plans to sing songs from her own era, which could include familiar pop hits, plus many of the show tunes that made her famous. Get tickets early for this one.
More info: 303-871-7720 or newmancenterpresents.com.
Suki Seokyeong Kang, “Mountain-Hour-Face,” Feb. 21-May 4, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
It’s safe to say most people in Denver do not know the work of Suki Seokyeong Kang, an artist who works out of Seoul, South Korea. At 47, Kang has a serious resume of exhibitions and acquisitions, though the artist is just truly breaking out on an international level. It helps that Kang is affiliated in this part of the world with the Los Angles-based gallery Commonwealth and Council, which is a favorite with curators and critics at the moment. Kang’s work, often in three-dimensional form, combines natural elements (such as wool and paper) with industrial materials (such as steel and brass) “to create wondrous and spiritual objects and installations,” according to the MCA’s press materials. The museum is going all the way with the show, turning over all three floors to Kang’s recent body of work.
More info: 303-298-7554 or mcadenver.org.
Limón Dance Company, Feb. 18, Newman Center
Denver’s performing arts calendars are light on contemporary dance as the new year begins, but the art form is well-represented by the Limón Dance Company, a global fixture and a local favorite. The New York City-based troupe has been performing since 1946, when it was founded by dance legends José Limón and Doris Humphrey, and has stayed at the forefront of its industry ever since. This performance, at the Newman Center, is set to include classic works from the company’s repertory, plus a new piece, “Migrant Mother,” by Mexican choreographer Raúl Tamez.
More info: 303-871-7720 or newmancenterpresents.com.
