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Discover the Whimsical World of Gallery Uno at the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

July 9, 2024 By CityPASS

Denver is home to many fascinating attractions, but the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is taking creativity to a whole new level with their latest innovation. If you're planning a trip to the Mile High City this summer, make sure to include a visit to the Museum's new rotating exhibit space, Gallery Uno, which opened on June 19. This unique addition promises to be an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults.

SNUG at Children's Museum of Denver
Photos by Stephen Werk for the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

A New Concept in Exhibit Design

Gallery Uno is not your typical museum exhibit. Each installation in this rotating space is defined by a single word, chosen to inspire creations that evoke connection and spark conversation. The goal is to create experiences that are whimsical, irreverent, clever, joyful, and, most of all, experimental.

Step Into 'SNUG'

The first installation in Gallery Uno is inspired by the word "SNUG." Imagine walking into the living room fort of your dreams, and you'll get a sense of what this exhibit is all about. From the moment you enter, you're invited to squish, scramble, nestle, and crawl through a floor-to-ceiling installation of precisely stacked couches, chairs, ottomans, and cushions. It's a playful, immersive space that invites you to engage with your surroundings in a hands-on, delightful way.

Unique Touches and Sensorial Surprises

The "SNUG" installation is filled with unique touches that add to its charm. Picture a wall of lava lamps casting a warm glow, chandeliers crafted from an array of vintage lamps, and photo collages of the Museum team snuggled up on couches with their families, giving the space a personal, homey feel. But the fun doesn't stop there. Hidden among the many nooks and crannies of this whimsical landscape are sensorial surprises waiting to be discovered. It's an adventure for the senses that will keep you and your little ones exploring for hours.

A Revolutionary Design Process

What makes Gallery Uno even more fascinating is the process behind its creation. The Museum team employed an emerging design approach, which contrasts sharply with traditional methods. Instead of starting with detailed drawings and plans, they began with an initial idea and let the design evolve through hands-on prototyping and experimentation. This approach allows for a more organic development, with the final product reflecting the creative journey rather than a predefined plan.

Museum President & CEO Mike Yankovich explains it best: "Traditional design methods rely on renderings, plans, and other architectural advents to determine what exactly will be built. Emerging design relies heavily on prototyping with the exciting, and sometimes challenging, reality that the place where you end up might be very different from where you started." This commitment to pushing beyond conventional boundaries is evident in the imaginative, immersive environments they've created.

SNUG at Children's Museum of Denver
Photos by Stephen Werk for the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

Plan Your Visit

The Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is a must-visit destination this summer. Gallery Uno's "SNUG" installation is just the beginning of what promises to be an ongoing series of inventive and engaging exhibits. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this new space offers a fresh, interactive experience that's sure to delight visitors of all ages.

So, pack up the family and head over to the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus. Dive into the cozy, playful world of "SNUG," and see firsthand how the Museum is revolutionizing the way we experience art and design. It's an adventure you won't want to miss!

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