Six major arty events to discover in 2025

The new year always brings high hopes for fine art lovers, and there are some good reasons to keep the faith in 2025. Six of the most promising events and exhibitions are listed here.

Of course, there’s a lot more going on. The Front Range’s cultural scene is constantly evolving, diversifying and, for the most part, becoming more interesting, with new galleries, performance companies and all-around venues popping up regularly. We will keep you informed of interesting options as the year progresses.

But here’s a quick, optimistic look at what some of Denver’s top institutions have planned for the coming months.

Kent Monkman, “History is painted by the victors”, Denver Art Museum, April 20 to August. 17

The Denver Art Museum is pulling out all the stops with this solo exhibition by Canadian artist Kent Monkman, and it’s definitely a bold move. Monkman, who has both Cree and Irish heritage, paints revisionist and radical scenes of the Wild West, never letting the viewer forget all the harm that was done to indigenous peoples during the period of European expansion. Her work involves subverting scripts, bending gender, and promoting sex – and it’s definitely not for everyone. But Monkman is right, 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.

Information: 720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum.org.

“Casanova” January 31-Feb. 9, Colorado Ballet

This is a great programming choice for Colorado Ballet, a solid, adult-friendly title to balance out all the fairy tale stories ballet companies are doing these days to draw big crowds and balance the books . Choreographer Kenneth Tindall received excellent reviews for his 2017 version of Casanova, the original decadent womanizer who has been known for debauchery since the 1700s. This version, adapted from a biography of the author Ian Kelly, features music by Kerry Muzzey and enough good moves to make it a staple on the stages of regional ballet companies across the country. This will be the first time the work has been produced in Denver. “Viewer discretion is advised,” according to the company’s website and honestly, after so many nutcracker offerings, you have to like this.

Information: 303-837-8888 or coloradoballet.org.

“Bohemian” February 22 – March 2, Opera Colorado

No opera is more popular than Puccini’s “La Bohème” (well, maybe Verdi’s “La Traviata” or maybe Bizet’s “Carmen”) but it’s certainly #1 on Puccini’s hit list , and audiences love it – over and over again – finding the story of young bohemians 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 opera as a starter for those who don’t come to listen to classical music frequently.

Information: 303-468-2030 or operacolorado.org.

Patti LuPone, May 2, Newman Center

The Newman Center Presents performance series brings many world-class artists to town, and many are international names that locals are discovering for the first time. But LuPone is a skilled superstar, a star and – still, after all these years – the reigning queen of American musical theater, which makes this a special event. The program is also expected to be filled with old favorites, as LuPone plans to sing songs from her own era, which could include familiar pop hits, as well as many of the show tunes that made her famous. Get tickets early for this one.

More information: 303-871-7720 or newmancenterpresents.com.

Suki Seokyeong Kang, “Mountain-Hour-Face” February 21-May 4, Denver Museum of Contemporary Art

It’s safe to say that most Denver residents aren’t familiar with the work of Suki Seokyeong Kang, an artist who works in Seoul, South Korea. At 47, Kang has a serious track record of exhibitions and acquisitions, even if the artist is really blossoming at the international level. It helps that Kang is affiliated in this part of the world with the Los Angles-based Commonwealth and Council gallery, which is currently a favorite of curators and critics. 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 MCA press materials. The museum goes all the way with the exhibition, devoting three floors to Kang’s recent work.

More information: 303-298-7554 or mcadenver.org.

Limón Dance Company, February 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 Limón Dance Company, a global staple and local favorite. The New York-based troupe has been performing since 1946, when it was founded by dance legends José Limón and Doris Humphrey, and has remained at the forefront of its industry ever since. This show, at the Newman Center, will include classic works from the company’s repertoire, as well as a new piece, “Migrant Mother,” by Mexican choreographer Raúl Tamez.

More information: 303-871-7720 or newmancenterpresents.com.