The Frederic C. Hamilton Building is an expansion and addition to the existing Denver Art Museum. The extension was designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind and was opened in October 2006 and has since then been attracting thousands of visitors to the museum complex and currently houses the Modern and Contemporary art collections as well as the collection of Oceanic and African Art. The building was inspired by the vitality and growth of Denver coupled with the site’s topography with its views of the sky and the Rocky Mountains.
photography by© Bitter Bredt
Being an expansion, close attention was paid to the function and aesthetic of the existing Ponti museum, while establishing an understanding of what was needed to help draw people into the museum. The architect made it clear that the project is not designed as a standalone building, but as part of a composition of public spaces, monuments, and gateways. The new building can be seen as a kind of city hub, tying together downtown, the Civic Center, and forming a strong connection to the golden triangle neighborhood.
photography by© Bitter Bredt
The materials of the building closely relate to the existing context as well as introduce new materials such as titanium which help to form spaces that connect local Denver tradition to the 21st century. Part of the challenge of designing a building such as this in Denver is how to respond to the extraordinary range of transformations in light, coloration, atmospheric effects, temperature and weather conditions unique to the city.
photography by© Bitter Bredt
In these regards, Daniel Libeskind “insisted these be integrated not only functionally and physically, but culturally and experientially for the benefit of the visitor’s experience.” The building has an organic connection to the public as well as respects the hand crafted nature of architecture having not only a strong connection between the hand, the eye, but also touches on the different aspects of experience such as intellectual, emotional, and sensual that allow visitors to have a satisfying visit.
photography by© Bitter Bredt
Project Info :
Area: 146000 ft²
Year: 2006
Photographs: Bitter Bredt, Michele Nastasi
Manufacturers: Vectorworks, Zone Display Cases, Sherwin-Williams, Architectural Titanium, EFCO, Edison Price Lighting, Herman Miller, Hunter Douglas, Litlab, Timet Titanium, Viracon
Interior Designers: Studio Daniel Libeskind, Davis Partnership
Structural Engineer: Arup
Structural Engineers: Arup
Acoustical Consultant: Arup
Lighting Consultant: George Sexton Associates
Civil Engineers: JF Sato and Associates
Contractor: M.A. Mortensen Company
Structural Connection Design: Structural Consultants Inc.
Landscape Architects: Studio Daniel Libeskind, Davis Partnership
Theater Consultant: Auerbach Pollock Friedlander
Mechanical & Electrical Systems: MKK Engineers and Arup (Los Angeles)
Joint Venture Partner: Davis Partnership
Courtesy of Daniel Libeskind
Kristin Hoover is an editor at Arch2O and a proud graduate of Virginia Tech. Since joining in July 2014, she has authored over 200 insightful articles covering everything from adaptive reuse and cultural centers to eco-buildings and urban infrastructure . With a passion for architectural storytelling, Kristin skillfully curates and crafts compelling narratives that bring design innovation to life. Her editorial work reflects a broad yet finely honed interest in how architecture intersects with society, technology, and the environment—making her a key voice shaping Arch2O’s explorations of contemporary built form.