Founded in 1897, the Alliance Française de Denver is one of the oldest non-profit organizations in the Rocky Mountain region and the only dedicated French language and cultural center in Colorado.
It is part of the global Alliance Française network, which began in Paris in 1883 and now includes over 800 chapters in 137 countries.
YOUR ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE ACROSS THREE CENTURIES
The Alliance Française de Denver (AFD) has served as a cornerstone of French cultural life in Denver since the late 19th century. From its earliest gatherings in 1897—supported by Denver’s own Molly Brown at her home on Pennsylvania Street— to today, AFD has continuously connected generations through language, culture, and community. For over a century, AFD has been an anchor for the French-speaking community in the Denver metro area. Today, from our home in the Santa Fe Arts District, we continue to offer French language education and a vibrant program of cultural events that engage both local and regional audiences. In 2024, the AFD Board of Directors made the decision to rehabilitate and expand our historic home at 571 Galapago Street, ensuring its place as a cultural center for decades to come.
LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEW ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE BUILDING
Since the partial collapse of our north wall in 2021, AFD has carefully navigated a thoughtful and strategic rebuilding process. Throughout this period, our staff has continued to deliver highquality programming while the Board evaluated the best path forward. Now, we are ready to transform our Maison Française into a modern, vibrant cultural hub.
CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN
The Maison Française Francophone Cultural Center’s renovation is poised to advance into permitting. With our building design complete and near our target budget, we are commencing our capital campaign and will direct the design team to submit the project to the City and County of Denver for permitting based on our financial readiness to proceed with construction.
What the New Building Will Provide:
New accessible and safe classrooms with modern teaching technology Flexible spaces for exhibitions, theater, film Enhanced cultural programming capacity A welcoming garden at Galapago & 6th Avenue New elevator for access, enhanced fire-safety, and new fully accessible bathrooms Upgraded carpet, lighting, furniture and finishes in the existing to remain portions of the building
PROJECT TIMELINE AT A GLANCE
Fall 2025 Final cost estimation completed by Contractor; AFD, Architect, and Contractor work together to determine final modifications to scope and design to meet project budget
December 2025 Recommended value engineering modifications presented at AFD Annual Meeting
January-March 2026 Architect makes approved value engineering modifications to design documents in preparation for permitting and construction
April 2026 AFD prepares for capital campaign launch at 2026 Spring Gala June 2026 Permit applications submitted (anticipated) pending financial readiness to start construction upon receipt of permits
October 2026 Project permitted, Contractor commences construction (anticipated) at AFD’s direction
ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE DENVER – AT A GLANCE
700 members 300–400 students annually 40–60 cultural events per year (cafés scientifiques, film screenings, exhibitions, community events)
Programs include: French language courses (all levels) Cultural programming (arts, sciences, cinema) Community partnerships in the Santa Fe Arts District
Total Estimated Project Cost* $1,593,000
PROJECT BUDGET OVERVIEW
Category Amount HardCosts (Construction,Contractor fees) $1,289,000
SoftCosts (Architecture,Engineering,etc.) $175,000
Contingency $129,000
FUNDING STRATEGY
$600,000 – Fundraising (Capital Campaign)
$500,000 – Existing Capital/Cash
$500,000 – Financing/Bank Loan
*As with all construction projects, timelines are subject to change
Donate now to help make this vision come to life!
The mission of the Alliance Française de Denver (AFD), a 501c3 non-profit organization, is to encourage and develop the knowledge of the French language and Francophone cultures and to foster cultural, intellectual, artistic and friendly exchanges between the French-speaking world and our local community.
For over a century, the Alliance Française de Denver has been a bridge between Colorado and the French-speaking world — inspiring curiosity, creativity, and cultural connection. As a nonprofit cultural and educational organization, we bring the richness of French language and culture to thousands each year through classes, film screenings, lectures, concerts, and community events.
Your support helps us sustain programs that unite people through language and culture, offer scholarships to students, and bring exceptional French artists, scientists, and thinkers to Denver. Each contribution strengthens our ability to make French culture accessible to all — not just as a language to learn, but as a living experience that opens minds and builds global understanding.
Together, we can ensure that the French language and its culture continue to thrive in the Rocky Mountain region — inspiring the next generation of thinkers, travelers, and dreamers.
Give today and help us keep French alive in Colorado.
Organization name
The Alliance Française de Denver
other names
AFDenver, AFD
1897
Tax id (EIN)
84-6042159
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
571 Galapago StreetDenver County, CO, US