Denver Architecture Foundation

A nonprofit organization

Denver Architecture Foundation (DAF) elevates and celebrates the interconnectedness of architecture, design, community, arts and culture. Our programs embrace Denver's diverse neighborhoods and built environment as an ever-changing museum with exhibitions for people of all ages and walks of life.

Testimonials

Doors Open Denver 2022 Tour testimonials:

"The tours were all GREAT!  I learned so much and it was fun learning as I was seeing the sites. The speakers were top notch!" 

"These tours are always so informative. I learn so much on them and they are always so fun."

"Knowledgeable tour guide, interesting location and well-organized."

"The tour of the Ninth St. Historic Park was fascinating."

"DAF chose relevant and knowledgeable tour guides. Both tours had two guides who complemented each other well."

"Venues offered are interesting and offer insider information, unknown by the general public, presented by a knowledgeable professional. Always an interesting learning experience whether it's a building tour, alley graffiti tour or how zoos are designed." 

"Your tours are a hidden gem in Denver."                                                        

"Excellent quality of the [Virtual Tours]. Ability to see all I wanted to see instead of being limited by time and having to drive all over the place. Ability to see sites in Boulder and Colorado Springs in addition to the Denver area."


Doors Open Denver 2021 Tour testimonials:

"I really loved being able to participate in DOD virtually this year. I felt like I learned a lot about my hometown and it got me excited about visiting places like DIA and taking some more time there to appreciate all the wonderful art pieces they have on display. And the speakers you had for the NCAR tour were excellent. I'm taking a hike near NCAR this Saturday and am excited to check out the building in person for the first time. Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing what you come out with next year!"

"Thanks for letting me see neat stuff!"

"I'm really enjoying my membership. I hope to do some volunteer work with DAF in the future."

"I had so much fun watching the tours. Please keep doing the virtual ones every year."

"Being able to sign up for a tour early as a member is a real advantage."

"Doors Open Denver has given me an opportunity to learn about well-known historical structures and homes that are not otherwise accessible to the public. This is a valuable public service for anyone interested in Denver's history and architecture."

"Wonderful!! Thank you for the history!!"

Mission

Denver Architecture Foundation inspires people to explore our dynamic city, experience the importance of design to our quality of life and envision an exceptional future for Denver.

Background Statement

DAF was founded in 1990 as an extension of the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) Denver Chapter and has since evolved into Denver's leading architecture organization delivering robust programming focused on connecting the Denver community with the city's ever-changing built environment. Over the past three decades, DAF has maintained its focus on building public understanding and involvement with architecture, championing its interconnectedness with Denver's cultural and artistic landscapes.

From the early 2000s to 2015, DAF focused on three signature programs: Doors Open Denver, the Cleworth Architectural Legacy Project and Hard Hat Tours. Additionally, DAF invested in Denver's most robust architectural guidebook, the Guide to Denver Architecture, now distributed in its second edition. Since 2015, DAF has further developed and improved programs to engage broad, diverse audiences in architecture experiences and education. DAF has also added Walking Tours, Audio Tours, Lecture Series, Special Events and Box City to its annual program calendar.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Denver Architecture Foundation

other names

The Denver Architectural Foundation, DAF, Denver Architectural Foundation

Year Established

1990

Tax id (EIN)

84-1175093

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Medium Organization

Address

1045 Acoma St Suite 4
Denver, CO 80204

Mailing

PO Box 1112
Denver, CO 80201

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Phone

303-390-1653

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