Denver Plans New Colorado Hispanic and Latino Museum
A proposed six-story facility will be built on the Auraria Higher Education Complex to honor the state's diverse history.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Hispanic
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Organizers Ramona Martinez and Patricia Barela Rivera have announced plans to construct a Colorado Hispanic/Latino Museum in Denver. The ambitious project is slated for a fifteen-acre site located at the Auraria Higher Education Complex.
Why it matters
The project aims to provide a dedicated space to celebrate and preserve the historic, cultural, social, and political contributions of Latinos and Indigenous people in Colorado. It will serve as both a cultural repository and a community venue for local events.
The proposed six-story structure will feature 240 theater seats and two patios on a fifteen-acre plot. Organizers have spent two years developing the plans for the site.
The players
Ramona Martinez
She is a lead organizer who has spent two years working full time to bring the Colorado Hispanic/Latino Museum to fruition.
Patricia Barela Rivera
She is a key project organizer focused on building statewide support and securing the necessary funding for the new cultural center.
Curt Fentress
He is an architect who has been commissioned to design the six-story museum structure at the Auraria Higher Education Complex.
Colorado Health
This organization is one of the primary entities providing financial commitments to support the museum's development.
Salazar Family Foundation
This organization is a key donor providing financial support for the construction of the museum project.
The details
Designed by architect Curt Fentress, the museum will house exhibits on influential figures like Chief Ouray and Chipita. The facility is also intended to host social gatherings such as weddings, receptions, and quinceaneras.
Timeline
Organizers have worked on the project for nearly two years from 2024 to 2026.
The project announcement was made on October 28, 2026.
Culture Shift
This project mirrors the growth of cultural institutions like the National Museum of the American Latino that prioritize underrepresented histories. It marks a shift toward formalizing community heritage through permanent, large-scale infrastructure in major cities.
Residents can expect future opportunities for community engagement and event hosting once the facility is completed. The museum will provide a new central hub for social and cultural gatherings in the heart of Denver.
The takeaway
The proposed museum aims to institutionalize the rich cultural history of Colorado's Latino and Indigenous populations. Supporters are currently engaged in a statewide outreach campaign to secure the funding necessary to move from planning to construction.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural developments on the Denver Hispanic section page.
More information
To contribute or learn more, visit the museum project contribution and information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by La Voz Colorado.
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