The Aspen Art Museum: where you can get your culture and caffeine fix all in one place!

Get to know the Aspen Art Museum in honor of its 20th Annual ArtCrush wrapping up with the gala this evening, August 1st, 2025.

A wooden weave landmark since 2014, the museum was designed by architect Shigeru Ban to usher guests up the big staircase to the rooftop and allow them trickle down through the galleries as they would ascend and ski down a mountain.

Art extends beyond the walls of the museum to the rooftop patio and street level commons with rotating displays. Currently on view is Anthea Hamilton’s “Cauliflower Sundial” on the museum commons and Solange Pessoa’s “Catch the sun with your hand” on the rooftop.

Admission to the AAM is free courtesy of Amy and John Phelan and its exhibitions and programming are free and accessible thanks to its members. The rooftop café is currently home to bakery, Swedish Hill Aspen, where you can enjoy coffee, pastries, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items with indoor or outdoor (weather dependent) views of Aspen Mountain. I would personally recommend a pastry and a hot latte on the rooftop patio on a sunny afternoon to take in the warmth and views.

Members receive invitations to exhibition openings with artist talks and member-rated museum events, such as a paint and sip event I went to in the spring with artist, Giles Round. Becoming a member for $50 allows you to enjoy these perks as well as 10% off at the café.

 View the museum’s exhibitions and events here to plan your visit and I hope you find your new favorite hang out at the Rooftop!

*Images courtesy of Aspen Art Museum’s instagram