Denver Art Museum Renovations | Saunders Construction

Preserving an architectural icon while transforming the museum experience for future generations.

Driven by a dramatic increase in visitation and a commitment to the future of one of Denver’s most treasured cultural institutions, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) transformed its campus through the comprehensive renovation of the historic Martin Building and construction of the new Sie Welcome Center. Together, these projects reimagined the visitor experience, enhanced museum operations, and positioned the institution to serve the community for decades to come.

The project included the renovation of the 229,000-square-foot Martin Building and the addition of the 50,000-square-foot Sie Welcome Center. The Martin Building, the only completed structure in North America designed by renowned Italian architect Gio Ponti, underwent a careful restoration and modernization that honored its architectural significance while adapting the facility to meet contemporary museum standards. Renovations expanded gallery space, improved campus connectivity, introduced a new conservation laboratory, enhanced building systems, and increased the museum’s capacity to support educational programming and youth engagement.

The new Sie Welcome Center serves as the front door to the museum, providing visitor-focused amenities, improved circulation, and enhanced access to the broader campus. Designed by Machado Silvetti and Fentress Architects, the combined project creates a more welcoming, intuitive, and engaging experience for guests while reinforcing the museum’s role as a cultural destination.

Delivered through the CM/GC method with Saunders Construction serving as construction manager/general contractor, the project was completed in time for the museum’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2021. Funding was made possible through a combination of public and private investment, including voter-approved bond funding from the City and County of Denver that supported critical infrastructure and life-safety improvements.

The project also generated significant community impact beyond the built environment. As part of the public funding requirements, Saunders exceeded important workforce and inclusion goals through minority- and women-owned business (M/WBE) participation and the implementation of a workforce development program that created opportunities for hundreds of workers, including apprentices entering the construction industry.

The result is a revitalized museum campus that preserves a globally significant architectural landmark while enhancing accessibility, expanding educational opportunities, and creating a world-class experience for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who enjoy the DAM each year.

The project won multiple industry awards, including:

2022 American Architecture Awards for Restoration/Renovation Category from The Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre
2022 Denver Mayor’s Design Awards
2022 Design Award of Excellence from AIA Colorado
2020 Silver Award for Best Building Project Over $70 Million from Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Colorado
2020 Merit Award for Culture/Worship from Engineering News-Record (ENR) Mountain States
LEED Silver Certification, 2020