Aspen Art Museum

Shigeru Ban · Pitkin County · 1979

Aspen Art Museum
Iconic

A woven basket in the Rockies that breathes with the mountain air.

Non-profit organization in the USA.

Featured in Shigeru Ban's definitive monograph, Shigeru Ban: Complete Works 1985–Today.

Visitor Guide

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Visitor Tip

Take the 'Moving Glass Room' elevator to the top floor first, then walk down the Grand Stair to experience the galleries in reverse.

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Best Photo Spot

The corner of Hyman and Galena streets at sunset, when the interior lights glow through the wooden lattice weave.

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Access & Hours

Admission is free (courtesy of a 2008 gift); Open Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00.

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Insider Note

The screen is made of 'Prodema,' a composite of paper and resin with a natural wood veneer that requires no maintenance against Aspen’s harsh winters.

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Time Needed

1-2 hours

Design & Structure

Space FrameDouble-CurvedBranching / Dendritic
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Computational Process

Ban collaborated with structural engineers to create a long-span three-dimensional wood truss roof that spans 50 feet without steel reinforcements.

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Materiality

Woven wood screen (Prodema), structural glass floors, and a Douglas fir glulam edge beam.

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Structural Innovation

The facade acts as a 'thermo' envelope, circulating air to regulate temperature, while the roof truss uses screws alone for most connections.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed Aspen Art Museum?+

Aspen Art Museum was designed by Shigeru Ban and completed in 1979. It is located in Pitkin County, United States.

Where is Aspen Art Museum located?+

Aspen Art Museum is located in Pitkin County, United States. Its coordinates are 39.1882°, -106.8166°.

When was Aspen Art Museum built?+

Aspen Art Museum was completed in 1979. It was designed by Shigeru Ban.

Can I visit Aspen Art Museum?+

Aspen Art Museum is a real building in Pitkin County that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.