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

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.

Best Photo Spot

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

Access & Hours

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

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.

Time Needed

1-2 hours

Design & Structure

Space FrameDouble-CurvedBranching / Dendritic
Computational Process

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

Materiality

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

Structural Innovation

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

See Together

Buildings that pair well with Aspen Art Museum — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.

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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.