Central City Opera singers performing in a gallery in front of moms and kids

Experience Opera & Create Art at the DAM

Experience the Denver Art Museum in a unique way when art and opera come together at the April 12 Create Playdate! Central City Opera returns to the museum for free, interactive performances in the galleries. There are three chances to catch our musical friends for a 20-minute performance: 11 am, 11:45 am, and 12:30 pm.

Central City Opera performs at the DAM each year for a Create Playdate because it is a unique opportunity for kids and their grownups to experience the art of opera in a museum setting. Deborah Morrow, Central City Opera’s Director of Education and Community Engagement says, “We love performing amongst the glorious visual artworks in the galleries and we really love it when family patrons can make connections between the art they are seeing and the music they are hearing. Making all art accessible to everyone is a vision we share with the Denver Art Museum!”

Drop by the Just for Fun Family Center between 10 am-1 pm and make a bird rattle to use during the performances. Create Playdate artmaking projects are best for kids ages 3-5, but older and younger siblings and friends are welcome!

We hope that you can join us for music, stories, and artmaking on April 12. All Create Playdate artmaking activities and performances are included with general admission—and no advance registration required.

Bird rattle that children can make at Create Playdate

An example of the bird rattle your little ones can make to use during the performances.

Looking for other ways to enjoy opera as a family? Experience Central City Opera this summer! The 2017 festival is July 8 - August 6 in beautiful Central City, just 35 miles from Denver. Central City Opera loves families and provides two summer favorites: Opera Inside Out and a Family Matinee to engage and entertain. Opera Inside Out happens in June and gives families an interactive opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn about what goes into a stage production; includes visits to wigs and makeup, costumes, and other backstage happenings. Family Matinees are full opera productions held in early August. This year’s performance is Carmen, starring members of the Bonfils-Stanton Artists Training Program with family-friendly narration before each act, and a chance to meet the artists for autographs and photos afterwards. Add pre-show interactive activities and a picnic lunch to complement the experience. Visit CentralCityOpera.org for details and information on other regional family events throughout the year.