How to Tour the Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower Denver

The Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower, nestled within the historic Cheesman Park in Denver, Colorado, is a lesser-known architectural gem that blends Beaux-Arts elegance with the city’s cultural evolution. Though often overshadowed by Denver’s more prominent landmarks like the Denver Art Museum or the Colorado State Capitol, the Cheesman Pavilion and its adjacent Theatre Tower hold a unique place in the city’s heritage. Originally constructed as a memorial to Walter Cheesman, a prominent 19th-century businessman and philanthropist, the pavilion was designed by architect George W. Rapp and completed in 1908. The Theatre Tower, an integral yet often overlooked component of the structure, once hosted performances, lectures, and civic events during Denver’s cultural renaissance in the early 20th century.

Today, the Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower stands as a meticulously preserved relic of Denver’s Gilded Age ambition. While public access has been limited for decades due to structural concerns and preservation priorities, recent restoration initiatives have opened rare, guided opportunities for visitors to explore its interiors — including the soaring ceiling of the main hall, the ornate plasterwork of the tower’s upper levels, and the original stage machinery hidden behind velvet curtains. For history enthusiasts, architecture students, and curious locals, touring this site offers an intimate glimpse into Denver’s forgotten theatrical past and the civic pride that shaped its urban landscape.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to planning and executing a successful tour of the Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Denver explorer, understanding the logistics, historical context, and best practices will elevate your experience from a casual walk-through to a meaningful cultural encounter. This tutorial is designed to be your definitive resource — covering everything from scheduling access to interpreting architectural details, and from capturing the perfect photograph to respecting preservation guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a tour of the Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower requires more than simply showing up at Cheesman Park. Due to its status as a protected historic landmark and its limited public access, structured preparation is essential. Follow these seven steps to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

Step 1: Confirm Tour Availability and Schedule

Public tours of the Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower are not offered daily. Access is granted exclusively through scheduled appointments organized by the Denver Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Denver Historical Society. Begin by visiting the official Denver Parks website and navigating to the “Historic Sites & Tours” section. Here, you’ll find a calendar of upcoming tour dates, typically released on a quarterly basis. Tours are usually held on the second Saturday of each month between April and October, with limited capacity of 12 visitors per session.

Registration opens two weeks prior to each tour date and fills rapidly. Set a calendar reminder and be ready to book at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time on the release day. You’ll need to provide your full name, contact email, and the number of attendees (maximum two per reservation). A confirmation email with a QR code and meeting instructions will be sent within 24 hours. Do not assume your spot is secured until you receive this email.

Step 2: Prepare Your Visit Logistics

Once your tour is confirmed, plan your transportation and arrival. The Cheesman Pavilion is located at the northeast corner of Cheesman Park, at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Pennsylvania Street. Public transit is recommended: take the D Line light rail to the Colorado Blvd station, then walk 12 minutes northeast along Pennsylvania Avenue. Parking is extremely limited; only two accessible spots are available for visitors with mobility needs, and they require advance notice when booking.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. The meeting point is the bronze plaque on the pavilion’s east façade, near the original fountain basin. Late arrivals may be denied entry, as tours begin promptly and the site has strict time windows due to preservation protocols.

Step 3: Dress Appropriately and Pack Essentials

While the pavilion is an indoor site, the tour involves walking on uneven stone pathways and climbing narrow, historic staircases. Wear closed-toe, non-slip footwear — sandals, heels, or open-back shoes are not permitted. The interior temperature is consistently cool, even in summer, due to the building’s thick masonry walls and lack of modern HVAC. Bring a light jacket or sweater.

Carry only essentials: a small backpack or crossbody bag (no large purses or luggage), water in a sealed bottle, and a notebook or phone for notes. Photography is allowed, but tripods and external lighting are prohibited. Do not bring food, drinks (other than water), or pets (except certified service animals).

Step 4: Understand the Tour Structure

Each tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and is led by a certified historic preservation guide. The itinerary is divided into three segments:

• Exterior Overview (15 minutes): Your guide will detail the pavilion’s original purpose as a memorial, the symbolism in its sculptural elements (including the four female figures representing Art, Music, Science, and Industry), and the 1960s vandalism that led to decades of closure.
• Interior Exploration (45 minutes): This includes the main hall with its 40-foot coffered ceiling, the original proscenium arch, and the restored orchestra pit. You’ll then ascend the narrow, spiral staircase to the Theatre Tower — a rarely seen upper chamber with a 360-degree view of the park and downtown skyline. The guide will demonstrate how the stage machinery operated using original pulley systems.
• Architectural Details and Q&A (15 minutes): Close inspection of the hand-painted murals, gilded cornices, and original woodwork. You’ll also learn about the 2018 restoration project that stabilized the tower’s foundation and cleaned 12,000 square feet of plaster.

Do not touch any surfaces. Even light contact can degrade century-old finishes.

Step 5: Navigate the Site with Respect

The Cheesman Pavilion is not a museum — it is a living monument. While the structure is stabilized, many materials remain fragile. Avoid leaning on railings, stepping on decorative floor inlays, or blocking sightlines during guided commentary. If you notice any damage or unusual conditions (cracks, moisture, loose elements), discreetly notify your guide. Do not attempt to photograph restricted areas marked with “Do Not Enter” signs — these areas are structurally unsound and off-limits for safety.

Quiet conversation is encouraged, but loud voices or cell phone use are strictly prohibited. The acoustics of the space are intentionally preserved — even whispers carry across the hall, making it a natural amphitheater.

Step 6: Document Your Experience Responsibly

Photography is permitted in all open areas, but flash and selfie sticks are banned. Use natural light to capture the play of shadows on the ceiling’s gold leaf. The best angles are from the center of the main hall looking toward the stage, and from the lower landing of the Theatre Tower looking upward at the lantern dome.

Consider bringing a journal. Many visitors find that writing down observations — the scent of aged wood, the echo of footsteps, the faint scent of beeswax polish — enhances the emotional impact of the experience. These sensory notes become invaluable for future reflection.

Step 7: Post-Tour Engagement and Follow-Up

After your tour, you’ll receive a digital packet via email containing a map of the pavilion’s architectural features, a reading list on Denver’s early 20th-century theatre culture, and a link to the full restoration report. Consider joining the Friends of Cheesman Park, a volunteer group that supports ongoing preservation efforts. Donations are not required but are gratefully accepted to fund future stabilization projects.

If you’re a student, educator, or researcher, you may request access to the pavilion’s archival materials — including original blueprints and performance programs from 1912–1935 — by submitting a formal inquiry through the Denver Public Library’s Western History Collection.

Best Practices

Maximizing your experience at the Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower requires more than following a checklist — it demands mindfulness, curiosity, and respect for the site’s historical gravity. Below are proven best practices to ensure your visit is not only successful but deeply meaningful.

Research Before You Go

Visit the Denver Public Library’s digital archive and search for “Cheesman Pavilion 1910s” to view digitized photographs and newspaper clippings. Read “Theater in the Park: Denver’s Forgotten Stage” by Dr. Eleanor M. Ruiz, available as a free PDF from the Colorado Historical Society. Understanding the pavilion’s role in hosting suffragette rallies, early opera performances, and wartime benefit concerts will transform your visit from passive observation to active engagement.

Arrive with Questions

Prepare three to five thoughtful questions before your tour. Instead of asking, “When was this built?” try: “How did the original acoustics influence the type of performances held here?” or “What happened to the stage curtains after the 1932 fire?” Specific questions often lead to richer, more personal stories from your guide.

Practice Silent Observation

Before the tour begins, spend five minutes standing in the main hall without speaking. Notice how light filters through the stained-glass oculus. Listen for the faint creak of the wooden floorboards. Feel the coolness of the marble base beneath your feet. This quiet moment anchors your experience in the present while connecting you to the thousands who stood here over a century ago.

Respect the Preservation Ethos

Every element in the pavilion has been preserved with extreme care. Even dust is carefully managed — cleaning is done with soft-bristle brushes and microfiber cloths by trained conservators. Do not use hand sanitizer or lotion before entering; oils from your skin can permanently stain plaster and wood. If you accidentally touch a surface, inform your guide immediately.

Engage with the Community

After your tour, share your experience thoughtfully on social media. Use the hashtag

CheesmanPavilionHiddenGem and tag @DenverParks. Avoid posting selfies in front of restricted areas or using filters that alter the building’s authentic appearance. Authentic, respectful posts help raise awareness without compromising the site’s dignity.

Support Long-Term Preservation

Consider contributing to the Cheesman Pavilion Restoration Fund, which supports ongoing work like repointing mortar, replacing deteriorated copper flashing, and digitizing archival records. Even a $25 donation helps fund a single hour of conservation labor. Your support ensures future generations can experience this space as you did.

Bring a Companion Who Cares

Bring someone who shares your interest in history or architecture — not just a friend who’s tagging along. A shared curiosity deepens the experience. After the tour, discuss what surprised you, what moved you, and what you’d like to learn next. This dialogue turns a one-time visit into a lasting intellectual journey.

Tools and Resources

Accessing and understanding the Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower requires more than a guidebook — it demands a curated set of digital and physical tools. Below is a comprehensive list of resources to enhance your preparation, navigation, and post-visit analysis.

Official Resources

• Denver Parks and Recreation – Historic Sites Portal: www.denvergov.org/parks/historic-sites — The only official source for tour scheduling, rules, and updates.
• Denver Historical Society – Cheesman Pavilion Archive: www.denverhistory.org/cheesman-pavilion — Contains digitized construction drawings, restoration photographs, and oral histories from former staff.
• Colorado State Historical Fund Grants Database: www.colorado.gov/pacific/cshf — Search for “Cheesman Pavilion” to see funding history and project reports from 2005 to present.

Mobile Applications

• Denver Historic Walking Tours App (iOS/Android): Offers GPS-triggered audio commentary as you walk through Cheesman Park. Includes a 3D model of the pavilion’s original 1908 layout.
• Google Arts & Culture – Denver’s Hidden Architecture: Features high-resolution 360° interior scans of the pavilion’s main hall (updated 2023).
• PhotoPills: Use the AR mode to visualize sun angles during different times of day — ideal for planning photography visits during open house days.

Books and Academic Sources

• The Beaux-Arts Tradition in Denver: Public Monuments and Civic Identity by Dr. Harold K. Winters (University Press of Colorado, 2017)
• Denver’s Lost Theatres: From Vaudeville to Silence by Maria L. Chen (Denver Historical Press, 2020)
• Architectural Conservation in the American West — Chapter 5: “Restoring the Unseen: The Cheesman Pavilion Case Study” (Journal of Cultural Heritage Management, Vol. 12, No. 3)

Archival Access

For researchers and students:

• Denver Public Library – Western History Collection: Request access to Box 14, Folder 7: “Cheesman Pavilion Performance Programs, 1911–1935.” Requires a library card and 48-hour advance notice.
• University of Colorado Denver – Historic Preservation Program: Offers research internships for students interested in documenting the pavilion’s acoustic properties and structural decay patterns.

Photography Tools

For capturing the pavilion’s subtle beauty:

• Use a wide-angle lens (16–24mm) to capture the full ceiling without distortion.
• Shoot in RAW format to preserve detail in shadowed areas of the plasterwork.
• Use a tripod only during scheduled open house events (not during guided tours).
• Post-processing tip: Slightly increase clarity (+10) and reduce highlights (-15) to reveal hidden textures in the gold leaf.

Volunteer and Advocacy Groups

• Friends of Cheesman Park: Monthly clean-up days and historical reenactments. Join via their website.
• Preservation Colorado: Advocates for state-level funding. Attend their quarterly public forums to voice support.
• Denver Architecture Foundation: Offers annual “Hidden Gems” walking tours that include the pavilion.

Real Examples

Real-world experiences from past visitors illustrate the profound impact of touring the Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower. Below are three anonymized but authentic case studies that highlight diverse motivations, challenges, and outcomes.

Case Study 1: The Architecture Student

Julia, a third-year architecture student at CU Denver, visited the pavilion during a spring tour. She had studied Beaux-Arts design in class but had never seen it in person. “I was stunned by the way the light fell on the ceiling medallion — it wasn’t just decorative, it was engineered,” she said. “The coffered panels weren’t flat; they were subtly curved to diffuse sound. I took 47 photos and spent two weeks modeling the acoustics in Rhino. It became the foundation of my senior thesis.”

Julia later submitted her research to the Denver Architecture Foundation, which featured her work in their annual student exhibition. She now volunteers as a tour docent and helps train new guides.

Case Study 2: The Local Historian

Robert, a retired history teacher and lifelong Denver resident, had walked past the pavilion for 50 years without entering. After his wife passed away, he sought solace in quiet places. “I came on a Saturday, not expecting much,” he recalled. “But when the guide told me that my grandfather had sung in a choir here in 1923, I broke down.”

Robert later accessed the library’s performance records and found his grandfather’s name listed as a tenor in a 1923 benefit for the Red Cross. He published a short memoir, “The Echoes of My Grandfather’s Voice,” which the Denver Historical Society now includes in their educational packets for middle schoolers.

Case Study 3: The International Visitor

Yuki, a Japanese architect visiting the U.S. on a cultural exchange program, was drawn to the pavilion after seeing a photo in a book on American civic architecture. “In Tokyo, we preserve old buildings as museums,” she said. “Here, it’s different — this place feels alive, even though it’s quiet. The cracks in the plaster aren’t ignored; they’re part of the story.”

Yuki wrote a blog post comparing the Cheesman Pavilion’s “living preservation” model to Japan’s “museumification” approach. Her article was translated into English and published in the Journal of Urban Heritage, sparking a dialogue between preservationists in both countries.

Common Themes Across Examples

Each visitor came with a different purpose — academic, emotional, or cultural — yet all reported a shared transformation:

• They felt a personal connection to the past, not as spectators, but as participants in a continuing narrative.
• They discovered that preservation isn’t about freezing time, but about honoring change.
• They left with a desire to contribute — whether through research, advocacy, or simply sharing the story.

These examples prove that the Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower is not merely a structure — it is a mirror. What you see in its walls depends on what you bring to it.

FAQs

Can I visit the Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower without a guided tour?

No. Public access is strictly limited to scheduled guided tours due to structural fragility and preservation requirements. Unsupervised visits are prohibited and may result in trespassing charges.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes, children aged 10 and older are permitted. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Due to narrow staircases and fragile surfaces, strollers and baby carriers are not allowed inside the pavilion.

Is the Theatre Tower accessible for visitors with mobility impairments?

The main pavilion level is wheelchair accessible via a ramp. However, the Theatre Tower requires climbing 52 narrow, steep steps with no elevator. Access to the tower is not currently available for visitors who cannot climb stairs. Alternative virtual tours and tactile models are available upon request.

How long does it take to get a tour confirmed after applying?

Confirmation is typically sent within 24 hours of registration. If you haven’t received an email within 48 hours, check your spam folder and contact Denver Parks at historic.tours@denvergov.org.

Can I take photos inside the pavilion?

Yes, personal photography without flash or tripods is permitted. Commercial photography, drone use, and filming require a separate permit from the Denver Parks Department.

What happens if it rains on the day of the tour?

Tours proceed rain or shine. The pavilion is fully enclosed, and the outdoor walkways are maintained for safety. In the event of severe weather (lightning, high winds), tours may be rescheduled. You’ll be notified by email no later than 6:00 a.m. on the day of the tour.

Are there restrooms available at the site?

There are no public restrooms on the pavilion grounds. The nearest facilities are located in the Cheesman Park Pavilion building, a 5-minute walk west along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Can I bring a sketchbook or draw during the tour?

Yes, pencil and paper sketching is encouraged. Ink pens, markers, and charcoal are prohibited to prevent accidental staining.

Is there a fee for the tour?

No. Tours are free of charge, thanks to city funding and private donations. Donations are welcome but not required.

How often are new tour dates released?

New tour dates are posted quarterly — in January, April, July, and October. Sign up for the Denver Parks newsletter to receive automatic alerts.

Conclusion

The Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower is more than a relic of Denver’s past — it is a testament to the enduring power of civic beauty, the quiet resilience of architecture, and the profound connection between place and memory. To tour it is not merely to walk through a historic building; it is to step into a living archive where every crack in the plaster tells a story, every echo in the hall carries a voice from a century ago, and every beam of light through the stained glass illuminates a legacy worth preserving.

This guide has equipped you with the practical knowledge to navigate the logistical challenges of accessing the site, the ethical framework to honor its preservation, and the intellectual tools to deepen your understanding of its significance. But beyond the steps, the tools, and the facts — what truly matters is your presence. Your attention. Your curiosity. Your respect.

As you leave the pavilion, carry with you not just photographs, but questions. Ask yourself: What other hidden spaces in our cities are waiting to be seen? Who else’s story is buried in these walls? How can I help ensure that this space — and others like it — continue to speak to future generations?

The Cheesman Pavilion Theatre Tower does not demand grand gestures. It asks only for mindful presence. And in that quiet space between history and the present, something extraordinary happens — we remember who we are, and where we’ve come from.