Aspen, long celebrated for its ski slopes and celestial nights, also boasts a rich and evolving arts scene. From Andy Warhol to Hunter S. Thompson, the town has drawn artists and eccentrics since the 1960s, lured by its dramatic scenery and relaxed pace. This summer, the energy peaks during Aspen Art Week, taking place from 26 July to 1 August 2025. Anchored by the Aspen Institute’s new AIR programme and the Aspen Art Fair at the historic Hotel Jerome (29 July to 2 August), the week promises to be a vibrant celebration of contemporary art and culture.

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a day of standout art experiences in and around Aspen, perfect for building around Art Week or anytime this summer.

Morning: start your day at the Aspen Art Museum in downtown Aspen. Allow a few hours to explore the current exhibitions. The summer show is exceptional. Don’t miss Carol Rama: The Tongue, The Eye, The Foot (until 7 September), a striking and intimate exhibition that challenges conventional perceptions of the body. Rama’s work from the 1930s to 1970s blends raw emotion with surreal, fragmented forms, prompting reflection on identity, desire and resistance. Also on view is Sherrie Levine: 1977 to 1988, a focused presentation of the first eleven years of Levine’s practice and her first major museum exhibition since her 2011 retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Levine employed a range of media such as photography, painting, collage and sculpture to question traditional notions of autonomy, originality and agency.

Carol Rama at Aspen Museum of Art. From left: Untitled, 1986; Untitled, 1966; Bricolage, 1966; Bricolage, 1968; Untitled, 1967. Photo: courtesy of Aspen Art Museum. 

Midday: after exploring the exhibitions, make your way to the rooftop café to recharge with a coffee and a pasty. Situated on the museum’s top floor, the café offers both indoor seating and a spacious open-air patio with panoramic views of Ajax Mountain. From there, take a short walk to Casterline Goodman Gallery, currently showcasing works by David Buckingham (until 15 July). Buckingham’s sculptures blend surrealism and pop culture, weaving playful yet thoughtful narratives. For lunch, return toward Aspen’s Main Street and choose from a variety of delis and restaurants. For a quick, casual meal, Grateful Deli offers excellent sandwiches and salads, while Angelo’s Italian provides a more refined dining experience.

David Buckingham, installation shot of exhibition. Photo: Courtesy of Casterline Goodman Gallery.

Afternoon: after lunch, drive approximately fifteen minutes to Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village. This respected arts centre and residency offers a year-round programme of exhibitions, artist talks and workshops, all set within a striking mountain landscape. With shows that reflect its educational mission, the Ranch is an ideal place to encounter emerging voices. From 4 to 15 August, catch the ceramics exhibition marking the conclusion of its three-year mentorship programme. Be sure to explore the grounds for the annual outdoor sculpture exhibition, featuring twelve works by both emerging and established artists including Sanford Biggers and a vibrant new piece by Mark Handforth that is perfectly Instagram-worthy.

Allison Baker, Viral Load II, 2021, steel, concrete, marine rope. Photo: courtesy of Anderson Ranch.

Evening: return to downtown Aspen for dinner at a local favourite, The White House Tavern, located at 302 East Hopkins Avenue. Housed in a charming white Carpenter Gothic cottage with a distinctive red door, the building dates back to Aspen’s mining era. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with cosy booths, rustic wood finishes, chandeliers and subtle Western touches like vintage photographs and woven rugs. The menu leans into comfort, offering classic sandwiches and well-crafted cocktails: ideal for a relaxed end to the day.

The White House Tavern. Photo: courtesy of Jessica Greenfield.