History

Civic Center Park’s structures are over 100 years old and part of what makes it a historic, architectural gem. Much of Civic Center’s design was inspired by the City Beautiful movement, which Mayor Robert Speer championed in Denver from his election in 1904 to his death in 1918. Mayor Speer believed in the power of civic beauty is to provide an uplifting environment. He was instrumental in public improvements that changed the face of Denver forever. He was particularly drawn to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where the Court of Honor reminded him of Civic Center Park.
I believe it will do more than anything else to advertise Denver - attract the tourist, health and home seekers; stimulate civic pride and encourage prosperity to abide with us."
Mayor Robert Speer, of Civic Center
The Greek Amphitheatre (1919)


The Voorhies Memorial (1919)
A successful miner, Denver resident John Hart Pemberton Voorhies left his fortune to fund a memorial gateway on the northern end of Civic Center. The Voorhies Memorial was completed in 1919, firmly positioning the Bates triangle as an integral park space and requiring that Colfax Avenue be re-routed around the park. Designed by noted Denver architects Fisher & Fisher, the Voorhies Memorial includes murals by local artist Allen Tupper True, who would be commissioned in later years to paint murals in the State Capitol Rotunda and the Brown Palace’s lobby. Voorhies’ name is listed on the park’s Colonnade of Civic Benefactors, which flanks the east and west edges of the Greek Amphitheatre.
Notably, the Voorhies Memorial was home to a temporary art display and candlelight vigil in honor of the 2020 World Day of Remembrance, which honors victims of traffic crashes and their families.
The McNichols Civic Center Building / Carnegie Library (1909)

Guided Tour of
Civic Center Park
Architecture

Put your headphones on and step into the urban oasis that is Civic Center Park. Enjoy this guided walkthrough of the put together by the Denver Architecture Foundation. A great way to spend the afternoon if you ever visit Denver.
Historical Photos








![Night view of the Civic Center illuminated with streetlamps and framed by the Greek Theatre in Denver, Colorado. Signs read: "Miller Tires" and "Willy [Ove]rland Inc." (circa 1910-1920)](https://civiccenterpark.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Civic_center.jpg)
























