Angles jut out from every direction. It is not the sort of building that blends into the bustle of Downtown Denver. Made of titanium panels and inspired by Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, it could easily be argued that the building itself is just as much a work of art as the works stored inside. Artists represented include Picasso, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keefe, Monet, and Damian Hirst. Simply walking into the sprawling lobby inspires the same sense of awe as any of the exhibits.

The Denver Art Museum’s expansion with the 46,000 square-foot Hamilton Building opened last October, almost exactly 35 years after the original museum opened. The building was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, and adds much needed space and provides the atmosphere for the art inside.

“[The building] can be art on its own and art interacting with what it contains,” said Rose Beetem, the DAM spokesperson.

The museum holds over 6,500 works in various media that were created by artists all over the world. There is a little for everyone: Contemporary, Renaissance, Impressionist, prehistoric, you name it.

The temporary exhibit, RADAR, of works collected by Vicki and Kent Logan, contains the latest trends in contemporary art from around the world. Included are figurines by Janine Antoni made of chocolate and soap, a bull’s head immersed in formaldehyde and an eerily lifelike man hiding naked under a cardigan. Each piece is unlike the next, and is right on the edge of the latest trends in art.

“It’s incredible, and I’m not a modern or contemporary art person,” said Paul Haug of the Denver Art Museum.

Particularly contemporary exhibits like RADAR draw in a younger crowd, who themselves are contemporary. The art is strange and often the artist’s personal statement, but always interesting. The exhibit is scheduled to stay until July. Many of the pieces will be donated to the DAM’s permanent collections.

“Certainly a lot of young people like contemporary art, especially young artists. There is a more obvious connection,” said Beetem.

While giving Colorado residents and students a discounted price, the museum also offers free admission the first Saturday of every month.

One big event that is offered to the public is the “Untitled” series, which occurs on the last Friday of every month. The upcoming April event is “Untitled (babel/babble),” which looks at the art of words. The event includes tours and discussions that inspire people to speak their mind on the definition and meaning of art.

With everything from special offers to community and children events, DAM is working to incorporate the world of art with the Denver community.

“The mission of the museum is to bring the world of art here. So if you can’t afford to travel the world, you can come here,” commented Beetem, who says countries all over the world are represented in the various exhibits.

More information can be found on their website, www.denverartmuseum.org.