We thought we'd go while we were searching for inexpensive art museums to visit. The pressure to donate upon entrance was way too awkward.The work presented was top notch but the half the building was empty which was a diappoinyment.

We like the volunteer payment but, once inside, there was hardly anything to see. A very limited art collection and, frankly, it's theme did not appeal to me at all... too political. Maybe I'll like it better when they change the current exhibit and add to the collection (because one large room was entirely empty).

I have never given a place a zero. This would be a zero if I could. On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, around 2 to 3 PM, I visited the museum with my in-laws. I checked the outside sign to confirm that the museum was still free. The sign did say free. Inside, my in-laws looked at the gift shop. We didn’t plan to stay longer than 10 minutes at most since we were waiting for our reservation at the Teahouse next door. My in-laws decided to wait outside the museum.I asked the front desk lady if there was a cost or if we needed to sign a guest book (this was the case the last time I had been there, probably two years ago). I like to ask because sometimes signs are not accurate or are out of date. She said it was free, but it’s donation-based, pay from the heart. She was then very pushy about my sister-in-law and me going in. We went in, looked around for about 10 minutes, and didn’t even make it through the whole first floor (there is an upstairs). My sister-in-law received a text that our table was ready, so we headed toward the door.On the way out, the front desk lady said to me, Did you pay when you came in? I turned, confused, and said, You said it was free. She responded, It’s free, but it's pay from the heart. She paused and then said directly to me, in a loud and rude tone, YOU MUST PAY! My sister-in-law became very uncomfortable and didn’t have any cash. I had some change, so I put in probably 10 cents.100% I will never be going back again. 100% I do not recommend. 100% , this was the worst interaction I have ever had in any establishment (same for my sister-in-law).I have been to the museum probably 4-5 times in all the years I have lived in Boulder. It’s not a big place. I am a frequent art museum goer. I was a designer in a past life and have many artist family members and friends. I have donated when I have gone before. I didn’t realize I would be harassed if I didn’t donate. I am currently going through a hard time. I got engaged, already booked a venue, and then my entire department was laid off. I don’t exactly have a lot of extra money right now. The only reason I went to lunch with my in-laws was because I had already eaten lunch at home so I was only going to get a cup of tea and only went because my in-laws assured me they were paying for lunch. I am a good example of you really don't know what other people are going through so be kind to everyone. If I had known I would be treated that way and forced to pay, I never would have gone in. I later found out that the front desk lady was being rude and weird toward my in-laws and other visitors, which is why they decided to sit outside instead. My in-laws spent the rest of the week talking about how terrible this lady was.What upsets me the most is that I know donations are not the museum's only source of income. I have attended a private event at the museum, and I know they do weddings as well. I don’t know if this lady is paid a salary employee or is a volunteer, but the muesum needs to talk to this lady about her behavior towards guests.To the art museum: this lady had dark hair past her shoulders, glasses, was probably about 5 ft 5 in, and was working Wednesday while the farmer's market was happening. Please talk to her. It may have been a bad day but I am not sure. To people visiting Boulder: DON'T GO TO THE BOULDER CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM.Support local Boulder artists by going to Boulder Art Association website to see when events and shows are happening. Visit R Gallery and purchase artwork from local artists. There are several other art places on Pearl Street where you can buy local artwork—Art Mart comes to mind. Go to the art gallery in the Boulder Library! Enjoy the gardens in the Boulder Library, the café, and the bridge over Boulder Creek. Attend a live music show at the Chautauqua Park Theater. The Chautauqua dining hall is great, and so are the hikes. There’s a playground for kids and a small garden where local artists display their work frequently (which is actually free to view). Attend a show at the Boulder Theater on Pearl Street. Go to the farmer's market on Wednesday and during the weekend in the summer. There isn’t art, but it’s a better option.If you’re an artist/crafter, check out Sewbo—it’s a women-owned business. It can be hard to find; it’s behind Doug’s Diner. You can buy fabrics and take sewing classes. I also recommend Art Parts on Valmont Street for fabric, knitting supplies, beads, and painting supplies that have been donated and need a second life. Elfriede’s Fine Fabrics is another nice fabric store.

Quirky little museum with an emphasis on experimental work. Seems to have a good event space. Tiny but interesting shop.

Small museum of local contemporary art. Free on Saturdays. Right next to farmer’s market so can just drop in for a few minutes.