A trip to Old Colorado City is not complete without visiting the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery. Visitors find themselves transported back in time as they stroll through Magic Town, a 1/6th scale miniaturized urban neighborhood complete with dozens of handcrafted buildings, alleyways, and sidewalk scenes. The museum became a partner in Pikes Peak Library District’s Culture Pass program in 2023 to further PPLD’s mission of providing easier access to cultural attractions in the area. Since then, library cardholders have been able to enjoy visiting this one-of-a-kind experience.
The museum showcases the work of Michael Charles Garman and his more than 60 years of sculpting. Many of these artfully crafted scenes incorporate what Michael referred to as “Magical Elements” which immerse visitors in the tiny stories revealed in each window and around every corner. Scene changing rooms, alleyways that change and appear to go on forever, holograms, and other visual and sound effects vividly bring each story to life.
The Pikes Peak region has been home to the Michael Garman Gallery since 1973, with the Museum opening in 2009. Every holiday season the museum decorates its Magic Town exhibit with lights, Christmas trees, snowmen, and many other fun decorations sure to get visitors in the holiday spirit. With holiday-inspired characters and holograms, and even some new scenes, Magic Town becomes just a little bit more enchanted for the holiday season. Stop in from Nov. 29 through Dec. 30 to catch Christmas Magic Town.
Michael Garman Museum & Gallery is one of 12 Culture Pass partners in the Pikes Peak region and the Denver area that you can explore using your PPLD library card. Check out your no-cost Culture Pass today and enjoy this magical world throughout the year.