Traveling back in time: Forney Museum of Transportation
Written: Jan 08 '09 (Updated Jan 08 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: huge collection of antique and classic cars, reasonable admission
Cons: not many trains, not "hands on"
The Bottom Line: If you love antique or classic cars, this museum is well worth it.
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| pilarzmom's Full Review: Forney Museum of Transportation, Denver |
History museums are probably my favorite type of museum. I continue to be intrigued by looking how people lived more simply in the past. This is especially evident when it comes to forms of transportation. I always loved to look at some of the pictures of the cars my dad drove, especially the models he did his first driving back in the 30's. So when I heard about the Forney Museum of Transportation of Denver, I knew I had to get there sometime. I just recently had the chance and it didn't disappoint. Its collection of cars through the years, as well as other forms of transportation, was fascinating and well worth the reasonable admission.
Exhibits
This museum gets its name from the Forney locomotive. This was a small fast locomotive used on elevated railways in cities back in the 19th century. Interestingly enough, however, the Forney Museum of Transportation seems now to be more focused on cars than it does trains. While it does feature a few other locomotives, including the huge Big Boy, and train cars, I wouldn't recommend this as a train museum if you're a train buff. I've seen better and actually thought the train exhibit was weak here.
However, if you love cars, I don't think you'll be disappointed. The collection is quite extensive, ranging from early steam cars, Model T's, Ramblers, to some super deluxe antique cars, such as Ali Khan's Rolls Royce and a Hispano Suiza. Walking down the aisles through warehouse type building amid the many shiny, chrome laden cars of the past, I recognized the names of many now defunct auto manufacturers. My kids were blown away by the size of many of these cars and wondered how people managed to drive them without getting scratched and dinged up.
But the cars are not limited to strictly antique or classic cars. My kids were actually fascinated by a late 60's/early 70's era station wagon, very similar to the one I learned to drive in. They also liked the car that was covered completely in stickers! Some of the bicycles on display caught their eye as well, including a hiwheel bicycle and a couple original tricycles. They also spotted an honest-to-goodness snow sleigh that looked just like Santa's!
We also liked looking at some of the "functional" vehicle, including a horse-drawn Hearse wagon, an early model school bus, and a milk wagon.
My thoughts on the Forney Museum of Transportation
It's obvious that the curators take great care of the cars here. Each and every one was shiny and spotless and looked to be in mint condition, right down to the seats inside which most likely had been reupholstered in most cases. Sadly, however, my kids wished they could get a closer look but that's just not possible here. All the vehicles are chained off and although you do get close to them, you're asked not to touch. The only exception is the trains, where you are allowed to climb in and look in (but not walk through).
Throughout the museum mannequins have been added to many of the displays to give them a more lifelike appearance. Although I got a chuckle out of some of them, I appreciated the efforts of the curators and could see that their addition made it more enjoyable for children.
The whole tour took us less than an hour. That was perfect for us as we planned an early dinner in the city followed by a stop to see the Denver Zoo Lights. The museum itself is easy to find and very convenient for visitors as it's located right off of 1-70 not far from downtown on Brighton Blvd. It's fairly close to the zoo, as well.
The entrance fee is very reasonable. With my AAA card, my two kids and I got in for $12 total.
Regular admission rates are as follows:
Adults - $7
Seniors - $6
Youth(11-15) - $4.50
Children(5-10) - $3.50
Children under 5 - Free
Hours 10 am to 4 pm.
The museum has a gift shop which has mostly train and car related items. Families who have little ones interested in trains will probably find it very interesting. Fortunately, my kids are past that stage so I was able to get out of there without spending any extra money.
Overall, the Forney Museum of Transportation is a good value and despite not being a "hands on" type of museum, it's worthwhile and an enjoyable way to spend an hour or so.
4303 Brighton Blvd.
Denver, CO 80216
Phone: 303-297-1113
This review is a part of Coldsteel's Rediscover your Hometown Write Off.
Pictures of the museum may be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23485844@N05/sets/72157612285036985/
Other family destinations in Denver:
Museum of Nature & Science
Downtown Denver Aquarium
Hammonds Candies Factory Tour
US Mint
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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