Misson

The Temple is a social venture dedicated to preserving and revitalizing a historic landmark while providing accessible space for artists, makers, and mission-driven enterprises. Through affordable studios, workshop facilities, nonprofit space, and creative business suites, The Temple fosters an environment where creative production and community engagement can thrive.

Often referred to by its resident artists as “A Contemporary Artist Haven,” The Temple reflects and contributes to Denver’s evolving cultural landscape. Today, it is home to approximately 30 artists, alongside a rotating cooperative bakery, photo studios, and workshop spaces—together forming a dynamic and interconnected creative ecosystem.

Vision

Over the past decade, The Temple has quietly transformed into a living, evolving organism—shaped by the rhythms of creative work, shared inquiry, and collective presence. Within its walls, a diverse and ever-changing community has gathered to make, test, and refine ideas across disciplines, giving rise to a layered culture of production and exchange. What began as a reactivation of a historic structure has become something more enduring: a place where experimentation is sustained, where collaboration occurs organically, and where creative practices are not only housed, but meaningfully supported over time. Through exhibitions, performances, informal gatherings, and day-to-day making, The Temple has contributed to a broader cultural dialogue while remaining grounded in its immediate community. Its legacy is not defined by any single moment, but by a continuous unfolding—an accumulation of effort, imagination, and connection that has taken shape steadily, and with intention.

This collective reflects the breadth of creative production within the building—spanning visual art, installation, design, and interdisciplinary practices—reinforcing The Temple’s role as an active site of cultural creation and underscoring its function as a generative environment where meaningful work is produced and shared.

History

Designed by prominent Denver architects W.J. and Frank Edbrooke (Tabor Grand Opera House, Brown Palace Hotel and Oxford Hotel among many other masterpieces), The Temple has been a towering presence in Denver since 1882. Early on, it was home to Temple Emanuel. Frances Wisebart Jacobs, Rabbi William S. Friedman, Rev. Myron W. Reed, Msgr. William J.O’Ryan and Dean H. Martyn also founded what was to become United Way at the Temple during this time. By 1897, Temple Emanuel had outgrown its current location and Beth HaMedrosh Hagodol (BMH) subsequently replaced Emanuel, followed by Temple Beth Joseph. As the demographics of the city shifted, The Temple changed hands a number of times and was purchased and used by Golden Bell Press . It was then used as a DIY artist, music workshop space (Nirvana & Black Flag played at The GoG/Funhouse) and then sparingly while falling into disrepair in the years leading up to acquisition and renovation.