Some of Denver’s most important cultural milestones of 2024 came as a surprise. Others were the long-awaited results of good ideas hatched years ago — and the hard work and sacrifices of people who dedicate their lives to making the arts thrive here. But these moments to remember have one thing in common: they developed out of bold and brave beliefs in the city’s potential to be a vibrant, engaging, energetic, accessible — and very human — place for culture. A million “free kids” at DAM In 2015, the Denver Art Museum opened its doors free to visitors 18 and under, meaning they don’t have to pay a penny to see a Picasso, not a dollar to spend the afternoon with a Degas.