The Avenir collection is comprised of over 20,000 artifacts of historically and culturally significant objects related primarily to 19th and 20th century EuroAmerican material culture as well as non-Western material culture with depth in India, China, Japan, Central Asia, and Latin America; collections are used for teaching, research, and interpretive exhibitions.

Advance appointments to access Collections Storage may be made by researchers for academic inquiry or other purpose approved by the Curator/Collections Manager. Research credentials must be presented and approved by the Curator/Collections Manager before a reservation is confirmed and put on the research appointment calendar. There is no charge for approved research appointments; credit to the Avenir Museum, Department of Design and Merchandising, Colorado State University is expected. Please call 970-491-1983 or email Avenir.Museum@colostate.edu a minimum of four weeks before the requested date(s) of access.

Access: Students, Scholars

Appointment required: True

Curator-led tours of Collections Storage include viewing of 6-8 special pieces in the collections work areas, a brief presentation about how the Avenir Museum cares for its collection, and a Q&A session. Behind-the-Scenes tours may be arranged on the following terms:

A maximum of fifteen (15) people may be accommodated in one reservation – this maximum number is firm, and protects the visitor as well as the collection.

Behind-the-Scenes tours are 60-90 minutes in length; the cost is $300.

If your group numbers more than fifteen people, an additional reservation and cost applies.

Standing and walking are required, as there is no seating area in these work spaces.

Minimum four-week-advance reservation is required; the desired date/time is dependent upon museum staff availability.

Single payment-by-check is required and due at time of the tour; checks must be made out to: Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising, with TOUR FEE noted in the memo line.