Penrose Heritage Museum
Penrose Heritage Museum showcases the history and heritage of the Pikes Peak region through the personal artifact collection of Colorado Springs’ philanthropists Spencer and Julie Penrose.
The Penrose legacy includes the construction of the Pikes Peak Auto Highway (1916), Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (1916), The Broadmoor (1918), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (1926), Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (1936), Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun (1937) and Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo (1937) – just to name a few of Colorado Springs’ most iconic attractions!
Penrose Heritage Museum exhibits 30 carriages, personal artifacts of Spencer and Julie Penrose and 15 race cars that competed in the infamous Race to the Clouds, one of the oldest motorsport events in the U.S., second only to the Indianapolis 500.
To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Penrose Heritage Museum recently unveiled a new exhibit featuring never before seen artifacts, historic photographs, archival records and film footage of Julie and Spencer Penrose. This intimate peek into the lives of the Penroses offers visitors a new look into their personalities, their lives both separately and as a couple, and their beliefs that led them to invest so deeply in community. As two remarkable individuals, this dynamic couple left a lasting legacy on Colorado Springs and the greater western United States. Visitors have the opportunity to not just learn about the Penrose legacy, but to live it.
Whether you are interested in the Penrose legacy, regional history, transportation or motorsports, Penrose Heritage Museum is a cultural institution you will not want to miss when visiting Colorado Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my group visit?
Yes! Groups do not need a reservation to visit. Reservations are only required for guided tours.
Can I schedule a guided tour?
Yes! Guided tours must be scheduled at least one week prior to your visit. Please call the Museum at (719)577-7065 to scheduled your guided tour. We can accommodate groups of 25 people or less.
Can I bring food or beverages?
Food is not permitted inside of the Museum, but you are welcome to bring water. Beverages other than water are not permitted.
Are pets allowed?
No. Only service animals are permitted.
Where do I park?
Visitors to the Museum can park for free in The Broadmoor parking garage located next to the Museum. Museum staff will provide a parking validation for 1.5 hours.
Do you have parking for oversized vehicles?
Oversized vehicles exceeding 7’2” must park in the visitor parking lots at Penrose House Conference Center located at 1661 Mesa Avenue. Passengers may first be dropped off near the entrance of the Museum in the loading lane in front of Broadmoor Hall (see map below). Once parked, enter Penrose House to speak with the person at the front desk to request shuttle service to the Museum. If no one is at the front desk, or the House is closed, call the Museum at 719-577-7065 to request shuttle service. The Broadmoor shuttle picks up outside the main entrance of Penrose House and drops off in the loading lane in front of Broadmoor Hall. This process can take 15 minutes, so plan accordingly.
Parking availability at Penrose House is not guaranteed. Visitors are encouraged to call the Museum ahead of their visit to confirm parking availability.
Does the Museum close for holidays?
The Museum is closed the following days for the 2023 holidays:
January 16, February 20, April 9, May 29, June 19, July 4, September 4, October 9, November 10, 23 & 24, December 25 & 26 and January 1, 2024.