The Clyfford Still Museum has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI), a nationally recognized program supporting sustainability and energy efficiency efforts at visual arts institutions across the United States. The award marks a significant step forward in the museum’s commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.
The grant will fund a comprehensive energy-efficiency assessment of the museum’s award-winning building, helping identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and create a more sustainable future for one of Denver’s most treasured cultural institutions.
“This is a major milestone for the museum,” officials shared. “We’re excited to better understand our building’s energy use and take meaningful steps toward reducing our environmental impact while continuing to serve our community.”
The initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation and Environment & Culture Partners. As the first grantmaking program of its kind dedicated to catalyzing energy efficiency in visual arts organizations, the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative has become a leading force in helping museums nationwide address the challenges of climate change.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has invested more than $21.8 million in sustainability projects at nearly 300 museums and arts organizations across 41 states and Puerto Rico. From clean energy upgrades to infrastructure improvements, these grants are helping institutions lower emissions, reduce operating costs and strengthen their long-term sustainability.
For the Clyfford Still Museum, the award aligns naturally with its role as a steward of one of the most important collections of American art in the world.
Located in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District, the museum was purpose-built to house the work of pioneering Abstract Expressionist artist Clyfford Still. The institution holds approximately 3,125 works—representing roughly 93% of the artist’s lifetime output—making it the most comprehensive collection of Still’s work anywhere in the world.
Visitors experience far more than a traditional museum setting. The two-story, 28,500-square-foot space offers nine galleries, archival materials, outdoor terraces, interactive exhibits, a hands-on art studio and views into conservation and storage areas. Designed as a gathering place for the community, the museum encourages guests to explore creativity, reflection and connection through art.
The sustainability initiative represents another layer of that mission. By investing in energy efficiency today, the museum is helping ensure that future generations can continue to experience Still’s groundbreaking work in a space designed to preserve both artistic and environmental resources.
As cultural institutions increasingly look toward climate-conscious operations, the Clyfford Still Museum’s participation in the 2026 Frankenthaler Climate Initiative positions Denver at the forefront of a growing movement where art and sustainability work hand in hand.
For visitors, artists and advocates alike, it’s a reminder that preserving culture also means protecting the future.
Check out the Clyfford Still Museum Exhibitions + Events HERE