Located in a 1909 Historic Building, still known today as the E. R. Lamb Building, the current building was erected in 1908 after the Clifton Hotel fire destroyed the Lamb’s first enterprise. Determined that the new building should be fireproof, it was constructed of steel, brick and stucco. The pressed metal facade was shipped by train and wagon from St. Louis. The Lamb Mercantile sold a wide variety of merchandise. After its closure, the building housed a furniture store, clothing store, sporting goods store and Western wear store, and rented out apartments in the second story. In the 1950s a clothing business once again moved into the building. Always a location of enterprise and public commerce, the building became the home of the Cortez Cultural Center in 1988. The building has maintained much of its historical integrity, and the Center is currently working with a grant from the State Historical Society to restore the building’s roof.

In the 1980s the building was known as the C. U. Center and housed offices and a lab for the McPhee archaeological project and Cultural Center. The Center itself was founded by many local residents who were alumni of Colorado University, and this group was instrumental in turning the then empty Lamb building into a Cultural Center. After many ups and downs with fundraising to purchase the building, the Center became the building’s owner in 1991. In the spring of 1991 Buford Wayt designed and started painting the Pueblo Mural on the north side of the building.

With a mission to “provide programs that enrich the lives of our community and its visitors by increasing cultural awareness, promoting the arts, and educating about the area's history, diversity and natural environment,” the Cortez Cultural Center still maintains its role as the heart of the Cortez community. Today the Cultural Center is home to the summer Native American Dances presented in the dance plaza added in ‘94, with the seating area completed in ‘97. The Center’s Gallery is a showcase for local artists, with a new exhibit opening in the art gallery every month.

The Center hosts many amazing events throughout the year, including the Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival in the spring which brings visitors from throughout the country to explore the diverse landscapes and birding spots in the Four Corners area. Tours combine birding, archaeology, ecology, and history. In the fall, Everybody Eats, offers a month-long program of harvest culture and culinary adventures, at the area’s most bountiful time of the year. The Event showcases agricultural and food traditions of the area. Many other special events occur each month at the Center.

The Cortez Cultural Center also features interpretative exhibits on Native American Culture and representative artifacts from the Fulkes Collection. Building on the reputation of being at the heart of Cortez, the Center recently added a Community Coffeehouse, providing a cozy, welcoming place, where residents and visitors may gather and enjoy a good cup of coffee, locally made pastries and great conversation. While enjoying a hot beverage and sharing experiences, visitors are surrounded by the beautiful art gallery featuring work by local artists.

In 2000 the Hawkins Preserve was deeded to the Cortez Cultural Center by Jack Hawkins. It contains evidence of our rich and diverse cultural heritage in a natural environment. The Preserve provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor education.

All these programs together fulfill the mission of the Center, whether it is art, education, cultural diversity or the natural environment. Come visit the heart of Cortez and share in this adventure.