Art Castings of Colorado vs. Bronze Services of Loveland
Loveland has two working bronze foundries that let the public in for a firsthand look at lost-wax casting. Both charge $5, both cap tours at about eight people, and both require you to call ahead — but the day of the week, the address, and the feel of the visit differ. Here's how to pick.
"Shepherd Boy" by Judy Black — photo by Ijon, CC BY-SA 4.0
| Art Castings of Colorado | Bronze Services of Loveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Tour day | Thursday mornings, 9:30 a.m. | Tuesday mornings (confirm exact time when you call) |
| Cost | $5 per person | $5 per person |
| Group size | Up to 8 people | Up to 8 people |
| Reservations | Required — call 970-667-1114 ext. 16 | Required — call 970-667-2723 |
| Address | 511 8th St. SE, Loveland, CO 80537 | 140 2nd St. SE, Loveland, CO 80537 |
| What you'll see | A full walk through an active production foundry and the lost-wax casting process | A visual explanation of lost-wax casting, then a walk-through of the foundry floor with current work in progress |
| Footwear | Closed-toe shoes required (no sandals, open-toe, or heels); safety glasses provided | Closed-toe shoes or boots required; safety glasses provided |
| Photography | Permitted | Permitted with approval |
| Pets | Not mentioned — leave pets at home | Service animals only, and even those aren't recommended given the noise, metal shavings, and wax on the floor |
| Good for | School groups (high school age+, free by arrangement) and artists visiting during business hours | Artists visiting Mon–Thu 7:30a–4:30p or Fri 7:30a–12p for complimentary consultations |
Our honest take
Pick Art Castings if...
Thursday works better for your schedule, you're traveling with a school or youth group (they offer complimentary tours by arrangement), or you want the tour that's been running publicly the longest and has the most visitor reviews online.
Pick Bronze Services if...
Tuesday fits your trip, you'd rather start with a clear walkthrough of the casting process before stepping onto the floor, or you're an artist looking to discuss a commission during a weekday visit.
Only in town for one day? Either foundry gives you a genuine look at lost-wax bronze casting — the real difference is simply which day of the week you're in Loveland.
What to expect
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Loveland foundry tour cost?
Both public foundry tours cost $5 per person as of this writing. Reservations are required and each tour is limited to about eight people.
Do I need a reservation for a Loveland bronze foundry tour?
Yes. Both Art Castings of Colorado and Bronze Services of Loveland require advance reservations by phone, and tour groups are capped at around eight people.
What should I wear on a foundry tour?
Closed-toe, sturdy shoes — no sandals, open-toed shoes, or high heels. Both foundries provide safety glasses. Conditions can be hot and noisy.
Round out the trip
See where the bronze ends up
Both foundries have cast work that lives permanently in Benson Sculpture Garden, a five-minute drive away.
Visiting in August?
Sculpture in the Park brings artists whose work these foundries cast to Loveland for the country's largest juried outdoor sculpture show.