Architecture:
South High School is arguably one of the most architecturally elegant buildings of the late City Beautiful period in Denver. Sometimes categorized as Romanesque Revival style, it lacks the heaviness of Romanesque Revival and may more properly considered to be a remarkable example of the Italian Renaissance style, with some Romanesque elements that show the influence of Lombard Architecture, also known as First Romanesque, which dates to pre-medieval and medieval periods in Italy. The building reflects the efforts of educators, architects, artists, and many other of Denver’s citizens to create an environment that high school students would find enriching and enlightening.

Allen Tupper True Murals:
Upon entering the school at the main entrance, students are greeted by two murals, painted in 1935 by Allen Tupper True, on the north and south walls of the foyer. Measuring approximately 8ft by 14ft, these are painted on canvas with egg tempera paint, and each depicts important aspects of student life at South High School. The north mural shows a Goddess figure, lyre in hand, watching over students and teachers as they take part in music and art classes, while the south mural shows a bearded male God figure as he supervises teachers and students of science and geography. The (apparent) deities observe serenely, or perhaps imperiously, seated in front of the pediments of Greek temples, as seagulls fly overhead and students are absorbed in visual art, music, chemistry, and geography.