Space Odyssey Exhibition and Unique Gates Planetarium

Space Odyssey Exhibition and Unique Digital Planetarium
Blast Off

DENVER—Get inspired by space! The Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s new permanent exhibition, Space Odyssey, together with the new, all-digital Gates Planetarium, will debut on June 13, 2003. Visit the Museum and you’ll be able to

• Learn about the latest discoveries in space science
• Experience the most sophisticated all-digital planetarium in the world
  
• Immerse yourself in the wonder of space through exhibits, multimedia and live performances
  
• Watch live launches and monitor robotic missions
  
• Participate in engaging, street-theater-style science performances
  
• Experience a stunning close-up view of Mars and talk with an “astronaut” conducting research on the surface
• Maneuver a Mars rover and dock the space shuttle
  
• Perform space science experiments
  
• Search for signs of water—and life—on other planets
  
• Explore the areas of the cosmos that are of interest to you

“We’re communicating with our audience in an entirely new way,” said Raylene Decatur, President and CEO of the Museum. “The Space Odyssey experience provides swift response to the rapidly changing world of space science and exploration. At the same time, it encourages active participation in science by allowing you to tailor your visit to your own interests and questions. It’s really breaking new ground in the world of museum exhibitry and programs.”

“Museum scientists are focusing on delivering current, relevant and engaging stories to Museum visitors,” said Laura Danly, curator of space science. “Every visit will be different: The unique combination of exhibits, digital media and live human presence enables us to change the Space Odyssey on-floor program as new discoveries are made, new missions are launched and other space science headlines break. Top it off with a breathtaking visit to the Museum’s new high-tech planetarium, and you’ve got an unforgettable experience of space science that is inspirational, educational and fun.”

Underlying the Museum’s ability to provide personalized and rapidly changing space science content is the space science digital collection, bringing the collections-based traditions of the Museum into the 21st century. “We don’t collect bones or baskets in space science, we collect photons,” noted Dr. Danly, “and nearly our entire understanding of the universe beyond Earth is encoded in those photons.” During your visit to Space Odyssey, you will revel in the beauty of the cosmos as you experience the carefully collected space images displayed in state-of-the-art exhibits. You will become a space scientist for the day: You will cultivate your own understanding of the meaning behind the images and share in the excitement of discovery as new understanding of our universe is revealed.

Project Data:

Total Project Cost: $50 million, including

• $22 million for the exhibition, programs, planetarium show and technology
• $28 million for the new Leprino Family Atrium, redesign of the Gates Planetarium and building improvements

Mission Objectives: To combine immersive space environments, hands-on interactives on the fundamentals of astronomy and human presence and performance to explore current events and discoveries in space science for audiences of all ages.

Project Scope: This is the most ambitious project ever for the Museum. Space Odyssey makes the Denver Museum of Nature & Science the premier destination for space science information in the Rocky Mountain Region.

Capital Campaign: A $35 million Capital Campaign for Space Science funded the Space Odyssey exhibition, Gates Planetarium, the El Pomar Space Education Center, the Leprino Family Atrium (opened September 2002) and Museum capital improvements.

Progress of Capital Campaign: Members of the press may contact Julia Taylor at (303) 370-6384 for the latest figures.

Project in Square Feet:
Space Odyssey exhibition: 13,000 square feet
Gates Planetarium: 9,000 square feet
El Pomar Space Education Center: 2,000 square feet
Leprino Family Atrium: 18,460 square feet of public space
Sky Terrace: 5,070 square feet

Project Science Advisors:
Dr. John Bally (professor in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado at Boulder), Dr. Mark Bullock (planetary scientist at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder), Dr. Nathalie A. Cabrol (planetary geologist, NASA Ames Research Institute/SETI Institute), Dr. Clark Chapman (planetary scientist at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder), Dr. Laura Danly (chair of the Department of Space Sciences and curator of space science at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Denver), Dr. Donald Goldsmith (astronomer and author), Dr. Edmond A Grin (planetary geologist, NASA Ames Research Center/SETI Institute), Dr. Andrew Hamilton (professor of astrophysics at the University of Colorado at Boulder), Dr. Dimitri Klebe (space sciences content specialist at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science), Dr. Steven Lee (curator of planetary science at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and research scientist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder), Dr. Robert Pappalardo (assistant professor of astrophysics and planetary sciences at the University of Colorado at Boulder), Dr. Paul Schenk (staff scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute), Dr. Robert Stencel (William Herschel Womble professor of astronomy in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Denver), and Dr. Ka Chun Yu (space science visualization developer and interpreter at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.)

About the Denver Museum of Nature & Science:
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain Region’s leading resource for informal science education. A variety of engaging exhibits, discussions and activities help Museum visitors celebrate and understand the natural wonders of Colorado, Earth and the universe. The Museum is famous for its children’s discovery centers, ancient dinosaur bones, Egyptian mummies, wildlife exhibits, colorful gems and minerals, the Hall of Life health center, awe-inspiring IMAX® films, dynamic temporary exhibitions, new scientific discoveries and visionary speakers.

Standard Hours of Operation, Ticket Pricing and Discounts: The Museum is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed December 25). General admission tickets are $9 for adults and $6 each for juniors (ages 3-18) and seniors (60+). General admission IMAX® tickets are $8 for adults and $5.50 each for juniors (ages 3-18) and seniors (60+).General admission tickets to Gates Planetarium are $8 each for adults and $5.50 each for juniors (ages 3-18) and seniors (60+). Combination tickets are also available, and advance tickets can be purchased online at www.dmns.org. Admission prices and hours are subject to change. Museum members are admitted free and may purchase discounted tickets to Gates Planetarium and the Phipps IMAX® Theater. Discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more. For ticket information call (303) 322-7009, TTY (303) 370-8257 for the hearing impaired or (800) 925-2250 outside the Denver metro area.

# # #