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Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Natural history exhibitions, IMAX and planetarium shows, activities, and lectures that explore the wonders of science, Colorado, Earth, and the universe.

Black Holes

Run time: 25 mins. There's a place from which nothing escapes, not even light, where time and space literally come to end. It's at this point, inside this fantastic riddle, that black holes exert their sway over the cosmos … and our imaginations.

Brand New Infinity Theater

Welcome to our larger-than-life Infinity Theater, where you’ll be treated to an exciting, entertaining and unparalleled experience and an infinite number of discoveries await. The theater has had a major facelift. This includes a new lobby entrance with brand new finishings, an impressive...

One World One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure

One World, One Sky is a brilliant spectacle of light and color that follows Sesame Street's Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with a new friend from China. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth.

Mazes & Brain Games Press Kit

The “Mazes & Brain Games” experience opens Friday, May 20, at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and features dozens of puzzles and mazes. Discover surprises around every corner and new methods of problem-solving through open-ended play.

Erin Baxter

Erin Baxter, Acting Curator of Anthropology

Giant Gar from Cretaceous–Palaeogene

The team stopped to find and dig through the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary, a thin band of rock containing much more iridium than other rock units and marks the end of the Mesozoic Era and the beginning of the Cenozoic Era.

Reservations

All of our school programs can be booked online! For phone reservations please call 303.370.6000, 7 days a week, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D

Witness the awe-inspiring "Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D" — an incredible journey beneath the waves to explore the magnificent world of the blue whale.

Curiosity Kits

Curiosity Kits - From the Museum right to your doorstep! We’re delivering extraordinary experiences when you and your kids want them. We’ve got everything covered—we will deliver an activity box filled with imaginative, hands-on activities, complete with all the tools you’ll need.

Overnight Adventures

Ever wondered if the Museum comes alive at night? Find out for yourself while sleeping among polar bears and zebras in our wildlife diorama halls. For grades 3-6; offered on select dates throughout the year.

Melissa Bechhoefer

Learn more about Director of Integrative Collections, Melissa Bechhoefer

Directions, Parking and Entrances

Directions, Parking and Entrances. Directions by Car, Bus, and alternative transportation such as Lyft (use the code DMNSNEW for $5 off 3 rides). Save yourself some time, money, and hassle. Purchase tickets online before you arrive and save $2 on Museum admission!

A few billion dung beetles

Do we have dung beetles in Colorado? Yes, we have over 85 species of dung beetle in our state — out of around 9,800 species of dung beetles worldwide.

Summer of Space

This summer will mark the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the first successful manned mission to land on the moon. On July 20, 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to step on the moon.

Infinity Theater

Immerse yourself in a giant-screen experience at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science's Sturm Infinity Theater.

Planetarium

Current and upcoming shows at the Gates Planetarium. A 25 minute space-themed film in a small dome theater.

7 Spooky Halloween animals and where to find them at the Museum

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has hundreds of species on display, but if you’re looking to see or learn more about these “spooky” Halloween animals, we got them too.

Bugs_Press_Release

DENVER—The Denver Museum of Nature & Science welcomes “Bugs.” They’re bigger, they’re better, they’re buggier than ever. This interactive exhibition takes you into the incredible world of critters as you learn how to think, work and come eye to eye with nature’s true geniuses.

Wonder Workshops

Let us come to you! Our magnificent Museum educators will transform your classroom and take your adventurers on an unforgettable journey. This 45-minute program will fuel your students’ passion and curiosity for nature and science—challenging them to experiment, play, and solve mysteries together.

Field Trip Adventures

If a fully planned and guided day sounds like a dream come true, let our Field Trip Adventures do the work by maximizing your fun with activities designed to align with Colorado Academic Standards.

Employee Benefits

Benefits of Working at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Ryan Jones

Ryan Jones, Research Assistant

Corporate Membership

Become a corporate member and enjoy many special perks that connect your employees to the Museum and reward them for a job well done. Corporate membership includes Museum and Planetarium passes and other benefits.

Onsite: At The Museum

Onsite: At the Museum offerings include free and flexible self-guided field trips, Field Trip Adventures facilitated programs, and Overnight Experiences. Teachers! Did you know that you can always visit the Museum for free? Present your school ID and get a sneak peek so you can prepare for your visi

Careers

Work at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Learn about the careers and jobs at DMNS.

Scientists Name New Frog-legged Beetle Fossil for Sir David Attenborough

Attenborough’s Beauty was on display in the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Prehistoric Journey exhibition for decades waiting to be identified.

Mazes & Brain Games Opens May 20

The “Mazes & Brain Games” experience explodes with dozens of puzzles and mazes. You’ll discover surprises around every corner and new methods of problem solving through open-ended play.

After the Asteroid: Earth's Comeback Story

A newly discovered trove of remarkably preserved fossils, found at Corral Bluffs near Colorado Springs, has brought into sharp focus how Earth recovered after the devastating asteroid impact 66 million years ago that wiped out the dinosaurs. This discovery is a watershed scientific moment, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has created a brand-new bilingual exhibit to bring the discovery to life.

Discovery Zone

The "Discovery Zone" is bursting with activities that help build a strong foundation of science skills in young children as they look, ask, discover, make, and share.

Space Odyssey

Science and Space screen, learn about space at the Denver Museum. Learn about the our solar system, and experience a Planetarium show.

Wildlife Halls

Wildlife Halls at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. World renowned wild life halls filled with animals from all over the world. Get up close to animals and experience, study and learn about these animals. Perfect for still life drawings and studies, examination, and wildlife conservation.

Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd's legendary album, "The Dark Side Of The Moon," in a mind-bending Planetarium experience like no other.

Cosmic Journey

In Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure, you'll travel through our solar system faster than the speed of light, taking in the wonders of the planets and their moons.

Destination Solar System

Explore space like never before in the live show! This out-of-this-world tour, departing from Gates Planetarium,takes place on board the Space Express.Tours of the hottest hot spots and the coldest, stormiest, and most spectacular sights in the solar system await curious space explorers of all ages.

Friday Evening Hours

The Museum will be open until 10 p.m. on Fridays beginning January 17! It will be business as usual, with a few extras thrown in.

Scientists In Action

Grant your students direct access to real scientists in the field, virtually! Tap into Museum field sites or research labs during live, interactive 45-minute broadcasts, where you can engage in a real-time Q&A with scientists and researchers

K-12 Professional Development

Bring science to life in your classroom! Find out more about the science of learning, strengthen your expertise, and learn to integrate hands-on science activities into your classroom more effectively.

Preservice Teachers

Explore the amazing resources available at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and gain science or social studies content knowledge based on your group’s goals.

Corporate Partners

Become a corporate partner of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and create a lasting legacy for future experiences for children. Corporate giving opportunities at the Denver Museum.

Share Your Gift of Membership

Giving Club Explorer, Naturalist, Collector, and Founder level members receive (1) complimentary Family level Museum membership to give away. Use the following instructions to share this membership benefit. Contact Giving Club manager, Adam Beaves, at [email protected] for additional assistance.

Gems and Minerals

Our classic Gems and Minerals gallery is being transformed and expanded into a new, awe-inspiring experience that will change the way you view and appreciate our natural world.

Courtney Scheskie

Learn more about Business Support Specialist Courtney Scheskie

Jeff Stephenson

Jeff Stephenson, Zoology Collections Manager

John Demboski

John Demboski, Vice President of Science

Floor Maps

Museum Map. Explore the Museum floor plan before you visit. Find the Infinity Theater, Science atrium, Space Odyssey, T Rex Cafe, Gems & Minerals, Ricketson Auditorium, Gates Planetarium, Exhibition Health, Discovery Zone, Prehistoric Journey, Sky Terrace.

Sensory Friendly Visits

We are so excited you’re thinking about a visit to Denver Museum of Nature & Science! We also understand the Museum can be an overwhelming environment sometimes. Here are a few ideas to help you plan a more sensory friendly visit.

Finding Colorado’s First Bona Fide Diamond Deposit!

Did you know that one of the biggest diamond-bearing sites in the United States is in Colorado’s Front Range? There lie rocks called kimberlites, which not only contain some of the oldest minerals on Earth — diamonds — but provide a geologic window into the interior of our planet.

New Cryolab Launches at the Museum

Just how cold is liquid nitrogen? With a boiling point of negative 196 degrees Celsius, liquid nitrogen is over 100 degrees colder than the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth.

Dust Settles on Massive Rehousing Project at the Museum

A colossal effort has been quietly unfolding over the past several years in our collections at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Archive: 2020-2021 Tools @ Tea Time Program

Teachers! Grab your afternoon tea and log in for Tools @ Tea Time, an end-of-the day boost, with tips and resources from the Museum Teacher Professional Development Team and an opportunity to share strategies with other teachers about remote and hybrid learning.

Laura Uglean Jackson

Digital Archivist at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

David Krause

David Krause, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology

Garth Spellman

Garth Spellman, Associate Curator of Ornithology

Andrew Doll

Andrew Doll, Zoology Assistant Collections Manager

Cameron Pittman

Zoology Assistant Collections Manager

ALIVE

Astronomy Learning in Immersive Virtual Environments ALIVE

Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain Community Archaeology Project

Science Division Research

The Science Division aspires to make the world a better place through the process of scientific discovery.

Volunteer at the Museum

Become a volunteer at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. There are many opportunities.

Press Room

Welcome to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Press Room. Our Media Relations team works directly with the media across all platforms to provide background information and all news and events pertaining to the museum. We can also help with Press Kits, media and visuals.

Scavenger Hunts

Have some additional fun while visiting the museum with the ELF, Museum Treasures, National Parks or State Symbols scavenger hunts - Can you find them all?

Membership FAQ

Have questions? We have answers! Get answers to some commonly asked questions regarding your visit to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. If you don't find what you're looking for below, please call or email the Membership Department at 303.370.6306 or [email protected].

Young Professional Memberships

Young Professional Memberships. Become a YP. Benefits include free guest tickets to the Museum, 21+ only and YP events. Enjoy invitations to exclusive events, exhibition openings & volunteer opportunities. YP Happy Hour, Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, Museum After Dark, Science on Tap

Giving Club Memberships

Support the Museum and enjoy membership benefits with the Giving Club. Benefits include Flex Tickets to redeem for lectures, Planetarium, Museum or surcharged exhibitions admission. Invitations to exclusive Giving Club events & exclusive exhibit previews.

School Programs and Educator Events

Onsite: At the Museum - Programs that take place right here at 2001 Colorado Blvd. Offsite: At Your Place: Don't want to travel? No sweat, we'll come to you! Virtual Experiences - Connect with the Museum virtually! Teacher Professional Development: We've got something for everyone–including teachers

Offsite: At Your Place

Think outside–or inside–the box! Unbox a Curiosity Kit or book a Wonder Workshop and transport your students to Mars, into a physics lab, through prehistoric Colorado, and beyond. These all-in-one experiences make an everyday classroom feel brand new.

Scholarships

Scholarships. Free Museum Admission. Permanent Exhibitions are FREE for school groups and organized youth groups every day. We are also delighted to offer scholarships for all of our programs, Planetarium, and temporary exhibits. Call 303.370.6000 9 a.m.–5 p.m. for more information

At Home Science Fun

Our talented educator performer team (the folks facilitating shows and experiments in our exhibitions and hosting our virtual programs) created a list of their favorite at-home science activities.

About Us

Together with you, we share new discoveries with the world, preserve scientific treasures that pique curiosities, and open eyes and minds to the wonders of nature and science. Learn about the Museum's Mission, Vision and Core Values.

Sustainability

The Museum is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and the new wing is poised to receive LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest rating possible for new construction.

COME TO YOUR SENSES!

When it comes to our senses, hasn’t the number five had enough time in the spotlight? Now other sensory heroes get some overdue attention in “Our Senses: Creating Your Reality,” an exhibition for the whole family where you play with color, patterns, sounds, scents, and textures.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Eliminates Single-Use Plastic

To enhance its commitment to building an empowered community that loves, understands, and protects our natural world, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has eliminated single-use plastic.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Presents Events and Programs to Commemorate Apollo 11 and Celebrate the Wonder of Space Science

This summer will mark the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the first successful manned mission to land on the moon. On July 20, 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to step on the moon. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science will present several events and programs related to

EdgGuide Micronavigation Technology Launches in Denver, Enabling Greater Autonomy

Beginning today, people with visual impairments have a new way to experience the Denver Museum of Nature & Science thanks to EdgGuide, a micronavigation system that allows near pinpoint accuracy for indoor navigation.

Studying the Ethics of Ancient DNA

In recent years, the study of ancient DNA, also known as aDNA, has rapidly advanced, providing important insights into a range of biological, historical, and social questions.

National Immunization Awareness Month Has New Meaning: Get Vaccinated

As science-based, community-oriented organizations, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Colorado School of Public Health have recently updated our COVID-19 policies, recognizing that widespread vaccination is the best strategy for ending the pandemic.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Welcomes Freeda Warren as Vice President of Development and Marketing

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is pleased to announce Freeda Warren as vice president of development and marketing. Warren brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising and marketing, and is recognized as a visionary leader.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Maurilio Tapia

Maurilio is the bilingual communication support specialist for the marketing team at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. He joined the Museum in January of 2021.

Meet Avenir Conservation Center’s new head conservator, Casey Mallinckrodt

Casey Mallinckrodt is an objects conservator with experience in a wide range of materials, from contemporary chocolate sculpture to bronze antiquities. Her areas of focus have been historic arts of Central and West Africa, Native American communities and Ancient Egypt. She joined DMNS in 2022.

Denver DMNS Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Denver Museum of Nature & Science curator David Krause has been awarded the prestigious Romer-Simpson Medal from the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology

New Senior Vice President of Science, Dr. John Demboski

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. John Demboski as its new Senior Vice President of Science. Dr. Demboski is an accomplished evolutionary biologist and museum leader who will bring more than 20 years of experience to the position.

National Science Foundation grant

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has recently been awarded a prestigious collaborative research grant from the National Science Foundation's Frontier Research in Earth Sciences program.

ISP Podcast Season Three

The eight-part series examines air pollution in Colorado and beyond, and how we are navigating this complex problem that knows no borders

Cities of the Future 3D

Step into the world of tomorrow with “Cities of the Future” – narrated by the award-winning actor John Krasinski – and discover the exciting innovations engineers are working on right now to help meet the challenges of a changing planet.

Orcas: Our Shared Future

Unleash the magic of the sea with "Orcas: Our Shared Future" – where science, art and pop culture meet in celebration of our relationship with the fascinating and awe-inspiring orca.

Discovery Zone- Spanish

La Zona de descubrimiento está llena de actividades que ayudan a desarrollar una base sólida para las habilidades científicas en los niños pequeños al observar, preguntar, descubrir, construir y compartir.

Black Holes en español

Presencien la formación de la Vía Láctea y luego aventúrense en el interior del enorme agujero negro que acecha en su centro.

Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth narrated by Liam Neeson explores the inner workings of Earth's climate system.

Denver International Airport

Bored before your flight? Not today! Check out this interactive activity guide.

Aeropuerto Internacional de Denver

Bored before your flight? Not today! Check out this interactive activity guide.

Design Your Own Adventure

Feeling creative? This option allows you to plan your own adventure at the Museum. Curate your trip to meet your group's needs with temporary exhibitions, Planetarium shows and more. Permanent exhibitions and Museum entry are free for PreK-12 school and youth groups.

Current Openings

Work at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Learn about the careers and jobs at DMNS.

Curiosity Cruiser

Introducing the Curiosity Cruiser, your friendly neighborhood museum on wheels! Keep an eye out for our mobile museum, it may roll up to a place near you. Plan your experience by choosing one of the following themes:  Flavorology, Spicy: Revealed, and Mood & Food.

Meghan Truckey

Learn more about registrar Meghan Truckey

Libby Couch

Learn more about Business Support Specialist Libby Couch

Access and Special Needs

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science offers many services to facilitate and enhance the Museum experience for all of our guests. Accessible parking, Service animals are permitted, Mother's room, Braille maps, wheelchair seating, Assisted listening devices, closed captioning, Sign Language

Living with the Enemy: The Peculiar Life History of an Ant-Eating Spider

Over the years, Norman sent specimens of this mystery spider to various arachnologists throughout the country and world, including me. These minuscule arachnids were a puzzle to every expert consulted. It wasn't until 2019, two decades later, that the pieces started falling into place.

Nature Play Opening Soon

Nature provides peace and harmony. Play provides laughter and invites us to live in the moment. So, what could be better than enjoying a playful, peaceful moment at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s soon-to-open Nature Play installation, located just outside the Museum in City Park?

Unearthing Painted Worlds: 2023 Archaeological Discoveries and Conservation Efforts at Peru's Moche Center of Pañamarca

For the second field season in a row, the team — a collaboration between Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Columbia University and Peruvian archaeologists and conservators — revealed remarkable painted surfaces in an effort to better understand the architecture and activities performed on the site.

Why is Castle Rock so prominent?

Drivers on I-25 near the town of Castle Rock have likely marveled at iconic Castle Rock, towering over its namesake city.

Michele Koons

Michele Koons, Curator of Archaeology

Lauren Conrad

Assistant Archivist, Denver Museum of Nature & Science

James Hagadorn

James Hagadorn, Tim & Kathryn Ryan Curator of Geology

Kristen MacKenzie

Kristen MacKenzie, Earth Sciences Collections Manager

Lindsay Dougan

Lindsay Dougan, Digital Research Lab Technician

Nicole Neu-Yagle

Nicole Neu-Yagle, Earth Sciences Assistant Collections Manager

Tyler Lyson

Tyler Lyson, Associate Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology

Tiffany Nuessle

Tiffany Nuessle, Research Manager in the Genetics Lab

Frank Krell

Frank Krell, Senior Curator of Entomology

Andrea Carrillo

Andrea Carrillo, Zoology Preparator

Paula Cushing

Paula Cushing, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology

Thank You

Thank you for your support of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

2024.4.24 60 Minutes in Space

Encounter new ideas, cutting-edge science, and captivating individuals during lectures and events at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

NEH Archaeology Grant

National Endowment for the Humanities Archaeology Collections Grant

Executive Profiles

Learn more about the leadership team at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. George Sparks, Nancy Walsh, Ed Scholz, John R. Demboski, Amanda Bennett, Ash Bassim, Nicole Lucero-Holub, Tina J. Martinez and Christina Fritts.

Genetics Lab

Capturing life in sequence.

DMNSHomePage

Premier natural history and science Museum in Denver, Colorado and the western United States. Exhibitions, planetarium and lectures that explore the wonders of science, Colorado, Earth and the universe. Awarded the Denver Business Journal's 2019 Top Tourist Attraction, nonprofit Denver.

Megan Salas

Megan Salas, Objects Conservator

Casey Mallinckrodt

Head Conservator, Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Catering

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science offers one of the region's most distinctive settings for receptions, dinners, corporate meetings, holiday parties, and convention events. Dinner and Evening Events, Receptions, Buffets and Seated Entrees, Desserts, Breakfast & Bar Selections

2024.03.13- Indigenous Film: Odisea Amazonica/Veins of the Amazon

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is pleased to partner with the International Institute for Indigenous Resource Management and the Denver American Indian Commission to present this month's Indigenous Film.