Wonder Workshops
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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.
Earth Sciences Peer-reviewed Publications
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Earth Sciences Publications
One World One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
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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.
Giant Gar from Cretaceous–Palaeogene
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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.
Star Formation in the Aquila Rift
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Star Formation in the Aquila Rift
Curiosity Kits
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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.
Sensory Friendly Visits
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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.
ALIVE
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Astronomy Learning in Immersive Virtual Environments ALIVE
7 Spooky Halloween animals and where to find them at the Museum
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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.
Black Holes
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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.
Image Licensing and Permissions
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Image Archives Image Licensing
New Cryolab Launches at the Museum
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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.
Tiffany Nuessle
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Tiffany Nuessle, Research Manager in the Genetics Lab
Early Origins of Turtles
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Early Origins of Turtles
Reserve Area Archaeological Project
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Reserve Area Archaeological Project
Plan Your Visit
Plan your visit to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The museum is open seven days a week year-round, except December 25, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Guest Services phone line is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at 303.370.6000, except December 25. IMAX, Planetarium, Special Exhibits, maps, access and more.
Infinity Theater
Immerse yourself in a giant-screen experience at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science's Sturm Infinity Theater.
School Programs and Educator Events
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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
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
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.
Researchers use genetics of winter camouflage to understand how jackrabbits might survive climate change
Researchers use genetics of winter camouflage to understand how jackrabbits might survive climate change
Brand New Infinity Theater
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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...
Third Annual Rocky Mountain Regional Mind and Brain Education Conference
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Third Annual Rocky Mountain Regional Mind and Brain Education Conference
Cosmic Journey
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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.
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.
Garth Spellman
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Garth Spellman, Associate Curator of Ornithology
Japanese Beetle Survey
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Community Science Japanese Beetle Survey
Human Land Use and Dung Beetles
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Human Land Use and Dung Beetles
Original Saber Tooth Mold
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Original Saber Tooth Mold
Plastinated Cross-section of the Human Torso
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Plastinated Cross-section of the Human Torso
DIA’s Secret Fossil Forest
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DIA’s Secret Fossil Forest
2024.03.13- Indigenous Film: Odisea Amazonica/Veins of the Amazon
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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.
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?
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.
Virtual Experiences
Connect with the Museum virtually! Tap into our Virtual Science Academy for fun, interactive experiences hosted by a Museum educator when it’s most convenient for you. Or explore with the Museum scientists in the field through Scientists in Action each month.
Give to the Museum
Philanthropic opportunities for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Donate to help children experience the Museum. Legacy giving, matching gifts to the Museum, Will and estate planning and giving to the Museum. Set up annual giving to the Museum. Give stocks and gifts to the Denver Museum.
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.
After the Asteroid: Earth's Comeback Story
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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.
Space Odyssey
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Science and Space screen, learn about space at the Denver Museum. Learn about the our solar system, and experience a Planetarium show.
Destination Solar System
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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
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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.
Overnight Adventures
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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.
Floor Maps
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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.
Teen Science Scholars
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Teen Science Scholars
Why is Castle Rock so prominent?
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Drivers on I-25 near the town of Castle Rock have likely marveled at iconic Castle Rock, towering over its namesake city.
A few billion dung beetles
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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.
David Krause
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David Krause, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology
James Hagadorn
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James Hagadorn, Tim & Kathryn Ryan Curator of Geology
Lindsay Dougan
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Lindsay Dougan, Digital Research Lab Technician
Americas Last Dinosaurs
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America's Last Dinosaurs
Madagascar Paleontology Projects
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Madagascar Paleontology Projects
Cretaceous of the Morondava and Diego Basins
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Cretaceous of the Morondava and Diego Basins
North American Camel Spiders
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North American Camel Spiders
Scarab Biodiversity Exploration
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Scarab Biodiversity Exploration
Thank You
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Thank you for your support of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle
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Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle (Cicindela theatina)
Magic Mountain
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Magic Mountain Community Archaeology Project
Plan an Event
Plan your next wedding, reception or special event at the Museum, where we offer unique settings, state-of-the-art audio visual services, unforgettable exhibitions and event enhancements such as Planetarium shows and inspiring views of City Park, Denver's skyline and the Rocky Mountains
Planetarium
Current and upcoming shows at the Gates Planetarium. A 25 minute space-themed film in a small dome theater.
Catalyst Archive
Museum Magazine - All members receive a one-year subscription to Catalyst, the Museum magazine, mailed quarterly.
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].
Teacher Professional Development
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From early childhood education to secondary level classrooms, our teacher professional development programs help you infuse lessons with critical thinking skills, strengthen your expertise, and integrate hands-on science activities in the classroom. K-12 Professional Development, Preservice 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.
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.
Contact us
Information & Reservations - 303.370.6000 - For general comments or questions, e-mail [email protected]. Contact information for many of the museum departments and for ticket donations.
COME TO YOUR SENSES!
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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.
The Institute for Science & Policy Launches New Podcast: Water Under Pressure
Today, the Institute for Science & Policy, a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, releases a new podcast “Water, Under Pressure: The Uncertain Future of Colorado’s Most Valuable Resource.”
Bugs_Press_Release
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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.
ISP Podcast Season Three
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The eight-part series examines air pollution in Colorado and beyond, and how we are navigating this complex problem that knows no borders
The Museum Teams Up with We Don’t Waste
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The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has partnered up with local non-profit We Don’t Waste Food for a wholesome event: We Don’t Waste Markets on Sept. 26 at 2:30 p.m. at Garden Place. At this event, Museum scientists and educators provide fun and learning games and activities for hundreds of Denver
Family Fun Awaits! Explore Dazzling Colors, Ancient Ice and Giant Screen Films at the Museum
This winter, visit two temporary exhibitions – Wild Color and Mysteries of the Ice Ages – and three Giant Screen Movies at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Cities of the Future 3D
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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.
Wildlife Halls
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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.
Black Holes en español
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Presencien la formación de la Vía Láctea y luego aventúrense en el interior del enorme agujero negro que acecha en su centro.
Dynamic Earth
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Dynamic Earth narrated by Liam Neeson explores the inner workings of Earth's climate system.
Denver International Airport
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Bored before your flight? Not today! Check out this interactive activity guide.
Aeropuerto Internacional de Denver
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Bored before your flight? Not today! Check out this interactive activity guide.
Design Your Own Adventure
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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.
Field Trip Adventures
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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.
Virtual Science Academy
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Experience, explore, and engage with the Museum without leaving your classroom through interactive distance learning video conferencing.
Scientists In Action
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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
Preservice Teachers
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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.
Share Your Gift of Membership
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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.
Curiosity Cruiser
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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.
Melissa Bechhoefer
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Learn more about Director of Integrative Collections, Melissa Bechhoefer
Courtney Scheskie
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Learn more about Business Support Specialist Courtney Scheskie
Jeff Stephenson
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Jeff Stephenson, Zoology Collections Manager
Living with the Enemy: The Peculiar Life History of an Ant-Eating Spider
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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.
Dust Settles on Massive Rehousing Project at the Museum
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A colossal effort has been quietly unfolding over the past several years in our collections at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Laura Uglean Jackson
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Digital Archivist at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Kristen MacKenzie
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Kristen MacKenzie, Earth Sciences Collections Manager
Nicole Neu-Yagle
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Nicole Neu-Yagle, Earth Sciences Assistant Collections Manager
Mahajanga Basin Project
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The Mahajanga Basin Project
Founding of the Museum
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Founding of the Museum
Creation of the Dioramas
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Creation of the Dioramas
NEH CARES Grant
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NEH CARES: World Ethnology Rehousing
Executive Profiles
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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.
Northwest Coast Collection
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Northwest Coast Collection IMLS Grant
Northwest Coast Collection
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Northwest Coast Collection IMLS Grant
Facility Rental
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Plan a function for your company or organization at the museum, where our spacious facility offers many options for the perfect setting—accommodating 15 to 3,500 guests—and our full-service event and catering planners ensure you can relax and watch your event go off without a hitch.
Catering
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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
Science Lounge: Prom for All 21+
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A fun date night event to party with DMNS
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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.