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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.

Internships

Internships at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Learn valuable professional skills and gain experience in a STEM field, while interning at the Denver Museum. Gain hands-on experience in scientific research, collections and archives.

ALIVE

Astronomy Learning in Immersive Virtual Environments ALIVE

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.

Virtual Science Academy

Experience, explore, and engage with the Museum without leaving your classroom through interactive distance learning video conferencing.

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

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.

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.

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...

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.

Infinity Theater

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

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.

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.

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

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.”

MOTIA

DENVER – The Denver Museum of Nature & Science welcomes its newest temporary exhibition: "Mysteries of the Ice Ages" opening Oct. 20, 2023.

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.

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.

Space Odyssey

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

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.

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.

Melissa Bechhoefer

Learn more about Director of Integrative Collections, Melissa Bechhoefer

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.

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.

In the Community

Introducing the Curiosity Cruiser, your friendly neighborhood museum on wheels! Kids can explore what it might be like to land on the Red Planet in the free Mars Outpost play area at Colorado Mills. Dinosaur/Dino Gulch at Cherry Creek Shopping Center is a free play place designed for early learners.

eCard

Simply download the free DMNS eCard app from your device’s app store and never leave home without your membership card! The app is available on iOS, Android. If you haven’t taken advantage of the eCard yet, simply download it from your device’s app store by searching for "DMNS eCard".

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Pañamarca

Unearthing Ancient Peruvian History: International, Women-Led Team of Archaeologists and Conservators Releases Findings from Excavations at Pañamarca

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dynamic Earth

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

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.

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.

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.

Donate

Individual financial support of the 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.

John Demboski

John Demboski, Vice President of Science

Erin Baxter

Erin Baxter, Acting Curator of Anthropology

James Hagadorn

James Hagadorn, Tim & Kathryn Ryan Curator of Geology

Lindsay Dougan

Lindsay Dougan, Digital Research Lab Technician

Paula Cushing

Paula Cushing, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology

NEH Archaeology Grant

National Endowment for the Humanities Archaeology Collections Grant

Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain Community Archaeology Project

Genetics Lab

Capturing life in sequence.

Casey Mallinckrodt

Head Conservator, Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Facility Rental

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.

Winter 2024

Welcome to the Winter 2024 issue of Catalyst

Partnership

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.

Privacy Policy

Museum policy on collecting information on the Museum Website. The Museum policy on the use and disclosure of the information it collects on the Museum Website. Send your questions, comments, or concerns about our privacy policy or any other aspect of our website to [email protected].

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.

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.

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?

Catalyst Archive

Museum Magazine - All members receive a one-year subscription to Catalyst, the Museum magazine, mailed quarterly.

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.

Teacher Professional Development

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

Teen Science Scholars

Learn valuable professional skills and gain experience in a STEM field, while interning at the Denver Museum. Our internships allow students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in scientific research, collections and archives.

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.

Featured Collections

Learn more about the collections housed at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

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.

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 Concludes Dinosaur Excavation at Highlands Ranch Construction Site

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has concluded its excavation of Triceratops fossils at Wind Crest, a continuing care retirement community developed and managed by Erickson Living in Highlands Ranch.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Concludes Dinosaur Excavation at Highlands Ranch Construction Site (1)

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has concluded its excavation of Triceratops fossils at Wind Crest, a continuing care retirement community developed and managed by Erickson Living in Highlands Ranch.

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.

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.

Excavation of Historic Astor House Unearths Clues of Fascinating Past

Excavation of Historic Astor House Unearths Clues of Fascinating Past: Denver Museum of Nature & Science archaeologists collaborate with Foothills Art Center, universities and others to investigate historic site

La Excavación de la Histórica Astor House Desentierra Pistas de un Pasado Fascinante

La Excavación de la Histórica Astor House Desentierra Pistas de un Pasado Fascinante: Los arqueólogos del Museo de la Naturaleza y la Ciencia de Denver colaboran con el Centro de Arte Foothills, las universidades y otras entidades para: investigar el sitio histórico

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 Receives $25 Million for Conservation of Scientific Collections

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science and its supporting organization, the DMNS Foundation, have received a $25 million gift from an anonymous donor. This is the largest gift in the institution’s 121-year history.

El Museo de Naturaleza Y Ciencia de Denver Recibe $25 Millones Para la Conservación de Sus Colecciones Científicas

El Museo de Naturaleza y Ciencia de Denver y su organización de apoyo, la Fundación DMNS, han recibido una donación de $25 millones de un donante anónimo. Este es el regalo más grande en los 121 años de historia de la institución.

TEST: El Museo de Naturaleza Y Ciencia de Denver Recibe $25 Millones Para la Conservación de Sus Colecciones Científicas

El Museo de Naturaleza y Ciencia de Denver y su organización de apoyo, la Fundación DMNS, han recibido una donación de $25 millones de un donante anónimo. Este es el regalo más grande en los 121 años de historia de la institución.

Meet Chris Patrello, the new Assistant Curator in the Anthropology Department

Chris Patrello has joined our team as the new Assistant Curator of Anthropology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in 2022. He has co-curated the reinstallation of the Indigenous Arts of North America permanent collection galleries, working closely with museum’s staff, Indigenous Advisory...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Courtney Scheskie

Learn more about Business Support Specialist Courtney Scheskie

Jeff Stephenson

Jeff Stephenson, Zoology Collections Manager

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.

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.

Discovering the Untold Origins of Modern Mammals

In the world of paleontology, there are few moments that can match the electric thrill of an exceptional find — especially a find that holds the power to reshape our understanding of the history of life on Earth.

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.

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?

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.

Stories in Stone

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Soviet artist Vasily Konovalenko’s gem carving exhibition here at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Michele Koons

Michele Koons, Curator of Archaeology

Laura Uglean Jackson

Digital Archivist at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Lauren Conrad

Assistant Archivist, Denver Museum of Nature & Science

David Krause

David Krause, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology

Kristen MacKenzie

Kristen MacKenzie, Earth Sciences Collections Manager

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

Garth Spellman

Garth Spellman, Associate Curator of Ornithology

Andrea Carrillo

Andrea Carrillo, Zoology Preparator

Andrew Doll

Andrew Doll, Zoology Assistant Collections Manager

Cameron Pittman

Zoology Assistant Collections Manager

Panamarca

Unearthing Ancient Peruvian History: International, Women-led Team of Archaeologists and Conservators Releases Findings from Excavations at Pañamarca

Thank You

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

Megan Salas

Megan Salas, Objects Conservator

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

Volunteer at the Museum

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