CATALYST
DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE ONLINE MAGAZINE
What's on the Calendar? Things to Do This Month at the Museum
Take a Prehistoric Beach Vacation in "Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep"
Dancing T. rex at the entrance welcomes guests into the Denver Museum of Nature & Science this summer. (Photo/ Maurilio Tapia)
This month, we have exciting programs and events at the Museum! Whether you're trying to dig for dinosaurs in the Discovery Zone, take a prehistoric "beach" vacation to "Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep" or vibe to psychedelic Pink Floyd Laser Show at the planetarium — we have something for everyone!
Here are just a few of things you could do to fill your day the Museum this month:
Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep
“Jurassic Oceans: Monster of the Deep” is now open at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. (Photo/ Bob Nicholls)
Earth's oceans have been home to some of the largest, fiercest and most successful predators ever to exist. Step back in time with “Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep” to come face-to-face with ferocious marine hunters and their unusual prey from millions of years ago. Striking fossil specimens will show the predators of the Jurassic seas in their natural habitats and tell the story of how they adapted to survive. Plus, this exhibition is filled with exciting, hands-on activities that invite the imagination to swim wild! Learn more, here.
Read more: This Undervalued Science Hero Uncovered an Ichthyosaur at 12 Years-Old
Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia
"Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia" is now showing at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. (Photo/ Jamie Pham)
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through time to discover the untold story of “Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia.” Over 120 intricate carvings, sacred sculptures and ancient relics – many never before seen outside Cambodia – reveal a story that has baffled scientists for years. How could an empire that built one of the world’s most astonishing architectural and engineering marvels all but vanish into the Southeast Asia jungle? Discover how modern technology is providing new insights into Angkor’s legacy and celebrate its remarkable resilience as a vibrant, living temple and a captivating destination for travelers worldwide. The exhibition is free with Museum admission or membership. Learn more, here.
Read more: The Blessing Ceremonies That Opened ‘Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia’
Discovering Teen Rex
Fossil preparator Alex Polich exposes the fossil specimen in the Teen Rex Prep Lab at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
Get up close with history in the making! Witness paleontologists in the lab uncovering an extremely rare adolescent T. rex fossil — one of only a handful ever found worldwide. This exhibition, free with general admission, is best when paired with the documentary "T. Rex 3D," which is now showing on our giant screen Infinity Theater.
Upcoming In-Person Events
Dive into hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences with in-person events at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. (Photo/ Mio Sison III)
60 Minutes in Space
June 25 | 7 p.m.
Explore breaking space news with space scientists and hear the latest updates on missions exploring the solar system, rocket launches, cutting edge astronomy, and more. This evening's presentation is by Dr. KaChun Yu, Denver Museum of Nature & Science Curator Space Sciences. This is a FREE event and no reservations are required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please use the West Museum Entrance. Learn more, here.
Premiere Night – Celebrating our New Weckbaugh Case & Diné Dress Installations
July 2 | 6:30 p.m.
Join us for an elegant evening as we recognize two brand-new installations. Museum staff from the Anthropology Department, Avenir Conservation Center and the Exhibits team will be on hand throughout the evening to engage with guests as they explore a collection of Diné and Zuni items conserved by Museum staff and community partners. Reserve your tickets today — you won’t want to miss it!
Sci-Fi Film Series: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
July 9 | 6:30 p.m.
After Roy Neary, played by actor Richard Dreyfuss, witnesses UFOs soaring across the sky, he becomes haunted by the vision of a strange, mountain-like formation. Meanwhile, government agents discover long-lost war vessels are reappearing in perfect condition. Roy and the agents follow clues in the hope of contacting alien life. This screening will take place at the Sie Film Center on Colfax Avenue, with post-film science discussion by Dr. Ka Chun Yu, assistant curator of Space Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Get tickets, today!
Science Lounge: The Sounds of Summer - 21+ (Including Laser Show)
July 10 | After Hours Event
It’s summertime, Science Loungers! School is out, and we want you to spend a summer evening with us at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Bring your summer camp besties and groove along as we explore the sounds of summer across the Museum. This ticket includes admission to one of the custom-built "Sounds of Summer Mixtape" Laser shows in our Gates Planetarium. Get tickets, here!
Sci-Fi Film Series: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
July 16 | 6:30 p.m.
Arthur Dent, played by actor Martin Freeman, is trying to prevent his house from being bulldozed when his friend Ford Prefect, played by actor and musician Mos Def, whisks him into outer space. It turns out Ford is an alien who has just saved Arthur from Earth's total annihilation. This screening will take place at the Sie Film Center on Colfax Avenue, with post-film science discussion by Dr. Ka Chun Yu, assistant curator of Space Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Get tickets, today!
Inside the Orchestra - Tiny Tots: Let's Play!
July 19 | 9:30 // 10:45 a.m.
"Tiny Tots: Inside the Orchestra" programs are 45-minute immersive, interactive concerts for children seven-years-old and under to get truly “inside the orchestra.” Attendees are seated on the ground and encircled by our 30-piece orchestra. Music selection, program design and scripting are all geared to connect young children with music – physically, emotionally and developmentally. Named in Denver Westword’s “Best of Denver,” the experience is one-of-a-kind! General Admission or membership is required in addition to ticket price. Children 12 months of age and younger are free. Get tickets, here!
Sci-Fi Film Series: Gattaca
July 23 | 6:30 p.m.
Vincent Freeman, played by actor Ethan Hawke, has always fantasized about traveling into outer space, but is grounded by his status as a genetically inferior "in-valid." He decides to fight his fate by purchasing the genes of Jerome Morrow, played by actor Jude Law, a laboratory-engineered "valid." He assumes Jerome's DNA identity and joins the Gattaca space program, where he falls in love with Irene, played by Uma Thurman. This screening will take place at the Sie Film Center on Colfax Avenue, with post-film science discussion by Dr. Ka Chun Yu, assistant curator of Space Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Get tickets, today!
Sci-Fi Film Series: Fantastic Voyage
July 30 | 6:30 p.m.
The brilliant scientist Jan Benes, played by actor Jean Del Val, develops a way to shrink humans, and other objects, for brief periods of time. Benes, who is working in communist Russia, is transported by the CIA to America, but is attacked en route. In order to save the scientist, who has developed a blood clot in his brain, a team of Americans in a nuclear submarine is shrunk and injected into Benes' body. They have a finite period of time to fix the clot and get out before the miniaturization wears off. This screening will take place at the Sie Film Center on Colfax Avenue, with post-film science discussion by Dr. Ka Chun Yu, assistant curator of Space Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Get tickets, today!
Galactic Gold Celebration
Aug. 8 | 7 p.m.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is commemorating our 125th anniversary with a party for the ages. Be transported through space and time as we bring the past’s vision of the future to life.
Join us for the Galactic Gold Celebration, a party that blends the adventurous spirit of the West with the boundless optimism of the Space Age. Dust off your best cosmic Western attire for a night filled with fun, discovery and celebration. Support the Museum’s mission while mingling with fellow space rangers and science enthusiasts at this roaming reception featuring unforgettable delectable hors d’oeuvres, desserts, drinks and more. Attendees will experience the Museum as never before with surprises around every corner. Learn more, here!
Planetarium Space and Laser Shows
They’re back! Laser shows, presented by Laser Fantasy, have returned to the Gates Planetarium. (Photo/ Denver Museum of Nature & Science)
They’re back and more dazzling than ever! Laser shows, presented by Laser Fantasy, have returned to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and are a perfect match for your summer vibe! Catch your favorite artists in an immersive, mind-blowing light show combined into a full cosmic concert for all your senses.
Check here for showtimes and schedule updates.
Other planetarium shows now available:
- Great Solar System Adventure
- Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity
- Black Holes (En Español)
- One World One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
- Destination Solar System
SCFD Free Days and Nights
Satisfy your science curiosity during our SCFD Free Days and Free Nights. See enormous fossils of dinosaurs that roamed the Earth millions of years ago or learn about the human body’s capabilities in “Expedition Health.” The entire Museum is open for free, except for the temporary exhibitions, planetarium and Infinity Theater which require an additional charge. Learn more about our free days, here.
- Monday, August 25, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Nature Play
Nature Play is a four-acre interactive experience you can now visit just outside the Museum in City Park. (Photo/ Sarah Poetzschke)
Your summer day trip to the Museum will not be complete without a stop at Nature Play, a four-acre interactive play experience where people of all ages can explore, climb and learn about Colorado's incredible wildlife and ecosystems. You'll know you've arrived when you see the iconic, climbable 20-foot-tall ram. While you're there — make sure you grab an ice cream from the outdoor concession cart for a sweet treat to cool off!
Read more: Nature Play Is Now Open!
Arriving Here
Most guests will enter the Denver Museum of Nature & Science through the north entrance. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
While there's just too many cool things to do at the Museum on a hot summer day, it makes sense to take a second to plan your arrival. For those getting here by car, please note that the East Wing in under construction and so parking is a bit more limited than normal.
Pro tip: Get to the Museum early to find parking on the ground level. Most times of day you should find parking in the underground garage but it's always a good idea to get here before 9 a.m., especially on the weekends, to make sure you get a spot.
Learn more: East Wing Project
It's also highly encouraged to take public transportation or walk and bike to the Museum if that's an option for you! Here's a video to show how pedestrians and those using public transportation can get the Museum from Colorado Blvd. while the East Wing construction continues.
The only problem with visiting the Museum is that once you do it — you’ll probably want to do it again! A Denver Museum of Nature & Science membership gives you unlimited free general admission for an entire year, so you can explore more, discover more and make even more unforgettable memories.
Become a Museum member here!
