Denver Museum of Nature & Science Announces Major Updates on New Wing
Press Contact:
Charlotte Hurley
Public Relations Manager
303-370-6407, [email protected]
Denver – April 9, 2013 –The Denver Museum of Nature & Science today announced several naming and fundraising updates related to the construction project occurring on the Museum’s south side.
The new wing’s three above-ground levels have been named the Morgridge Family Exploration Center. The name recognizes the Morgridge Family Foundation for their lead gift on the project. These three levels will have a beautiful glass expanse that uniquely connects the Museum and City Park, creating a new appreciation for how science and nature complement each other. The new wing will feature a lively atrium space for programs, science studio classrooms for 21st-century learners, a new temporary exhibition gallery, and areas dedicated to early childhood education, including a new state-of-the-art Discovery Zone.
The Discovery Zone is made possible by Kaiser Permanente. Located on Level 2, this highly experiential area will expose early learners to the world of science through the joy of hands-on play.
The new Anschutz Gallery on Level 3 is made possible by The Anschutz Foundation. The new gallery will allow the Museum to expand its bandwidth for hosting major traveling exhibitions. The Anschutz Gallery will open its doors in February 2014 with the brand-new exhibition Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of our donors,” said Bridget Coughlin, vice president of strategic partnerships and programs at the Museum. “In these financially ambiguous and often challenging times, we are so honored to be a part of a community that cares about providing experiences that truly engage people and make them think about and appreciate the world around them.”
The Museum also announced the launch of a giving campaign. The project costs more than $70 million. To date, generous community support has helped the Museum complete well over 90 percent of the fundraising. The new giving campaign provides an opportunity for individuals to be a part of the Museum’s enduring commitment to serving the community and inspiring curiosity in people of all ages. With a gift of $500 or higher, donors will receive permanent special recognition in the new wing.
“We are very fortunate to be charging right along with this new addition,” said George Sparks, President and CEO of the Museum. “The Museum and the millions of visitors we serve each year are deeply grateful for the many generous supporters that are making this possible. The Museum and our supporters look forward to making our vibrant addition a reality and opening the doors in 2014, leaving a lasting positive mark on our community for generations to come.”
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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 located at 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205. To learn more about the Museum, check www.dmns.org, or call 303-370-6000. Many of the Museum’s educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by generous funding from the citizens of the seven-county metro area through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District.
About the Project
On September 13, 2011, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science broke ground on a 126,000-square-foot addition. The three levels above ground constitute the Morgridge Family Exploration Center, home to new innovative, interactive science experiences for all ages. Two levels below ground make up the Rocky Mountain Science Collections Center, dedicated to safely housing, preserving, and studying the Museum’s nearly 1.5 million precious artifacts and specimens. The entire new wing is funded through a combination of private fundraising and $30 million in Better Denver bonds, approved by voters in 2007. In addition to the Better Denver funds and thanks to a lead gift of $8 million from the Morgridge Family Foundation, the Museum has raised another $22.5 million toward this project.