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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.

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.

Kristen MacKenzie

Kristen MacKenzie, Earth Sciences Collections Manager

Science Division Research

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

Dynamic Earth

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

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.

Careers

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

DMNS Annals

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Annals

Virtual Science Academy

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

Donate

Individual financial support of the Museum.

Current Openings

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Matching Gifts

Set up a matching gift from your employer or a matching gift to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Employer matching gifts

Employee Benefits

Benefits of Working at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Libby Couch

Learn more about Business Support Specialist Libby Couch

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.

Laura Uglean Jackson

Digital Archivist at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Nicole Neu-Yagle

Nicole Neu-Yagle, Earth Sciences Assistant Collections Manager

ALIVE

Astronomy Learning in Immersive Virtual Environments ALIVE

Thank You

Thank you for your support of the 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

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

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

El Denver Museum of Nature & Science presenta eventos y actividades para conmemorar el Apolo 11 y celebrar la maravilla de la ciencia espacial

Este verano, se cumplen 50 años del Apolo 11, la primera misión tripulada que llegó exitosamente a la Luna. El 20 de julio de 1969, el astronauta estadounidense Neil Armstrong se convirtió en el primer hombre en pisar la Luna. El Denver Museum of Nature & Science presentará diversos eventos y activi

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 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.

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

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.”

RARE FOSSIL PRESERVATION OF SEA ANEMONES

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Expert Uncovers Rare Fossil Preservation of Sea Anemones

DDN 24

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Hosts Día Del Niño Celebration on April 28

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.

City Park Archaeology

City Park Archaeology: 2024 Teen Science Scholar project

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.

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

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.

T. REX 3D

Take an immersive journey with "T. REX” into the dinosaur king’s world — and discover the captivating real-world paleontology tale of "Teen Rex" now on display at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

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.

Earth's Poisonous Minerals

Rocks Are a Surprisingly Common Source of Deadly Substances

10.30.24 60 Minutes in Space

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

Volunteer at the Museum

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

SCFD Free Day: Denver Arts Week 2024

Explore art, nature and science at the Museum as we join many of Denver’s cultural institutions in a free evening celebrating Denver Arts Week! Museum admission is free from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Free Days and Free Nights

Satisfy your science curiosity in a safe environment during our SCFD Free Days.

Infinity Theater

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

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].

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

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

Annual Reports

See select Annual Reports for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

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.

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

John Demboski

John Demboski, Vice President of Science

Food Services

Food, drink and fun at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lauren Conrad

Assistant Archivist, Denver Museum of Nature & Science

David Krause

David Krause, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology

James Hagadorn

James Hagadorn, Tim & Kathryn Ryan Curator of Geology

Tiffany Nuessle

Tiffany Nuessle, Research Manager in the Genetics Lab

Paula Cushing

Paula Cushing, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology

Cameron Pittman

Zoology Assistant Collections Manager

Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain Community Archaeology Project

Megan Salas

Megan Salas, Objects Conservator

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.

Bridget Chalifour

Bridget N. Chalifour, PhD, Genomics Scientist

Garth Spellman

Garth Spellman, Associate Curator of Ornithology

Genetics Lab

Capturing life in sequence.

Mexican Cultural Center and Denver Museum of Nature & Science Host Free Annual Día Del Niño Celebration April 28

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is partnering with the Mexican Cultural Center to host the sixth annual “Día del Niño: Celebrating All Children,” an SCFD Community Free Day event, on April 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science finaliza excavación de dinosaurios en sitio de construcción en Highlands Ranch

El Denver Museum of Nature & Science ha finalizado la excavación de fósiles de Triceratops en Wind Crest, una comunidad de cuidado continuo de jubilados desarrollada y administrada por Erickson Living en 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.

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

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.

Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs Opens Feb. 25 at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The exhibition “Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs,” opens Friday, Feb. 25, at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and transports you to the distant past to explore ancient Egyptian culture and the land of pharaohs.

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 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...

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.

Christina Fritts new Vice President of Development

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Appoints Christina Fritts as Vice President of Development

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

The Museum Teams Up with We Don’t Waste

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

MOTIA

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

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.

Fascinating Discovery: Denver Museum of Nature and Science Unveils Opal's Role in Colorado’s Castle Rock

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is thrilled to announce a new scientific study that sheds light on the geological origins of Castle Rock and the surrounding region.

Orcas: Our Shared Future New Exhibition

New Exhibition "Orcas: Our Shared Future" Opening at Denver Museum of Nature & Science in March

Eclipse Day April 8, 2024

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science Celebrates Eclipse with Free Outdoor Viewing Event, Planetarium Shows

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.

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.

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

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.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Scientist Unveils Study: One Elephant Supports Two Million Dung Beetles in East African Savannas in East African Savannas

The study, published in the journal The Science of Nature, deepens our comprehension of the complex interactions within ecosystems. The study shows that one single adult elephant can sustain an astonishing 2.12 million dung beetles on any given day in East African savannas.

Frank Krell

Frank Krell, Senior Curator of Entomology

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.

Michele Koons

Michele Koons, Curator of Archaeology

Lindsay Dougan

Lindsay Dougan, Digital Research Lab Technician

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Denver Parks & Recreation Open New Multigenerational Outdoor Nature Play Experience in City Park

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Nature Play, a four-acre multigenerational and multi-sensory natural play experience, located outside the southwest corner of the Museum in City Park on Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Discovering Teen Rex

Step into our prehistoric past with "Discovering Teen Rex" to witness renowned paleontologists work on preserving a rare adolescent T. Rex fossil and learn about its incredible discovery by young dino hunters in North Dakota.

Space Odyssey Spanish

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

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?

New Laws of Notion Podcast Release!

Institute for Science & Policy's Latest Podcast Season Explores Wildfire

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.

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.

Animals of the Rainforest

Discover the magic of the rainforest at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science! Meet live animals, learn about conservation, and explore interactive exhibits. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.

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.