Events and Activities

Monday, December 4

7 p.m.

Gates Planetarium

$15 Member, $18 Public

Earthquakes are known to be catastrophic events. However, they are one of the main reasons why we have life on Earth. Moreover, we “see” what lies beneath our feet down to the center of the Earth and other planetary bodies such as Mars and the Moon. Find out what and how we can learn about Earth’s and planetary interiors using seismic waves generated by earthquakes (or marsquakes, moonquakes, etc. for other planets) focusing on Earth’s crust and mantle down to the core-mantle boundary at about 2900 km depth, exploring subduction zones and mantle plumes which directly control the plate tectonics and volcanism that shape the surface of our planet. 

Thursday, January 18

7:00 p.m.

$20 Member | $25 Public 

So, let’s talk about conservation as it relates to collections — over cocktails! Conservators do critical work that encompasses research, scientific analysis, documentation and treatments of objects and materials.

In partnership with the Clyfford Still Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is providing a behind-the-scenes view into conservation. Our expert panel, featuring presenters from the Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Public Library as well, will share their unique insights and knowledge in this field.  BUT — are our conservation experts up to the challenge of doing all this in a fast and furious Pecha Kucha storytelling format? Let’s find out!

After the talk, stop at our cash bar and eat a tasty snack before strolling down to the Museum’s Collection Facility for an Open House in the Avenir Conservation Center for a special opportunity to see collections not normally seen by the general public!  

Thursday, January 25

7:00 p.m.

$15 Member | $18 Public

Over 3 million years ago, our ancient ancestors realized that rocks could be broken into sharp-edged objects for slicing meat. This discovery not only resulted a good meal, but eventually changed the fate of our species and planet. Join archaeologist Chip Colwell and journalist Helen Thorpe for a thrilling and accessible dialogue on Colwell's latest book, "So Much Stuff: How Humans Discovered Tools, Invented Meaning, and Made More of Everything." A former curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Colwell traveled the world to investigate how humanity took three leaps that led to stuff becoming inseparable from our lives. His investigation tells the story of how we began a love affair with things that, with landfills brimming and oceans drowning in trash, could now lead to our downfall. Book signing to follow.

Wednesday, February 7

7:00 p.m.

$15 Member | $18 Public

Join Associate Curator of Ornithology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County as she delves into the world of feathers and their colors. During her talk, she will discuss why color needs to be studied from a bird's perspective rather a human one, and how different forces have shaped the multitude of colors and patterns that we observe today. Learn of her current work on the mechanisms underlying the great diversity of colors in birds.

Dr. Allison Shultz is Assistant Curator of the Ornithology Department at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. With her research, she seeks to understand the evolution of bird diversity, focusing on two major areas: how birds are responding to human-caused environmental changes, and how and why bird colors evolve. Dr. Shultz is originally from Southern California, and was excited to get a job so close to home. She received her PhD from Harvard University, MS from San Diego State University, and BA from the University of California, Berkeley. In addition to her research, Dr. Shultz is passionate about increasing diversity, inclusion, access and equity in the sciences, and inspiring a love of nature in everyone. Website: http://allisonshultz.com 

Wednesday, January 31

7:00 p.m.

Gates Planetarium

FREE

No reservations required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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 Curator of Space Sciences Dr. Ka Chun Yu.

Please use the Main Entrance of the Museum. 

Satisfy your science curiosity in a safe environment during our SCFD Free Days and Free Nights. Explore exhibitions, catch a Planetarium show or see a special performance or activity.

Winter Break Camps
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., daily
Grades K–1, Grades 2–3, & Grades 4–5  
$305 member, $335 non-member

5-day Camps
December 18 – 22

Looking for something amazing for your kids to do during school breaks? At the Museum, your child will experience fun and wonder, see planetarium shows, and explore the marvels of our temporary exhibitions. Each day will be something new as we bring together our favorite camp themes and activities for 2023 winter break camps! Camps offered for grades K – 1, 2 – 3, and 4 – 5.

Online enrollment for Winter Break Camps is open now! Scholarship registration is by phone only, call Guest Services at 303.370.6000, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Museum open until 9 on most Fridays

There will be no Friday evening hours on Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Jan. 12.

Can't make it to the Museum during the day? Come for an evening visit during Friday Evening Hours! The Museum is open until 9 p.m. and admission prices remain the same. As always, admission is free for our members. We look forward to kicking off the weekend with you.