Sturm Family Wing
Meet the new Sturm Family Wing
As custodians of centuries past and preserver of possibilities to come, we believe adapting to our environment isn’t reserved for what’s on display – it’s what we must do too.
Meet the new Sturm Family Wing: a community gathering place.
Part curiosity lab. Part classroom. Part cultural commons. A space built for learning and sharing. For inspiration and imagination. For neighbors and newcomers, first dates and families, school groups and stargazers. Anyone and everyone who has ever looked up, around or within to wonder why or how.
Here, discovery is an experience best shared.
This is a place where science comes outside to play. Where you can explore the natural world through sight, sound and touch, instead of through glass. A spot for evening cocktails under the stars, live music and science demos, family festivals, hands-on workshops and after-hours events.
This is also a space you’re invited to make your own. From hosting your dream wedding to organizing a company holiday party they’ll always remember, special birthday or anniversary, here, there’s room for it all.
Because life is more than the things you learn. It’s the stories you share. Welcome.
Made possible by the generous support of the Sturm Family Foundation.
Step Inside the Sturm Family Wing
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sturm Family Plaza is free and open to everyone daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., following City Park hours. No Museum admission is required to enjoy the Plaza.
No tickets are required to visit the Sturm Family Plaza. The plaza is free and open to everyone during City Park hours (5 a.m.- 11 p.m.).
You can see current showings here.
You can see upcoming events here.
The Sturm Family Lobby is not open for general public access. It is available during select Museum programs and events, as well as for private rentals and special bookings.
The T. Rex Cafe is accessible from the Sturm Family Plaza during Museum hours, so you can stop in for food and beverages. You're welcome to enjoy your meal inside the Cafe or take it outside to dine on the Sturm Family Plaza.
Conceptual Renderings
Project Timeline
With the state-of-the-art Infinity Theater unveiled in early 2023, the first phase of the project is already complete. This cutting-edge venue boasts an advanced projection system, improved accessibility features, a level stage for lectures and performances and a refreshed lobby that enhances the overall guest experience.
With the groundbreaking on April 8, 2025, the second phase will be officially underway. To enhance accessibility, the project will introduce a new sidewalk connecting surrounding neighborhoods and bus riders to the north entrance. Additionally, new accessibility ramps will provide a seamless connection between the plaza and the Museum on the east side. The elevator serving the Infinity Theater and lobby from the plaza will also be upgraded to ensure smooth, barrier-free access. The Museum's east plaza will also offer a welcoming space for park visitors to gather, eat and connect with the Museum in new ways.
For much of the Museum’s history, the East Wing and Plaza have served as unofficial gathering spaces for the community. The East Wing Project seeks to restore and enhance this tradition, welcoming Museum guests and passersby to gather, eat and connect with the Museum in new ways.
The renovated spaces will be home to innovative programming that draws on the Museum’s vast expertise. Visitors of all ages can look forward to feature film nights, speaker series with local and national experts and hands-on experiences that highlight Museum collections in new and exciting ways. The renovated plaza will also give Museum guests, park visitors and the community access to the Museum's T-Rex café to enjoy while relaxing on the beautiful plaza.