Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a premier cultural institution in Denver, Colorado, dedicated to natural history, anthropology, and science education.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science in Denver, CO
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the most prominent museums in the Rocky Mountain region, featuring permanent and rotating exhibits focused on topics like paleontology, anthropology, health, zoology, and outer space. It is home to numerous educational programs, IMAX theater screenings, a planetarium, and special events. The museum also actively participates in scientific research, with an in-house team of scientists who contribute to ongoing discoveries and conservation efforts.
Located in City Park, this expansive museum offers interactive exhibits, hands-on learning, and exciting educational programs for visitors of all ages. From ancient fossils to space exploration, the museum provides a journey through the natural world, human history, and scientific discovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Denver Museum of Nature & Science?
The museum offers a variety of engaging exhibits and experiences that captivate visitors of all ages:
- Permanent Exhibits: Notable permanent exhibits include Prehistoric Journey (showcasing dinosaur fossils and prehistoric life), Egyptian Mummies, and Expedition Health, where visitors can explore the science of the human body. North American Wildlife and Space Odyssey are also popular attractions, providing interactive ways to learn about the natural world and the universe.
- Gems & Minerals: This dazzling exhibit showcases gemstones, minerals, and meteorites from around the world, including a colorful display of Colorado’s famous mineral specimens.
- IMAX Theater: The museum’s IMAX theater features giant-screen films on nature, wildlife, and space, giving visitors a larger-than-life view of scientific topics and the natural world.
- Gates Planetarium: The digital planetarium offers space-themed shows, where guests can explore the stars, planets, and galaxies in a captivating and immersive environment.
- Temporary Exhibits: The museum regularly hosts traveling exhibitions on topics like archaeology, climate science, and ancient civilizations, allowing visitors to experience something new with each visit.
- Hands-on Learning & Family Areas: The Discovery Zone is a dedicated area for younger children with interactive play spaces, puzzles, and science-themed activities, perfect for family visits.
What is nearby the Denver Museum of Nature & Science?
The museum’s location in City Park means there are several attractions within walking distance, along with scenic views of downtown Denver and the Rockies:
- Denver Zoo: Located adjacent to the museum, the Denver Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world and features immersive habitats and family-friendly activities.
- City Park: This beautiful urban park offers a lake, walking paths, picnic areas, and sweeping views of Denver’s skyline and the mountains. It’s a great place to relax before or after a visit to the museum.
- City Park Pavilion: A popular spot for events and gatherings, the City Park Pavilion is located near the museum and often hosts concerts, festivals, and outdoor events in the warmer months.
- Denver Botanic Gardens: A short drive away, this garden showcases plant species from across the globe, with themed gardens, art installations, and a conservatory.
- 16th Street Mall and Downtown Denver: Just a few miles from the museum, Denver’s downtown area offers shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as access to other cultural attractions like the Denver Art Museum and Union Station.
When was the Denver Museum of Nature & Science built?
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science was founded in 1900 by Edwin Carter, a naturalist and miner passionate about conserving the Rocky Mountain wildlife he loved. Initially named the Colorado Museum of Natural History, it began with Carter’s private collection of specimens and gradually grew as donations from other scientists and philanthropists expanded the museum’s offerings. In 1948, the name was changed to the Denver Museum of Natural History to reflect its regional focus, and later to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in 2000 to better encompass its broad scientific mission.
Today, the museum houses millions of artifacts, specimens, and research collections, making it one of the most important repositories of scientific knowledge in the Rocky Mountain region. It continues to grow with the support of the community, evolving with new exhibits, interactive learning spaces, and research initiatives.
How much does it cost to visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science?
General admission prices vary, with discounts for children, seniors, and students. Additional fees apply for special exhibits, IMAX movies, and planetarium shows. Colorado residents can often take advantage of free admission days.
How long does it take to go through the museum?
Most visitors spend 2-4 hours exploring the museum, depending on the number of exhibits they wish to see. Additional time may be needed if attending an IMAX movie, planetarium show, or special exhibition.