Welcome to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science – a place where you can explore the wonders of nature in a fun and interactive way. From fascinating exhibits to thrilling events, this museum offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an animal lover, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for a day of adventure, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has got you covered. So, come along and discover the mysteries of the universe and the beauty of our planet through our exhibits, collections, and programs.
Explore the Denver Museum of Natural Science
The Denver Museum of Natural Science is a world-renowned destination for those interested in discovering the wonders of the natural world. With its diverse range of exhibits and collections, the museum strives to inspire curiosity and spark a love for learning. The mission of the museum is to inspire people of all ages to explore the natural world by fostering a love of science and nature, providing education and scientific resources, and promoting an understanding of the human relationship with the environment.
A Brief History and the Museum’s Mission
The Denver Museum of Natural Science was founded in 1900 and has since grown to become one of the largest natural history museums in the United States. The museum has a long history of research, education, and exhibit-related programs in the areas of anthropology, zoology, geology, and paleontology. The museum provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the natural world through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and research collections. The museum’s mission is to inspire curiosity and discovery of the natural world through education, research, and conservation.
Collections and Exhibits
The collections housed at the museum are vast and diverse, reflecting the wide range of research and education programs available. The museum collection includes over 1.6 million specimens of minerals, fossils, plants, and animals, with notable highlights such as the largest exhibit of dinosaurs in the United States. The Anthropology Department at the museum houses over 35,000 artifacts from around the world, including art and textiles, tools and weapons, and ceremonial objects. Additionally, the Space Science Department offers a range of interactive exhibits and displays exploring the dynamic and complex nature of space.
The museum’s exhibits bring the natural world to life in an engaging and interactive way. From the Prehistoric Journey exhibit that immerses visitors in the world of dinosaurs, to the Gems and Minerals exhibit featuring a stunning collection of gems and minerals from around the world, the museum offers something for everyone. Visitors can also explore other exhibits such as Expedition Health, where they can learn about the human body and the science of health and fitness. And the Space Odyssey exhibit, which explores the mysteries and wonders of the universe.
Visitor Information
The museum is open seven days a week, with extended hours offered during peak tourist season. Admission fees vary based on age, with discounts available for seniors, students, and military personnel. Parking is available on site for a fee, and visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance, including checking the museum’s website for any current hours adjustments or closures. Visitors should also plan to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing as the museum covers a large area and visitors are encouraged to explore all of the exciting exhibits the museum has to offer.
The Denver Museum of Natural Science is one of the premier science museums in the country and caters to visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a natural science enthusiast or just looking for an educational activity for the family, the museum is sure to inspire and entertain.
Anthropology Exhibits
The Denver Museum of Natural Science is home to some of the most beautiful and informative anthropology exhibits in the country. The anthropology exhibits present the lives and history of people from different cultures and time periods. From Native Americans to ancient Egyptians, there is something for everyone to discover.
The Life of Native Americans
The museum has dedicated a section to showcase the history and lifestyle of Native American tribes. You will see the diversity of their cultures, learned about their traditions, and understand their way of life. The exhibit includes reconstructed dwellings that represent various tribes and their way of living, including the Puebloans of the Southwest, the Plains Indians, and the Northwest Coastal Indians.
Aside from the reconstructed dwellings, the exhibit also features interactive displays and artifacts that offer insight into the daily lives of the Native American people. A variety of tools, clothing, jewelry, and utensils are on display, and visitors have the opportunity to explore their unique meaning and usage.
Egyptian Mummies and Artifacts
The history of ancient Egypt is a fascinating subject for people of all ages. Immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of ancient Egyptian civilization through the collection of mummies, tombs, and artifacts featured in the museum’s exhibits.
The museum has an extensive collection of genuine Egyptian artifacts on display, including sarcophagi, mummies, and everyday objects used by the ancient Egyptians. You will learn about their beliefs, religious practices, and way of life. In addition, the museum features an interactive exhibit where visitors can explore an Egyptian tomb and learn about its contents.
Paleoindian and Other Fossils
The Denver Museum of Natural Science has an impressive collection of fossils that allows visitors to learn about and understand prehistoric lifeforms that roamed the earth millions of years ago. The exhibit features skeletons of various prehistoric animals, including dinosaurs and other extinct animals.
You will witness their natural habitats come to life in the reconstruction and habitat exhibits, such as the Cretaceous period’s ancient forest. Visitors can also watch fossil preparators at work as they remove the rock from the dinosaur bones in the paleo lab, giving you an up-close look at the painstaking work involved in preserving and studying fossils.
In conclusion, the anthropology exhibits featured in the Denver Museum of Natural Science provide visitors with an inside look into different cultures and lifestyles. Whether you are interested in ancient Egypt, Native American history, or prehistoric life, the various exhibits allow visitors to learn, explore, and even interact. The museum is a true immersive and educational experience for kids and adults alike.
Space Science Exhibits
If you are someone who has always been fascinated by the mysteries of space, then the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Space Science Exhibits is something you won’t want to miss. This part of the museum takes you on a journey through our solar system and beyond. Here are some of the amazing exhibits that you can experience.
Planetary Exploration
One of the highlights of this exhibit is its focus on the ongoing missions to explore the planets, moons, and asteroids. You can learn about NASA’s latest projects and see models of famous spacecraft, such as the Voyager and Mars Rovers. The interactive displays allow you to discover the features of different planets and the challenges of space exploration. You can encounter meteorites and even touch a piece of the moon! All of these experiences help spark curiosity and inspire the inner astronaut in you.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Do you wonder about what lies beyond our solar system? Here, you can delve deeper and explore the universe beyond our own little corner of space. You can learn about celestial objects such as stars and galaxies and how astrophysicists make discoveries about them. The exhibit even dives into fascinating topics such as black holes and dark matter. With a variety of interactive displays and exhibits, you can learn about the latest theories and discoveries in this ever-changing field of study.
The Gates Planetarium
Perhaps the biggest draw of this exhibit is The Gates Planetarium, which offers a truly immersive experience. You can marvel at the detailed, realistic projection of the night sky, and even travel through time and space. You’ll feel as if you are in the middle of the cosmos, witnessing cosmic phenomena such as exploding supernovas and colliding galaxies. And if you’ve ever tried to stargaze from a populated area, then the planetarium provides the perfect solution by giving you a glimpse of the clear night sky with constellations and planets that are visible throughout the year.
Overall, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Space Science Exhibits offer a unique and engaging way to learn about what’s out there. Whether you’re looking to learn about our own solar system or explore the vast expanse of the universe, there is something for everyone. So, take a journey to the stars, and let this exhibit spark your imagination and ignite a sense of wonder about our universe.
Zoology Exhibits
The Denver Museum of Natural Science is home to a variety of zoology exhibits that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the diversity of animal life. These exhibits showcase animals from different parts of the world and provide insight into their unique characteristics and behaviors. The zoology exhibits are divided into several sections that offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of zoology.
The Diversity of Animals
The first section of the zoology exhibit introduces visitors to a wide range of animals, including insects, birds, mammals and reptiles. Visitors can get up close and personal with these animals and learn about their habitats, behaviors, and adaptations. This section of the exhibit is perfect for young children who are learning about the animal kingdom for the first time. Kids can interact with the exhibits and take part in fun activities that teach them about the different types of animals.
North American Wildlife
The North American wildlife exhibit showcases the beauty and diversity of the wildlife that is found in North America. Visitors can see animals like the snowy owl, the elusive mountain lion, and the majestic bald eagle up close and learn about their conservation status and challenges. The exhibit also provides information about the different habitats these animals live in and highlights the importance of preserving these habitats to protect North American wildlife.
Ocean Life and Conservation
The ocean life and conservation section of the zoology exhibit takes visitors on a journey into the world of marine life. Visitors can discover the fascinating creatures that live in our oceans, from the smallest plankton to the largest whales. This section of the exhibit also highlights the threats that marine life faces, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Visitors can learn about the efforts being made to protect ocean life and the steps they can take to help protect the oceans.
Overall, the zoology exhibits at the Denver Museum of Natural Science offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the world of animal life. Visitors of all ages can learn about the diversity of animal life, the threats they face, and the steps we can take to protect them.
Educational Programs and Events
If you are looking for an educational and fun experience for your family or school group, the Denver Museum of Natural Science is the perfect destination. With a variety of educational programs and events, you can enhance your knowledge of the natural world while having an enjoyable time.
School Field Trips and Programs
The museum offers a range of educational programs and resources for school groups, catering to every interest and grade level. The guided tours are led by knowledgeable experts who will take you through the museum’s exhibitions, providing insight and commentary along the way. You can also enjoy workshops and curriculum-based activities that are tailored to your class and content needs. These programs focus on topics such as biodiversity, earth science, and space exploration, among others.
Science Exhibitions and Lectures
The DMNS is renowned for its special exhibitions and lectures, which feature some of the best minds in the scientific community. From paleontology to astrophysics, you can discover the latest findings and understandings in the fields of science. Whether you are a science enthusiast or just curious, these events can help to broaden your understanding and perspective on the natural world.
Family-Friendly Activities and Workshops
Plan your perfect family day out with the range of activities available at the DMNS. Children of all ages will enjoy participating in hands-on workshops and science experiments, such as building a volcano or learning about dinosaurs. You can also take a nature walk around the museum’s beautiful grounds or enjoy a storytelling session, immersing yourself and your family in the magic of the natural world.
No matter your age or interest, the Denver Museum of Natural Science has something for everyone. With educational programs and events designed to captivate your imagination and enhance your knowledge, you can experience the wonders of the natural world like never before.