Welcome to the Denver Natural Science Museum, where you’ll discover an exciting world of science and history. From fossils of prehistoric animals to the mysteries of outer space, this museum is a fascinating destination for all ages. With interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and engaging displays, visitors can explore the wonders of science in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery as we delve into the amazing exhibits and attractions at the Denver Natural Science Museum.
The Denver Natural Science Museum
The Denver Natural Science Museum, founded in 1900, is a popular science museum located in Denver, Colorado. The museum has evolved greatly over time, going from a small museum with limited collections to a leading scientific research institution with an extensive collection of specimens and over a million visitors annually.
History of the Museum
The Denver Natural Science Museum was established in 1900 by Edwin C. Hill, a local naturalist and teacher. Initially, the museum was a modest collection housed in a basement room of the Denver Public Library. The collection grew over the years, particularly under the guidance of Jesse Dade Figgins, who became the museum’s first director in 1908.
In 1918, the museum moved to a larger space and officially became the Denver Museum of Natural History. Over the years, the museum continued to grow in size and stature, acquiring more specimens and expanding its research programs. In 2000, the museum changed its name to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to better reflect its broad mission to inspire curiosity and excite minds about the natural world.
Collections and Exhibits
Today, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has an extensive collection of over 1.5 million objects, including fossils, minerals, and animal specimens. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from ancient history and dinosaurs to space and robotics. The most popular exhibit in the museum is the Wildlife Exhibits, featuring a wide range of animal dioramas that depict animals in their natural habitats.
One of the unique features of the museum is its hands-on approach to learning. Many exhibits, such as Space Odyssey with its interactive displays and virtual reality experiences, are designed to be immersive and engaging for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the museum has a planetarium that screens space documentaries and hosts live star shows.
Community Programs and Events
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science offers a wide array of educational resources and programs that engage and educate the local community. The museum’s community outreach programs include hands-on science activities, workshops, and lectures that help promote scientific curiosity and literacy.
The museum also hosts many community events throughout the year, such as the Denver Gem & Mineral Show, which brings together collectors, geologists, and enthusiasts from all over the world. Additionally, the museum has an extensive online collection of educational resources that includes lesson plans, videos, and podcasts that are available for free to educators and students.
Overall, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a must-see destination for anyone interested in science and the natural world. With its extensive collections, engaging exhibits, and community outreach, the museum is a premier institution for scientific research and public education.
Planning Your Visit to the Museum
Going to the Denver Natural Science Museum is a great way to spend an enjoyable day out for the whole family. Learn and appreciate more about the earth, space, animals, fossils and much more. Here’s what you should consider to make the most out of your visit to the museum.
Location and Hours
The Denver Natural Science Museum is situated at 2001 Colorado Boulevard in Denver and opens daily. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Mondays through Saturdays, the museum opens at 9 a.m., closes at 5 p.m. on normal weekdays and closes at 9 p.m. during Fridays. On Sundays, the museum’s opening time is 12 p.m. and it closes at 5 p.m. To enjoy a hassle-free visit, ensure you check the museum’s official website for hours of operation updates before you reach the museum. The museum’s website also indicates how to get to the venue using public transit or driving.
Guided Tours and Rentals
If you’re visiting the museum for the first time, using a guided tour service could make your experience more meaningful. Guides will take you through some of the museum’s fantastic exhibits and help you spot hidden gems that you might miss on your own. The museum provides two types of tours, the Discovery Tour, which is a self-guided tour ideal for families and the Highlights Tour guided tour, which includes fascinating narratives of the exhibits that are exclusive to the tour. To rent museum equipment or use a guided tour service, you should book in advance by contacting the museum via their official website.
Amenities and Accessibility
Selecting to visit the Denver Natural Science Museum is an ideal choice as it has top-notch amenities that add to the museum’s ambience. You’ll find restaurants, a coffee shop serving delicious snacks, a gift shop, and a big parking lot located near the museum’s entrance. The museum has a number of accessibility accommodations for people with disabilities, including wheelchair ramps and elevator access. To learn more information about the museum’s accessibilities, you should take time to review its official website, or reach out to a guest services representative.
If you’re looking to learn and grow together as a family, the Denver Natural Science Museum is the perfect place to do so. Ensure you’ve got all the relevant information about the museum’s location, hours of operation, admission prices, and other details before making any concrete plans. By following these tips and extras we have provided, you can have a smooth, stress-free and unforgettable visit to the Denver Natural Science Museum. Enjoy your visit!.
Behind the Scenes of the Museum
While the Denver Natural Science Museum is known for its impressive collections and exhibits, there is much more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye. Here are some of the most exciting aspects of the museum that visitors may not know about.
Research and Conservation Efforts
The Denver Natural Science Museum is committed to protecting and preserving the natural world. To that end, it has a robust research and conservation program that spans a wide range of scientific disciplines. Some of the ongoing projects include:
- Climate Change Research: The museum is studying how climate change is affecting different ecosystems and wildlife in Colorado and beyond.
- Wildlife Conservation: The museum partners with local and international organizations to protect endangered species and their habitats.
- Biodiversity Studies: Scientists at the museum are working to document and study the amazing range of species that exist around the world.
Visitors can learn more about the research and conservation efforts at the museum by attending talks, workshops, and other events.
Volunteer and Career Opportunities
For those who want to get involved with the museum’s mission on a more hands-on level, there are plenty of volunteer and career opportunities available. Some of the options include:
- Internships: The museum offers internships in a variety of fields, from curatorial work to marketing and communications.
- Docent Program: Docents are volunteers who lead tours and educational programs for visitors. This is a great opportunity for people who are passionate about science and enjoy working with the public.
- Full-Time Staff Positions: The museum is also frequently hiring for full-time staff positions in areas such as exhibit design, research, and education.
Whether you’re looking to gain experience in a particular field or make a career change into the science museum world, the museum has something for everyone.
Future Plans and Developments
As a dynamic institution, the Denver Natural Science Museum is always looking to the future and planning for new developments and exhibits. Some of the upcoming projects in the works include:
- An Expansion of the Space Science Exhibit: The museum is adding new interactive exhibits and experiences to its popular space science exhibit, including a virtual reality tour of the cosmos.
- A New Dinosaur Exhibit: The museum is revamping its dinosaur exhibit to incorporate the latest in scientific research and provide visitors with a more immersive experience.
- Freshwater Conservation Initiative: The museum is launching a new program focused on protecting freshwater ecosystems and the animals that depend on them.
These and other projects are sure to keep visitors coming back to the Denver Natural Science Museum for years to come.