Denver Museum of Nature and Science


Denver Museum of Nature and Science

 

This hotspot stood out as an obvious first choice as my inaugural post for Native’s Guide to Colorado. From it’s intrinsic enjoyability, to it’s historical value for both state and humanity, to its fond and memorable connections for this Colorado Native from as far back as I can remember, one could do worse than the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for a genuine Colorado day trip. 


 

The “What” 


Opened in 1908, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) began as a humble-but-impressive collection prescribed by local collectors of wildlife and minerals. Located at 20th and

Colorado Boulevard, this museum has continued to grow over the years into a treasured collection of fascinating permanent and temporary exhibits, and a true gem among Colorado’s favored exploration destinations. 


This tri-level museum greets you with a magnificent, selfie-worthy T-Rex display upon entry, ushering you into the Space Odyssey exhibit. New to this exhibit is the “After the Asteroid” display, denoting the recent, locally-celebrated Corral Bluffs, Colorado Springs excavation of fossils offering evidence to how life may have evolved after the devastating, dinosaur-extinguishing Chicxulub asteroid collision. The first floor also offers the ever-fascinating and enticing Coors Gems and Minerals Hall, bedazzled with rare gems and minerals from Colorado and from around the world, along with the history and science of each. Also on the first floor, one can find: 

·      Insect and butterfly displays

·      Gates Planetarium

·      Museum gift shop

·      T-Rex café (excellent, buffet-style lunch option)

 

On floor 2 resides the new Infinity Theater, the successor of the long-loved, giant IMAX theater, with showings of renown nature and history showings. Expedition Health takes us on a journey into the human body and anatomy, with many fun and interactive exhibits along the way which are fun for both adults and children. The second floor also boasts an impressive and well-organized collection of still-life wildlife display halls such as:

·      Bears and Sea Mammals

·      South Pacific Island Wildlife

·      Australian wildlife

·      North American Wildlife

 

 

Level three excitedly greets us with one of the Denver Museum for Nature and Science’s most impressive exhibits: Egyptian Mummies. Here lie 2900- and 2400-year-old female mummies, who have been carefully studied over their years on display, along with one’s ancient pet cat’s mummified remains. This exhibit walks guests through the fascinating history, religion, and process of mummification. Also on floor 3 is the awe-inspiring Prehistoric Journey, where a gripping collection is organized to walk guests through the beginning of life on earth, through the era of the dinosaurs. Other 3rd floor fun includes: 

·      Still-life displays of:

o   local Colorado wildlife

o   Botswana wildlife

o   Birds of America and South America

·      Special exhibits gallery, containing the current temporary exhibits (from guitars, to flying simulators, to insects, to, in this case, deep water ecosystem exploration)

 


The “How” 

 

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science Currently limits its capacity, per post-COVID safety measures. It’s highly recommended to purchase timed tickets ahead of time on the website. The timed ticket limits only what time you arrive, but not how long you wish to stay. Extra fees include Gates Planetarium, showings at the Infinity Theater, and other special exhibits. Earlier arrival times come at a non-peak discount, and save you the trouble of maneuvering crowded exhibit halls. There is free parking around the building, including an underground parking garage.

 

Happening Now

 

The new Infinity Theater is currently showing "Serengeti," a look at life for the diverse ecosystem in Eastern Africa, and "Ocean Odyssey." The temporary exhibits on display include "After the Asteroid" and "Unseen Oceans," a look at the ecosystem in the deepest parts of the ocean.

 

Native Love

The DMNS holds a fond place in my native Colorado heart, from field trips, to family excursions, to fun date ideas, to learning about the history of my beloved state and the planet simultaneously. I’m certain it will continue to serve an endearing place of recreation and education for generations to come, and a crowning monument to exhibit the tireless work of scientists past, present, and future. 

DMNS Main Website: https://www.dmns.org/




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