The Museum of Nature and Science, then called the Colorado Museum of Natural History, first opened to the public in 1908 with just three collections. Over the years, through research and special exhibits, the museum has grown in size and prominence. Today, what started as a small museum is now an impressive institution with hundreds of exhibits and programs that attract over a million visitors yearly.
Visiting the Museum of Nature & Science
The Museum of Nature & Science is a maze of exhibits that will captivate the interest and imagination of children and adults alike. It spans three floors and is home to permanent and special exhibits, a discovery zone for kids, a planetarium, a theater, and a sky terrace. I added this site to my must-see list because it had good reviews, and I enjoy visiting science museums.
I visited this museum on a Saturday afternoon, and it was packed to the brim with families!! While I did anticipate the museum would be packed, I was not expecting the crowds I experienced. Some exhibits, like Space Odyssey, were so crowded that I didn’t stay long because it was a challenge to view the displays. I assume that weekdays or non-holiday weekends may be the better option to avoid the heavy crowding I ran into during my visit.
Despite the crowds, I enjoyed my visit and had the opportunity to explore a handful of the exhibits. The TeenRex exhibit had some fascinating fossils, and there was a fossil prep lab, but no scientists working on that day. Gems & Minerals and Konovalenko Gem Carvings had very interesting displays and were two of my favorite areas in the museum. Obviously, given my obsession with all things Ancient Egypt, I loved the Egyptian Mummies exhibit. The Wildlife Halls, a series of dioramas depicting wildlife and habitat scenes, are well-designed and span two floors.
On the day of my visit, the Museum of Nature & Science was hosting a special Poisons exhibit. This exhibit showcased poisonous animals and plants and contained displays of literary works featuring poisons. Two of my favorites were included in the literary works: Harry Potter and several works from Agatha Christie.
The museum has a panoramic sky terrace on the 4th floor that offers lovely views of the Denver skyline and the mountains out in the distance. This terrace is a great place to take a break and escape the crowds when visiting the museum.
The Museum of Nature and Science has so much to offer that you can easily spend a whole day there! In addition to all the exhibits, the Infinity Theater and Planetarium have several shows throughout the day.
The general admission ticket covers the permanent exhibits, but additional tickets are needed for temporary exhibits and the shows at the planetarium and theater.
Some discounts are available for those who qualify, and the museum has a handful of days when admission is free for all guests.
The Museum of Nature and Science is one of the sites covered by the Denver City Pass. Visit this post for more information on this pass and to see how much you can save on admission.
The museum offers many services for guests who need assistance and special accommodations. More information is available on the museum’s accessibility page.
If you are sensitive to noise, you may want to bring headphones or earplugs because it can get loud! The museum does provide noise-reducing headphones on a first-come, first-served basis, but it may be best to bring a pair in case they are not available.
Travel Tip
If you have time before or after your visit, the museum is next to City Park and near the Denver Zoo. On March 1st, 2025, the zoo will be added as an option in the Denver City Pass.
Resources
For additional information, visit the Museum of Nature and Science website.
Leave a Comment