Destination guide for Denver’s Museum of Nature & Science.
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 list of must-see attractions as I have a passion for museums, plus it had positive visitor reviews.
I visited this museum on the Saturday afternoon of Labor Day Weekend, and it was mayhem. It felt like every nook and cranny was filled with guests! While I had anticipated that the museum would be packed, in some exhibits, like Space Odyssey, the sheer number of people got overwhelming. It may be best to visit during non-peak times, like weekdays or early in the morning on weekends.
Despite the crowds, I enjoyed my visit and recommend this site to anyone who loves science, as well as to families with children. My favorite exhibits were the following: TeenRex, Gems & Minerals, Konovalenko Gem Carvings, and Egyptian Mummies. Each of these was well-curated, featured captivating displays, and the TeenRex exhibit even had a fossil prep lab.
The Museum of Nature and Science is located on the eastern edge of City Park, about 20 minutes away from Downtown Denver. I spent about two hours exploring the exhibits, yet one can easily spend a whole day at this site. Not only are there numerous exhibits, but the museum is also home to the Infinity Theater and Planetarium, which have several shows throughout the day. Parking is plentiful, and for those relying on public transportation, there is a bus stop a short walk from the main entrance.
General admission tickets cover permanent exhibits, but additional tickets are needed for temporary exhibits and the shows at the planetarium and theater. Discounts are available for those who qualify, and there are a few days when admission is free for all.
The Museum of Nature and Science is one of the sites included in the Denver City Pass, a great way to save money when visiting several of Denver’s must-see attractions.
The museum provides various services for guests who require assistance or special accommodations. For more information, visit the museum’s accessibility page.
If you are sensitive to noise, I suggest bringing noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs because it can get loud! The museum provides noise-reducing headphones on a first-come, first-served basis, but it is recommended to bring your own in case they are not available.
Special Exhibits
Alongside its many permanent exhibits, the Museum of Nature and Science hosts special exhibits throughout the year. During my visit, the museum was hosting two special exhibits, but I only had time to explore one.
On the day of my visit, the museum was hosting a special Poisons exhibit, which 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 by Agatha Christie.
Views From the Top
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.
Travel Tip
If you have time before or after your visit, the museum is located in City Park and situated near the Denver Zoo, another site included in the Denver City Pass.
Resources
For additional information, visit the Museum of Nature and Science website.
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