Denver Museum of Nature & Science

From T. rex skeletons to planetarium shows, DMNS packs Colorado's natural history and cutting-edge science into one massive building. The dinosaur exhibits alone are worth the visit, but the Egyptian mummies, space science, and IMAX theater make this an all-day destination.

Must-See Exhibits

Prehistoric Journey: The dinosaur hall is the star. Real fossils, full skeletons, and interactive displays trace life from the earliest organisms through the age of dinosaurs. The T. rex skull cast and Stegosaurus skeleton are highlights.

Space Odyssey: Mars rovers, space station modules, and interactive space science. The planetarium shows are worth the extra ticket - the dome projection system is immersive.

Egyptian Mummies: Real mummies and artifacts from ancient Egypt. The preservation and display are excellent, with context about Egyptian culture and beliefs.

Wildlife Exhibits: Classic natural history dioramas with taxidermied animals in habitat recreations. The North American wildlife hall is particularly impressive.

IMAX & Planetarium

The IMAX theater shows nature documentaries and special releases on a massive screen. Worth the extra $8 if there's a film that interests you.

The Gates Planetarium runs multiple shows daily, from kid-friendly space adventures to more technical astronomy presentations. Check the schedule and book ahead - popular shows sell out.

Planning Your Visit

Budget 3-4 hours for a full visit, longer with IMAX and planetarium. The museum is massive - you can't see everything in one trip.

Weekday mornings are least crowded. Summer and school holidays bring families, but the space handles crowds well.

The on-site cafe is decent for museum food. City Park has picnic areas if you want to bring lunch.