Quick Info
Location: 2001 Colorado Blvd in City Park. Hours: 9am-5pm daily. Cost: $22.95 adults (exhibits only); IMAX and planetarium extra. Highlights: Dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies, Space Odyssey, wildlife dioramas.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science ranks among the top natural history museums in the country, and it's not hard to see why. The building in City Park houses millions of objects, from dinosaur skeletons to Egyptian mummies to gems and minerals, all presented with the kind of quality you'd expect from institutions in much larger cities.
Founded in 1900, the museum has grown into a sprawling complex that includes an IMAX theater and Gates Planetarium alongside the traditional exhibits. You could spend an entire day here and still not see everything, which makes planning your visit worthwhile.
Must-See Exhibits
Prehistoric Journey is the museum's signature experience. This chronological walk through Earth's history features some of the world's best dinosaur fossils, many excavated from Colorado sites. The T. rex skeleton is a proper showstopper, and the attention to scientific accuracy throughout is impressive.
Egyptian Mummies brings ancient Egypt to Denver with genuine mummies, artifacts, and the kind of immersive presentation that makes history tangible. The collection is surprisingly comprehensive for a museum this far from major Mediterranean collections.
Space Odyssey explores the cosmos from our solar system to the edges of the known universe. Interactive exhibits let you land a spacecraft, weigh yourself on different planets, and understand the science behind space exploration. It pairs perfectly with a Gates Planetarium show.
Wildlife Exhibits feature classic natural history dioramas showing animals in their habitats. The North American wildlife halls are particularly well done, with Colorado ecosystems getting special attention. These old-school displays remain powerful tools for understanding the natural world.
IMAX Theater
The IMAX theater here is one of the best in the region, with a massive screen and premium sound that makes nature documentaries genuinely immersive. The lineup rotates regularly, typically featuring films about wildlife, space, or natural phenomena that complement the museum's exhibits.
IMAX tickets are separate from general admission, so factor that into your budget if you want the full experience. Showtimes are scheduled throughout the day, making it easy to plan the film around your exhibit viewing.
Gates Planetarium
The planetarium uses cutting-edge digital projection to create stunning visualizations of the night sky and journeys through space. Shows range from tours of the solar system to explorations of black holes and the birth of stars. The quality rivals dedicated space centers.
Like IMAX, planetarium shows require separate tickets. Check the schedule ahead of time and book in advance for popular shows, especially on weekends. The Space Odyssey exhibit provides good context for the planetarium experience.
Planning Your Visit
The museum is large enough to be overwhelming without a plan. If you have limited time, prioritize Prehistoric Journey and one or two other areas that interest you. Trying to see everything in one visit leads to fatigue and diminishing returns.
Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Weekend afternoons can get busy, especially during school breaks. Arriving when doors open gives you the best chance to experience popular exhibits without crowds.
Free days: Colorado residents get free admission on certain days throughout the year. Check the museum website for the current schedule. These days are popular, so expect crowds.
Food: The T-Rex Cafe serves decent casual food at museum prices. You can also leave and re-enter with a hand stamp if you want to eat elsewhere.
City Park Location
The museum sits in City Park alongside the Denver Zoo, making it possible to combine both in a full day of exploration. The park itself is lovely - Denver's largest - with a lake, views of the mountains and downtown skyline, and plenty of space to relax after museum-going.
Parking is available at the museum for a fee. The park also has free street parking and lots, though these fill up on busy days. The location is a short drive or rideshare from downtown and most Denver neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I spend at the museum?
Plan for 3-4 hours to see the highlights, longer if you're adding IMAX or planetarium shows. A full day is possible if you want to be thorough.
Is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science good for kids?
Excellent. Discovery Zone is designed specifically for young children, and the dinosaurs, space, and wildlife exhibits engage kids of all ages. It's one of the best family destinations in Denver.
Is IMAX worth the extra cost?
If you enjoy documentary films, yes. The quality is excellent and the films often connect to museum themes. Budget an extra hour for the film plus pre-show browsing.
Can I do the Zoo and Museum in one day?
You can, but it's a long day. Both deserve proper attention, so consider splitting them across two visits unless you're committed to a marathon day.