Denver Museum of Nature & Science Opens Sturm Family Wing Tuesday, Sept. 1,
Invites All of Denver to Gather, Explore and Celebrate Its Newest Evolution
Invites All of Denver to Gather, Explore and Celebrate Its Newest Evolution
DENVER (Aug. 17, 2026) — The Denver Museum of Nature & Science will welcome the community to the newly renovated Sturm Family Wing on Sept. 1, inviting Denver residents to experience revitalized spaces designed for connection, learning and community gathering. The grand opening celebration will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Made possible by a $20 million gift from the Sturm Family Foundation, the largest private donation in the Museum’s history, the Sturm Family Wing includes enhancements to the Sturm Family Plaza and Sturm Infinity Theater and Lobby. The renewed spaces provide welcoming settings for community events, exploration and discovery, extending the Museum’s mission beyond its walls, day and night.
“The Sturm Family Wing is a gift to Denver — a place where science, nature and community converge,” said George Sparks, President & CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. “We are deeply grateful to the Sturm Family Foundation for the vision and generosity that made this transformation possible. These transformed spaces belong to the community, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone from near and far.”
A Legacy Honored, A Future Launched
The Sturm Family Wing honors the enduring legacy of the Sturm family and their commitment to strengthening the Denver community.
“Our family has always seen the Museum as a place for everyone to enjoy, and we are grateful to collaborate on this transformative renovation,” said Susan Sturm, Chair of the Sturm Family Foundation. “The Museum brings the world to Denver and through these spaces and programs, we hope everyone has the opportunity to follow their curiosity, expand their understanding and be inspired by the world around them.
The Sturm Family Wing is the culmination of a multi-phase renovation that began with the transformation of the Sturm Infinity Theater in 2022 and concluded this spring with the renovation of the Sturm Infinity Lobby and Sturm Family Plaza. The grand opening also marks the launch of a yearlong series of programs and events in these enhanced spaces.
The renovation introduces new amenities, including:
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A reimagined Sturm Family Plaza with flexible outdoor space for public gatherings, community events and performances.
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A welcoming new Sturm Infinity Lobby offering improved access to the Sturm Infinity Theater and supports new opportunities for hosting private events while accentuating historic architectural characteristics.
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Enhanced accessibility features, including new ramps, upgraded elevator service and a new sidewalk connecting surrounding neighborhoods and bus riders to the Museum
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Infrastructure upgrades that support year-round outdoor programming and community use.
Grand Opening Celebration: Free Admission Sept. 1, 4–9 p.m.
The public is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the Sturm Family Wing with a free evening event beginning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Museum admission is free all evening. Tickets for Penguins: A Love Story and other giant-screen films are sold separately and available at dmns.org. Guests can explore dinosaur fossils from the Museum’s collections, participate in hands-on activities, enjoy live science demonstrations and experience the new gathering spaces throughout the wing. Visitors can also enjoy dinner from the T.REX Cafe and live music on the plaza with food and beverage available for purchase.
The celebration will feature:
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Free Museum admission, including the Changing Landscapes traveling exhibition (giant screen film tickets sold separately)
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Large-scale, visually stunning science demonstrations on the plaza
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Mr. Bones the Paleopuppeteer, bringing prehistoric creatures to life for guests of all ages
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Collections “show & tell” with Museum scientists sharing rare specimens and discoveries
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Hands-on science activities for families and children
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Live music throughout the evening
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Food and drink available for purchase
Sturm Infinity Theater Programming
Coinciding with the plaza grand opening, the Museum’s newly enhanced, giant screen Sturm Infinity Theater will debut Penguins: A Love Story, a heartwarming film that follows one of nature’s most devoted partnerships across Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes. Tickets for Penguins: A Love Story are available at dmns.org.