CATALYST

This article was originally published on May 7, 2025 and has been revised to reflect updated information.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is embarking on one of the most ambitious renovations of a permanent exhibition in its history – an extraordinary effort to expand and reimagine its classic Coors Hall of Gems & Minerals.

Originally opened to the public in 1982, the Coors Hall of Gems & Minerals remains one of the Museum’s top three most-loved permanent exhibitions. This renovation is a rare opportunity to honor that legacy while igniting a fresh spark of wonder, learning and connection for generations to come.   

Thanks in large part to a generous, transformational gift from longtime Museum supporters Cathy and Peter Dea, the existing Coors Hall of Gems & Minerals is expanding by 50 percent and will be unveiled as the Dea Family Gems & Mineral Hall.  

The Dea Family Gems & Mineral Hall will offer a brand-new, awe-inspiring experience that aims to stimulate curiosity and — guided by the overarching theme “My World is Made of Minerals” — will change the way guests understand and appreciate the minerals that play a critical role in our daily lives.   

Inspired by our community's desire to be transported underground and experience minerals in their natural forms, the $30 million renovation will transform our guests’ Gems & Mineral Hall experience with cutting-edge technology, immersive environments and a renewed focus on the extraordinary world of minerals from Colorado and across the world. 

Q: Why are we reimagining Gems and Minerals? 

A: We are renovating the Gems & Minerals exhibition to reflect the vital role minerals play in our everyday lives — they support our health, build our world and make life as we know it possible. The reimagined space will feature dynamic, immersive environments and interactive exhibits that activate the senses through cutting-edge technology and design. Rooted in Colorado’s unique geology, the exhibition will celebrate the Rocky Mountains’ stunning and diverse mineral treasures that continue to shape our identity. As demand for minerals grows, the exhibition also highlights the importance of mining and the tradeoffs that come with it.

Q: What is the name of the new exhibition? 

A: The new exhibition will be called the Dea Family Gems & Mineral Hall, named in honor of the generous, transformational gift from Cathy and Peter Dea. Their support is making the renovation and expansion of the hall possible, creating an immersive and interactive experience that will inspire visitors to explore the beauty, applications and science of minerals. 

Q: Who are Cathy and Peter Dea? 

A: Cathy and Peter Dea are longtime supporters of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Peter is a geologist with a deep passion for earth sciences, while Cathy is a filmmaker whose work has been featured at the Museum’s giant-screen theater. Their decades-long relationship with the Museum includes board service, artistic contributions and philanthropic support. Peter served on the board, originally joining at the invitation of then-Gov. John Hickenlooper. Cathy directed two films that premiered at the Museum, and their family commissioned the “Snowmastodon” sculpture following the discovery of Ice Age fossils in Snowmass, Colorado. 

Q: How much will the new exhibition cost? 

A: The renovation and expansion of the Gems & Minerals Hall is a $30 million project, made possible by a transformational gift from Cathy and Peter Dea, as well as the generous contributions of other supporters and donors. The Dea family’s lead gift has played a critical role in bringing this vision to life, and ongoing fundraising efforts are underway to ensure the successful completion of this exciting new Museum experience. 

Q: What is the project timeline? 

A: Concept design for the new Gems & Minerals exhibition started in 2023, and final exhibit design intent and specimen casework design concluded in February 2025. Base building construction documents, content development, media design development and exhibit fabricator selection phases also occurred in 2025.

Q: When is the Gems & Minerals Hall closing for renovation?

A: It will close for deinstallation, renovations and expansion on April 15, 2026.

Q: Will the Museum remain open during the closure and construction? 

A: Yes! The Museum will remain open. The impacted areas will mostly be contained to the existing Gems & Minerals Hall and a few surrounding areas to minimize disruption to guest experiences in other exhibits. 

Q: When will the Dea Family Gems & Minerals Hall open?

A: It’s slated for completion and opening in 2027. 

Q: How will this renovation benefit the community? 

A: The renovation of the Gems & Minerals exhibit will provide an engaging and educational space for the community, offering hands-on experiences and immersive underground environments that bring Colorado’s rich mineral stories to life. By showcasing the Museum’s world-class mineral collection, the exhibit will inspire curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of how minerals shape our daily lives — from the food we eat to the technology we rely on. This revitalized space will serve as a dynamic learning hub, sparking interest and appreciation in science and Colorado’s unique geology for visitors of all ages. 

Q: What is changing and what is staying the same? 

A: The beloved Crystal Grotto and Sweet Home Mine will remain as part of the reimagined Dea Family Gems & Mineral Hall. The rest of the space, however, will be completely transformed with all-new immersive environments, interactive experiences and dynamic displays that bring Colorado’s rich mineral stories to life in fresh and exciting ways. Additionally, while some specimens from the current exhibit will be removed, new and exciting specimens will be added to showcase a broader and more diverse collection of minerals, highlighting their significance in both nature and our daily lives. 

With a mix of immersive environments, hands-on activities and breathtaking specimens, the Dea Family Gems & Minerals Hall will inspire curiosity and deepen visitors’ appreciation for the minerals that shape our world. 

Want to learn more or find out how you can get involved with the project? To learn more about who is supporting this transformational project and opportunities for how you can get involved, please visit the Gems & Minerals Hall Update page on our website.