Tickets
General Admission
Members no longer need to reserve general admission tickets! Museum members can simply show their membership card for admission. General public guests are strongly encouraged to purchase advance tickets and bypass long lines at ticketing.
Museum Admission - Open 9 to 5 daily
- MEMBER admission is FREE. Present your member card for entry.
- Museum Admission tickets (paid or free) required with Planetarium and Infinity film ticket.
- The Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on most Fridays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Last entry time is 60 minutes before close.
- Children ages 0-2 do not need a ticket.
- Your tickets are attached to your confirmation letter and may be scanned from your phone.
- SCFD Community Free Days and December 25 are not selectable on the calendar. Free Days do not require a ticket.
The 2024 DMNS SCFD Free Days are:
- Monday, January 8th
- Sunday, January 28th
- Sunday, February 25th
- Sunday, April 28th
- Tuesday, June 4th (Free Night)
- Wednesday, June 19th
- Wednesday, August 21st (Free Night)
- Tuesday, September 10th (Free Night)
- Monday, September 30th
- Sunday, October 20th
- Monday, November 18th
- Sunday, December 8th
SNAP/Museums for All
$1 Museum Admission for up to 10 people in a party for those with a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) card. Proof of eligibility required–SNAP EBT Card. Please note: P-EBT and WIC cards will not be accepted. Summer EBT card is valid for (1) discounted youth admission ticket (3-18 year old).
Guests with a SNAP EBT card are also eligible to purchase a Family membership for $25. Each eligible individual may purchase one membership. Discount must be redeemed onsite and requires proof of eligibility – SNAP EBT Card (Summer EBT cards and P-EBT cards will not be accepted)
ASTC Passport Admission
Enjoy complimentary Museum admission for members of participating ASTC organizations located more than 90 miles from Denver and from where you live, for two adults and your children up to age 18. Everyone in your group needs a timed ticket, except children 0-2. Select your preferred day and time to visit. The Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most Fridays until 9 p.m.
Infinity Theater
The Museum's state-of-the-art giant screen theater includes a new lobby entrance with immersive finishes, an impressive new laser projector and sound system, new audio and visual accessibility features, enhanced programming, 2D and 3D capabilities and much more. Check out these 8 fun facts about the Giant Screen Infinity Theater.
Museum Admission is Required for Infinity Theater Shows
T.REX 3D
Experience the ultimate G.O.A.T. — Greatest of All Tyrants — as it roars to life on the giant screen in the film "T. REX." For over a century, the T. rex has reigned as the undisputed king of the dinosaurs. With state-of-the-art CGI and cutting-edge paleontological insights, this movie offers an unprecedented journey into the world of the T. rex and its fellow Cretaceous carnivores. This movie features scientists from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science unearthing a teenage T. rex. Don’t miss the chance to see the real-world fossil now on display in our temporary experience “Discovering Teen Rex.”
Blue Whales 3D
Take part in a breathtaking journey with “Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D.” In this giant screen film narrated by English actor Andy Serkis, you will explore the world of the magnificent blue whale, a species rebounding from the brink of extinction. Following two scientific expeditions — one to find a missing population of blue whales off the exotic Seychelles Islands, the other to chronicle whale families in Mexico’s stunning Gulf of California — this is an inspirational story that transforms our understanding of the largest animal ever to have lived. Joined by a cast of supporting characters, from dolphins and sperm whales to sea lions and orcas, don’t miss your opportunity to see the blue whale’s star moment on the giant screen!
"Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D" is produced and distributed by Oceanic Films, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and SK Films.
Blue Whales 3D (en español)
Entra en un viaje maritimo que te quitará el aliento con "Ballenas Azules: El retorno de los gigantes 3D". En esta película de pantalla gigante narrado por el actor inglés Andy Serkis, explorarás el mundo de la magnífica ballena azul, una especie que se está recuperando del borde de la extinción. Sigue dos expediciones científicas, una para encontrar una población perdida de ballenas azules en las exóticas Islas Seychelles y la otra para documentar familias de ballenas en el impresionante Golfo de California en México. La película es una historia inspiradora que nos permite comprender mejor al animal más grande que jamás haya existido.
Animal Kingdom 3D
“Animal Kingdom 3D” takes viewers on a wild adventure to celebrate what makes our natural world so spectacular. Through brilliant nature footage, the film introduces a wide cast of characters — cute penguins, wise elephants and quirky dung beetles — from the mightiest families of the animal kingdom. Travel across frozen snowy forests, under the scorching African sun and into the darkest depths of the ocean to find out why animals are the way they are. A fun-packed and educational journey, this is an immersive giant screen experience you do not want to miss!
Planetarium
Journey across the solar system.
One World One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
One World, One Sky is a brilliant spectacle of light and color that follows Sesame Street's Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a new friend from China. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the Moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. This cross-cultural adventure opens children's eyes to the sky, helping them see how people all over the world are connected.
- Children ages 0-2 do not need a ticket.
- Your tickets are attached to your confirmation letter and may be scanned from your phone.
- Wheelchair accessible tickets for this show can be purchased here.
- Limited availability per show. Advance tickets recommended,
- Individuals attending with someone in a wheelchair do not require a wheelchair accessible ticket.
Runtime 25 minutes.
Destination Solar System
Explore space like never before in the live show Destination Solar System!
This out of-this-world tour, departing from Gates Planetarium, takes place on board the Space Express. Travel hundreds of millions of miles in just seconds with Jesse, an enthusiastic, knowledgeable -but inexperienced- tour guide, and Max, a highly advanced, fully integrated onboard computer. Tours of the hottest hot spots and the coldest, stormiest, and most spectacular sights in the solar system await curious explorers of all ages.
- Children ages 0-2 do not need a ticket.
- Your tickets are attached to your confirmation letter and may be scanned from your phone.
- Wheelchair accessible tickets for this show can be purchased here.
- Limited availability per show. Advance tickets recommended.
- Individuals attending with someone in a wheelchair do not require a wheelchair accessible ticket.
Runtime 35 minutes
Cosmic Journey
Volcanoes tower 80,000 feet above a barren surface. Monstrous hurricanes rage for 400 years. And multicolored rings sit suspended in air.
In Cosmic Journey: A Solar system Adventure, you'll travel through our solar system faster than the speed of light, taking in the wonders of the planets and their moons.
- Children ages 0-2 do not need a ticket.
- Your tickets are attached to your confirmation letter and may be scanned from your phone.
- Wheelchair accessible tickets for this show can be purchased here.
- Limited availability per show. Advance tickets recommended.
- Individuals attending with someone in a wheelchair do not require a wheelchair accessible ticket.
Runtime 25 minutes
Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth narrated by Liam Neeson explores the inner workings of Earth's climate system. with visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
- Children ages 0-2 do not need a ticket.
- Your tickets are attached to your confirmation letter and may be scanned from your phone.
- Wheelchair accessible tickets for this show can be purchased here,
- Limited availability per show. Advance tickets recommended.
- Individuals attending with someone in a wheelchair do not require a wheelchair accessible ticket.
Runtime 25 minutes.
Black Holes
There's a place from which nothing escapes, not even light, where time and space literally come to an end. It's at this point, inside this fantastic riddle, that black holes exert their sway over the cosmos...and our imaginations. In this Museum-produced show, zip through other-worldly wormholes, experience the creation of the Milky Way Galaxy, and witness the violent death of a star and subsequent birth of a black hole. Mathematical equations, cutting-edge science, and Einstein's theories fill in holes along the way, providing the most complete picture yet on this mysterious phenomenon. Can you feel the pull?
- Children ages 0-2 do not need a ticket.
- Your tickets are attached to your confirmation letter and may be scanned from your phone.
- Wheelchair accessible tickets for this show can be purchased here.
- Limited availability per show. Advance tickets recommended.
- Individuals attending with someone in a wheelchair do not require a wheelchair accessible ticket.
Runtime 25 minutes.
Black Holes (en español)
Hay un lugar del que nada puede escapar, ni siquiera la luz, un lugar donde el tiempo y el espacio literalmente llegan a su fin. Es en ese punto, dentro de este enigma fantástico, donde los agujeros negros ejercen su poder sobre el cosmos... y sobre nuestra imaginación.
- Boletos para asientos accesibles para sillas de rueda se pueden comprar aquí.
- Disponibilidad limitada por funsión, se recomienda comprar los boletos por adelantado.
- Los acompañantes de personas en silla de rueda no requieren boleto de aceso a sillas de ruedas.
- Puede que los grupos tengan que sentarse en secciones diferentes o separados dependiendo de la disponibilidad.
Tiempo de ejecución 25 minutos
Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon (Requires Museum Admission)
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd's legendary album, "The Dark Side Of The Moon," in a mind-bending Planetarium experience like no other. Step into a mesmerizing world of music and visuals as you journey through the solar system and beyond. With state-of-the-art technology, NSC Creative and Pink Floyd's collaborator Aubrey Powell have crafted a visually stunning production that brings each song to life, blending futuristic aesthetics with nods to the band's iconic imagery.
Temporary Exhibitions
The Power of Poison
Explore the captivating and often paradoxical world of nature’s toxic arsenal in “The Power of Poison.” Through live performances and interactive dioramas, this spellbinding exhibition will take you into familiar and novel tales of illness, enchantment and death by poison.
Learn about the many plants and animals living deep in the Colombian forest that use poison as a vital tool for defense and survival. Find out how studying poison’s effects on human cells can help scientists figure out how to protect, repair and heal our own bodies and improve our health. Whether used as a defense against predators, a source of magical strength or a lifesaving medical treatment, "The Power of Poison” is sure to surprise you at every turn!
Animals of the Rainforest
Discover the wonders of the rainforest and meet its incredible inhabitants. At "Animals of the Rainforest," you'll encounter fascinating live animals, from sloths to reptiles and amphibians. Witness expert animal care demonstrations, learn about conservation efforts, and get up close with these extraordinary creatures.
For families, there's plenty to explore. Climb on life-sized animal replicas and tree sculptures for a fun and memorable experience. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the rainforest's biodiversity and have a blast doing it!
Events
School Break Camps
Cosmic Countdown: A Stellar New Years Celebration
Join us for an out-of-this-world Cosmic Countdown! Perfect for young space explorers who want to ring in the New Year without staying up until midnight. Suit up like a scientist and strut down the Milky Way red carpet! Blast off mini rockets, make your own space themed drink, and dance to the cosmic beats. As we count down to our celestial celebration, enjoy demonstrations that are truly out of this world. Don’t miss this chance to create magical memories in a stellar setting while kicking off the New Year festivities.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
This event does not include general admission to DMNS, and folks wanting to stay and explore will need to purchase GA at the front of the museum after the event.
Digital Earth – The Saga of Our Energy Sources
Come with us from the whaling fleets of New England to the coal mines of Colorado to learn where our energy has come from in the past, and how we power our society today. Have you ever wondered where your gasoline, electricity, or overall energy supply comes from? We’ll delve into the historical evolution of energy development in the Rocky Mountain region, bringing the story to life with immersive 360-degree imagery and flyover visualizations in the Gates Planetarium. Discover the compelling tales behind the energy resources we often take for granted—from the days of wood and kerosene to today’s advanced electric grids and pipeline networks. These essential systems support our everyday comfort and well-being, yet their complexities often go unnoticed. Hosted by Dr. KaChun Yu & Bob Raynolds This event will also set the stage for a follow-up program in Spring 2025, where we’ll focus on the future of energy and the pathways that will guide us through the ongoing energy transition. Come gain a deeper understanding of what truly powers our modern lives.
High-Octane Lecture Series: Women and Power: The Pañamarca Discovery – An Evening with DMNS Director of Anthropology - Michele Koons, Ph.D.
Get your tickets now for an in-depth look at “one of 2024's most important archaeological discoveries” (New York Times). Dr. Michele Koons, DMNS’ Director of Anthropology, will explore the groundbreaking work behind this find, highlighting the powerful women depicted in painted images adorning the architecture at the Moche archaeological site of Pañamarca, Peru. What is a High-Octane Lecture? The High-Octane Lecture series at DMNS offers an engaging deep dive into a specific topic, paired with a specialty cocktail. After a brief lecture, the audience votes on what they’d like to explore further, shaping the second half of the talk. Guests are encouraged to stay afterward for continued conversation with the speaker. Get your tickets now – make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the work that DMNS is doing all over the world!
*Drinks and light snacks will be available for purchase at this event.*
Winter Educators Night
Educators, you're invited! Come enjoy a FREE night out at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science that celebrates the many wonderful people who work in education. Enjoy the Museum and learn how we can serve you and your students over free food and a cash bar. Plus-ones welcome!
60 Minutes in Space
FREE
No reservations required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Explore breaking space news with space scientists and hear the latest updates on missions exploring the solar system, rocket launches, cutting edge astronomy, and more. This evening's presentation is by Curator of Space Sciences Dr. Ka Chun Yu. Please use the West Entrance of the Museum.
Girls and Science
Join us for the Girls & Science Kick Off Event to meet the mentors and participate in hands-on STEM activities. Come explore the many diverse opportunities a future career in science, technology, engineering, and math can bring. Bring the whole family for a night all about igniting a passion for science—try it on, test it out, and play! Programming will run from 4:00-8:00pm. The museum will remain open until 9:00pm. Girls & Science knows that if girls can see it, they can dream it and BE it! Connecting girls with women mentors in STEM careers to then allow girls to ask questions, get inspired, and explore the many diverse opportunities a future career in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math can bring! The annual Girls & Science event is hosted by the Museum, CBS Colorado, and Girls Inc. of Metro Denver. You can also tune into CBS News Colorado throughout the month of March to see ongoing coverage of Girls & Science. Learn more at http://cbscolorado.com/girlsandscience.
Girls & Science would not be possible without our generous supporters and sponsors!