East Wing Project
A remarkable transformation is underway
The Museum is thrilled to announce the launch of the East Wing Project, a visionary initiative made possible by a generous $20 million gift from the Sturm Family Foundation—the largest private donation to the Museum in its history. This project will rejuvenate our historic theater, lobby and plaza, ushering in a new era of possibilities for our community. The updated venue will feature a new elevator and ramps to enter and exit the atriums to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, revolutionizing the way everyone engages with the Museum and City Park.
Important Guest Information
- Infinity Theater will be closed April 8 – August 2025
- "Egyptian Mummies" will be closed April 16 – May 2.
- The rest of the Museum is open during construction! Temporary lane closures will change traffic flow and pedestrian access on the Museum’s east side through late 2025.
- Beginning April 8, vehicles should enter and exit the Museum parking lot from 22nd and 23rd Avenues.
- Pedestrians arriving from Montview and Colorado Blvds. will be directed along accessible pathways to the Museum’s School Group (South) Entrance, which will be open to all guests daily during Museum hours.
- School groups will continue to use the School Group (South) Entrance. Please note that bus parking may be impacted during certain periods of construction. Bus drivers may be asked to find alternative parking arrangements on our busiest days. We apologize for the inconvenience but rest assured Museum staff will be available onsite to assist bus drivers with the new traffic pattern and to help students drop off and pick up safely.
Location of Work
Conceptual Renderings
Project Timeline
With the state-of-the-art Infinity Theater unveiled in early 2023, the first phase of the project is already complete. This cutting-edge venue boasts an advanced projection system, improved accessibility features, a level stage for lectures and performances and a refreshed lobby that enhances the overall guest experience.
With the groundbreaking on April 8, the second phase will be officially underway. To enhance accessibility, the project will introduce a new sidewalk connecting surrounding neighborhoods and bus riders to the north entrance. Additionally, new accessibility ramps will provide a seamless connection between the plaza and the Museum on the east side. The elevator serving the Infinity Theater and lobby from the plaza will also be upgraded to ensure smooth, barrier-free access. The Museum's east plaza will also offer a welcoming space for park visitors to gather, eat and connect with the Museum in new ways.
For much of the Museum’s history, the East Wing and Plaza have served as unofficial gathering spaces for the community. The East Wing Project seeks to restore and enhance this tradition, welcoming Museum guests and passersby to gather, eat and connect with the Museum in new ways.
The renovated spaces will be home to innovative programming that draws on the Museum’s vast expertise. Visitors of all ages can look forward to feature film nights, speaker series with local and national experts and hands-on experiences that highlight Museum collections in new and exciting ways. The renovated plaza will also give Museum guests, park visitors and the community access to the Museum's T-Rex café to enjoy while relaxing on the beautiful plaza.