Sturm Family Wing
See what’s possible when our community comes together
Come explore our newest evolution. Part curiosity lab. Part classroom. Part cultural commons. A space built for learning and sharing. For inspiration and imagination. For neighbors and newcomers, first dates and families, school groups and stargazers. Anyone and everyone who has ever looked up, around or within to wonder why or how.
The Sturm Family Wing includes the Sturm Family Plaza, Sturm Infinity Lobby and Sturm Infinity Theater. Together, this collection of thoughtfully reimagined spaces creates a place we invite you to make your own. Whether you’re watching a documentary about dinosaurs, enjoying a world-renowned author discussion, sipping curated cocktails in the cosmos, designing a memorable hosted event and so much more, there’s room for it all.
Life is more than the things you learn. It’s the stories you share.
Welcome.
Discovery is an experience best shared.
Free Night: Sturm Family Wing Grand Opening
Tuesday, Sept. 1 | 4-9 p.m.
Museum admission is free all evening. Open to everyone, no registration required.
Join us as we open the Sturm Family Wing, made possible by the Sturm Family Foundation. Explore the new Sturm Family Plaza, where you can try hands-on activities, watch live science demonstrations and listen to live music while enjoying outdoor dining from the T.REX Cafe. For an additional fee see the premiere of our newest film in the Sturm Infinity Theater, Penguins: A Love Story 2D.
Free Night: Sturm Family Wing Grand Opening
Tuesday, Sept. 1 | 4-9 p.m.
Museum admission is free all evening, no registration required
Join us as we open the Sturm Family Wing, made possible by the Sturm Family Foundation. Explore the new Sturm Family Plaza, where you can try hands-on activities, watch live science demonstrations and listen to live music while enjoying outdoor dining from the T. REX Café. For an additional fee see the premier of our newest film in the Sturm Infinity Theater, Penguins: A Love Story 2D.
Meet the Spaces
Sturm Family Plaza
An outdoor gathering space that's free and open to everyone. Relax, dine from the T.REX Cafe or attend community events.
Hours
5 a.m.–11 p.m. daily
Admission
Free
Highlights
Outdoor seating • Community events • T.REX Cafe access during select times
Sturm Infinity Theater
Experience giant-screen films, lectures and special evening events in the Museum's state-of-the-art theater.
Hours
Daily showings during Museum hours
Admission
Additional Ticket Required
Highlights
Documentaries • Evening Lectures • Giant Screen
Sturm Infinity Lobby
A welcoming event space that supports programs, receptions and private gatherings. Open during scheduled events and bookings.
Hours
Open during scheduled programs, events & private bookings
Admission
Available for bookings
Highlights
Venue Rental • Intimate setting
Step Inside the Sturm Family Wing
Couple inside Sturm Infinity Theater
Guests enjoying Sturm Plaza during special event
Mr. Bones entertaining guests on Sturm Plaza during special program
Couple enjoying Sturm Lobby during private event
Artist performing inside Sturm Infinity Theater during special event
Guests inside Sturm Lobby during private event
Guests enjoying experiment on Sturm Plaza
Guests enjoying activity inside Sturm Lobby during private event
Guests attending special event on the Sturm Plaza
Guests on Sturm Plaza with Mr. Bones during special program
Featured Experiences
Discover all the ways to experience the Sturm Wing. Whether you're attending a lecture, watching a giant-screen film, enjoying a meal or planning a special event, there's always something new to explore.
Plan Your Visit
Plan your visit and experience everything the Sturm Family Wing has to offer. Explore the Sturm Family Plaza, catch a giant-screen film in the Sturm Infinity Theater, attend a program or special event, and discover all the Museum has to offer during your day of exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sturm Family Plaza is free and open to everyone daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. No Museum admission is required to enjoy the Plaza.
During Museum hours, including daily film showings, enter through the main Museum entrance on the north side and take the elevator to Level 3 near Prehistoric Journey. That entrance opens directly into the accessible seating area of the Sturm Infinity Theater. Please wait by the sign and an usher will assist you.
During scheduled events in the Sturm Infinity Lobby or Sturm Infinity Theater, an elevator connects the Sturm Family Plaza to both spaces, through the double glass doors to the right of the main plaza stairs. Those doors are locked at other times.
You can see current showings here.
You can see upcoming events here.
The Sturm Lobby is not open for general public access. It is available during select Museum programs and events, as well as for private rentals and special bookings.
The T.REX Cafe seasonal entrance opens onto the Sturm Family Plaza and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Fridays.
Yes! A seasonal coffee cart serves beverages on the Sturm Family Plaza daily from 7 a.m. to noon, weather permitting. The T.REX Cafe entrance is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until 7 p.m. on Fridays, and is seasonal.
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, 2025, 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.