The Denver Museum of Nature and Science will use a $20 million dollar gift from the Sturm Family Foundation to redesign its historic theater, lobby and plaza.
The gift is the largest private donation in the museum's history. The museum said the gift will allow it to create "greater opportunities for interaction, engagement and connection among visitors, Museum partners, local businesses and nonprofit organizations."
The renovation will primarily focus on the museum's east wing, which borders Colorado Boulevard. The museum describes the project as a "campus-style venue and gathering place" that creates more outdoor spaces for visitors.
Updates to the museum's theater and lobby have already been finished. They included a new projection system, enhanced accessibility features, and the installation of a stage for lecture events.
Construction for the second phase of renovations will begin later this year. Renovations will include a new eastern entrance, which is projected to open in 2025.
"These state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor spaces will open the Museum to new activities and science demonstrations, provide enhanced film experiences and educational opportunities for camp-goers and school groups and invite curious park-goers to enjoy a meal on the east plaza," the museum said in a release.
The east wing renovation isn't the only change coming to the Museum of Nature and Science. In May 2023, the museum permanently closed its North American Indian Cultures exhibit, citing its reinforcement of "harmful stereotypes and white, dominant culture."
The museum plans to rework the exhibit in collaboration with Indigenous community members, but the timeline for that has not been announced.
