Denver Museum of Nature & Science celebrates $20 million wing expansion grand opening in September

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Denver Museum of Nature & Science announced its newly renovated Sturm Family Wing will officially open on Sept. 1.

The renovation was announced in March of 2025, after a $20 million donation from the Sturm Family Foundation for the "East Wing Project." The museum said at the time this was the largest private donation in their history.

The project was planned to renovate the museum's theater, lobby and plaza to help create a better blend between their indoor and outdoor spaces. Now, the museum says the new wing includes the Sturm Family Plaza, Sturm Infinity Lobby and Sturm Infinity Theater.

The new plaza will be free and open to everyone, and includes dining and community events.

The grand opening will take place Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and include live science demonstrations and live music. There will also be outdoor dining in the "T.REX Cafe" and a debut of their newest film, "Penguins: A Love Story 2D."

The plaza is open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The theater will be open during regular museum hours and the lobby will be open during scheduled programs and events, and for private bookings.

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