The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is welcoming visitors to its newly renovated Sturm Family Wing, a revitalized collection of indoor and outdoor spaces designed for community gatherings, learning and exploration.
The wing opened earlier this month following a multi-phase renovation made possible by a $20 million gift from the Sturm Family Foundation—the largest private donation in the museum’s history.
“The Sturm Family Wing is a gift to Denver—a place where science, nature and community converge,” says George Sparks, president and chief executive officer of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. “We are deeply grateful to the Sturm Family Foundation for the vision and generosity that made this transformation possible. These transformed spaces belong to the community, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone from near and far.”
The project brings together the Sturm Family Plaza, Sturm Infinity Lobby and Sturm Infinity Theater, creating new spaces for visitors to gather and participate in museum programs and events.
The renovation introduces a reimagined Sturm Family Plaza with flexible outdoor space for public gatherings, community events and performances. Inside, the Sturm Infinity Lobby provides improved access to the theater and creates new opportunities for private events while highlighting the building’s historic architectural features.
The project also adds accessibility improvements, including new ramps, upgraded elevator service and a sidewalk connecting surrounding neighborhoods and bus riders to the museum. Infrastructure upgrades also support year-round outdoor programming and community use.
The Sturm Family Wing is the culmination of a renovation that began with the transformation of the Sturm Infinity Theater in 2022 and wrapped up this spring with the renovation of the Sturm Infinity Lobby and Sturm Family Plaza. To celebrate, the museum is launching a yearlong series of programs and events in the newly renovated spaces.
“Our family has always seen the museum as a place for everyone to enjoy, and we are grateful to collaborate on this transformative renovation,” says Susan Sturm, chair of the Sturm Family Foundation. “The museum brings the world to Denver and through these spaces and programs, we hope everyone has the opportunity to follow their curiosity, expand their understanding and be inspired by the world around them.
The project is part of a broader period of change for the museum. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is also renovating and expanding its Gems & Minerals Hall, which closed in April 2026 for the project. The $30 million renovation is expanding the existing space by 50 percent and transforming it into the new Dea Family Gems & Minerals Hall, which is planned to open in 2027.
The revamped area is being designed around the theme “My World is Made of Minerals” and features immersive environments intended to transport visitors underground into caves and mines. The hall will also highlight Colorado’s mineral heritage and explore the ways minerals are used in everyday life.
The existing Coors Hall of Gems & Minerals dates to 1982 and is one of the museum’s most popular permanent exhibitions. The renovated space is retaining attractions like the Crystal Grotto and Sweet Home Mine while also adding new interactive exhibits, immersive environments and displays.
Together, the projects are giving the Denver Museum of Nature & Science a series of significant new and renovated spaces as it continues to expand its role as a place for science, education and community gathering.
