$20M Transformation of Sturm Family Wing Completed at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
DENVER, CO — The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is preparing to open its newly renovated Sturm Family Wing, marking the completion of a multi-phase transformation that has reshaped several of the museum's public-facing spaces.
Exterior Photo of the Newly Restored Entrance | Photo Courtesy of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The project includes the reimagined Sturm Family Plaza, a renovated Sturm Infinity Lobby and enhancements to the Sturm Infinity Theater. The work was made possible by a $20 million gift from the Sturm Family Foundation, which the museum says is the largest private donation in its history.
Rather than representing a single construction project completed at once, the Sturm Family Wing transformation has taken place over several years. Work began with the transformation of the Sturm Infinity Theater in 2022 and concluded this spring with renovations to the Infinity Lobby and Family Plaza.
One of the most visible changes is outside the museum, where the Sturm Family Plaza has been reimagined as a flexible gathering space designed to accommodate public events, performances and other community programming. Infrastructure upgrades were also incorporated into the project to allow the plaza to support programming and community use throughout the year.
Exterior Photo of the Outdoor Activities Near the Newly Restored Entrance | Photo Courtesy of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Inside, the renovated Sturm Infinity Lobby provides improved access to the museum's giant-screen Infinity Theater while creating additional opportunities for private events. According to the museum, the renovation also sought to accentuate historic architectural characteristics within the space.
Accessibility improvements were incorporated throughout the project, including new ramps, upgraded elevator service and a new sidewalk intended to improve connections between the museum, surrounding neighborhoods and nearby bus service.
The completion of the Sturm Family Wing represents one piece of the museum's ongoing evolution, with the renovated spaces designed to expand how portions of the campus can be used beyond traditional exhibits and museum programming.
Interior Photo of the Sturm Family Wing | Photo Courtesy of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The museum will officially open the completed Sturm Family Wing to the public on Tuesday, September 1.
To mark the opening, the museum will host a free public celebration from 4 to 9 p.m. Museum admission will be free throughout the evening, including access to the Changing Landscapes traveling exhibition. The event is planned to include large-scale science demonstrations on the new plaza, hands-on activities, collections presentations with museum scientists, live music and food and beverages available for purchase.
Interior Photo of the Sturm Infinity Theater | Photo Courtesy of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The opening will also coincide with the debut of Penguins: A Love Story in the enhanced Sturm Infinity Theater. Tickets for the new film and other giant-screen programming are sold separately from the free museum admission offered during the celebration.
The September 1 opening will also begin a yearlong series of programs and events planned for the renovated spaces, bringing the multi-year Sturm Family Wing project into regular public use.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
5 minute read • The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has completed a $20 million transformation of its Sturm Family Wing, including a redesigned plaza, Infinity Lobby and theater improvements ahead of its September 1 opening.