Collections

Why We Collect

Humans are naturally curious about themselves and the world around them. At the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, we collect to better understand how our bodies, cultures, world, and universe work. We have 1.4 million artifacts and specimen. We use them every day for scientific studies, for educational programming and to inspire curiosity in our visitors. Our collections help the Museum create a community of critical thinkers that understand the lessons of the past and act as stewards of the future. Their preservation ensures that future scientists and generations of Museum visitors will always have access to them.

Kelly Goulette
Director of Preservation & Documentary Resources
303.370.6401
kelly.goulette@dmns.org

Heather Thorwald
Registrar
303.370.8377
heather.thorwald@dmns.org

FAQS

  • Q

    How can I see the collections?

  • A

    Visit the museum. Often. DMNS offers a wide range of programs and events for Museum members and the visiting public.

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  • Q

    Where are your collections?

  • A

    Many are on display throughout the museum. Those not on display are housed in research and preservation areas throughout the Museum fulfilling our central public trust obligation to the collections and associated data. Over its 110-year history, the museum and its collections have grown in size and diversity. In 2014, we will open a new 70,000-square-foot, two-floor underground facility called the Rocky Mountain Science Collections Center where the objects, artifacts and specimens entrusted to our care will be studied and preserved.

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  • Q

    How are museum collections used?

  • A

    Each object, artifact and specimen tells a story. Through study and comparison conducted by scientists, the story is revealed. Our collections are used by students (preschool through university), life-long learners, researchers, the amateur community and artists alike. Through the programs, exhibits, research and conversations that take place at the Museum, we share these stories. Learn more about our collections by also viewing Adult Programs and Education Collections.

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  • Q

    How do I donate an object to the Museum?

  • A

    Thank you for considering a donation to the DMNS collections. We collect thoughtfully, based on our mission, research focus, and resources. Our curators accept donations only after careful consideration. Please contact the appropriate department before bringing a potential donation to the Museum.

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  • Q

    Can you tell me what my object is worth?

  • A

    The Museum does not provide appraisals. Please visit the American Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America, or the International Society of Appraisers to find an appropriate appraiser.

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Collections Preservation

Lycaenids Acoma wedding jar Stygimoloch diorama Human brain slice Dusty Spiral Galaxy NGC 4414 Mein headdress, Thailand

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the treasure chest of the Rocky Mountain Region. Behind-the-scenes, our conservators are working to preserve our collections so they may provide insight into Earth's past, present and future and inspire people of all ages and interests. Museum Conservation is responsible for leading the collections preservation.

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Image Archives

Mounting specimens for turkey group White Wolf Work on Ferruginous Hawk Aphelops malachorhinus longinaris Removing moose mannequin from mold

Image Archives is the official storehouse for the Museum's 700,000 images. These photographic collections provide insight into a world in transition.  By preserving and making these images available, Image Archives provides a valuable resource not only within the local community -- but also nationally and globally. The Museum is currently in the process of making all our images available to view online.  Click here to browse the available photographs.

Archives and image archives are available to the public on site by appointment between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Education Collections

Education Collections are the "touchable" specimens at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Covering all of our scientific topics, these collections offer the community a unique opportunity to have real, tangible experiences with science.

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Research Collections

 

Over 1.4 million objects live at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. We make new discoveries and share them with our communities through presentation, publication, and programming. In the coming years, we will be digitally cataloging our collections comprehensively to be able to share these treasures with you. Some of the collections are searchable today through discipline-specific research websites. Learn more by visiting each of our Research Collections pages.

Anthropology
Bailey Library & Archives
Earth Sciences
Health Sciences
Space Sciences
Zoology

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