Science Division

We aspire to make the world a better place through discovery

The Science Division grows and cares for a world-class natural history collection composed of 4.3 million artifacts and specimens, conducts scientific research with robust and diverse community participation, and conveys accurate, compelling stories that connect the past, present, and future. Our core scientific competencies are anthropology, earth sciences, health sciences, space sciences, and zoology. The Museum collections contain scientifically and culturally significant objects in archaeology, ethnology, geology, paleontology, health sciences, zoology and archives. While generally focused on the Rocky Mountain West, the collections also contain objects that bring the world to Denver and provide a broader intellectual and scientific context for the regional collections.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science does not provide appraisal services. Please visit the American Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America, or the International Society of Appraisers to find an appropriate appraiser.

Featured Collection Items

Plastinated Cross-section of the Human Torso

Stick Chart

Festive Tiger Beetle (Cicindela scutellaris Say)

Deep Sea Vent Mollusk

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Departments

Anthropology

Incorporating ethnography and archaeology, the Department of Anthropology studies humans and their many cultures.

Conservation

Avenir Conservation Center

Earth Sciences

The Department of Earth Sciences makes and shares new scientific discoveries while making earth sciences relevant and inclusive for all audiences.

Health Sciences

The Department of Health Sciences explores and teaches the biological principles of human health and disease.

Space Sciences

The Department of Space Sciences explores the mysteries of the universe, focusing on the lives and environments of young stars.

Zoology

The Department of Zoology studies the planet’s biodiversity.

Research Facilities

Digital Research Lab

The Digital Research Lab is a research facility that uses cutting-edge visualization methods to reveal the anatomical structure of museum specimens.

Genetics Lab

Capturing life in sequence.

Avenir Collections Center

The Avenir Collections Center is a state-of-the art collections facility that houses the Museum’s 4.3 million specimens and artifacts.

Featured Research

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Museum Publications

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has an active research program and authors a variety of publications. These include the Annals (formerly the Proceedings), reports (formerly technical reports), annual reports, and curator publications. Learn more about our publications here.