The Denver Museum of Nature & Science announced that its newest expansion, the Sturm Family Wing, will open to the public on Sept. 1. The opening celebration will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will be free for all visitors.
Generous private donation drives transformation
The $20 million contribution from the Sturm Family Foundation, made in March of last year, funds a major renovation of the museum’s East Wing. The gift builds on a prior $6 million donation in 2018 that helped create the Sturm Grand Pavilion on the museum’s north side.
Sturm Family Foundation chair Susan Sturm said the museum has always been a place for everyone in Denver, and the family hopes the new spaces will inspire curiosity and learning across the community.
New features for visitors
The renovated wing includes upgrades to the museum’s IMAX theater, now called the Sturm Infinity Theater, and a newly designed outdoor plaza on the east side of the museum. The plaza is described as an “outdoor gathering space that’s free and open to everyone,” and it adds a new sidewalk for easier access.
While the grand opening is free, attendees can purchase a ticket to view a special film about penguins falling in love at the Sturm Infinity Theater. The theater’s first‑stage upgrades were completed in 2023.
Community impact
George Sparks, President & CEO of the museum, called the new wing “a gift to Denver – a place where science, nature and community converge.” He emphasized that the transformed spaces belong to the public and that the museum looks forward to welcoming residents and visitors from near and far.
The museum’s expansion reflects a broader trend of private philanthropy supporting cultural institutions in Colorado. By enhancing educational facilities and creating welcoming public spaces, the project aims to strengthen Denver’s reputation as a hub for science, learning, and family‑friendly recreation.
About the donors
The Sturm Family Foundation was founded by the late Donald L. Sturm, who established ANB Bank and was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2022. The foundation’s ongoing support for the museum underscores its commitment to community enrichment through education and the arts.
Residents are encouraged to attend the free opening event and explore the new wing, which will remain open year‑round as part of the museum’s regular programming.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
