Exploring the Wonders of the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History Exhibits
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History in Boulder, Colorado, founded in 1902 with Judge Junius Henderson as its first curator, stands as a beacon of knowledge and discovery. With nearly five million objects, the CU Museum houses the largest natural history collection in the region. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, it offers a diverse array of exhibits, programs, and research opportunities that cater to a wide audience, from families and students to researchers and museum professionals. The museum is open seven days a week and always free.
A Hub of Discovery: Research and Collections
Behind the captivating exhibits lies a vibrant hub of research and discovery. The CU Museum is not just a place to observe; it's a place where knowledge is actively created.
- New Species and Evolutionary Insights: Botany Curator Dr. Erin Manzitto-Tripp and her research team have discovered three new species of lichen. A new fossil study from CU Museum paleobiologists offers insight on how some colony-forming animals divided labor millions of years ago.
- Paleontological Discoveries: Curator of Paleontology Dr. Jaelyn Eberle and her team discovered a new prehistoric mammal species. The opposum-like animal, a distant cousin of modern marsupials, lived 70-75 million years ago in northwestern Colorado. In northern Alaska, Eberle and team discovered a tiny fossil mammal that thrived in what may have been among the coldest conditions on Earth about 73 million years ago.
- Climate and Environmental Research: CU Boulder geologists were awarded a $1 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation. Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology Carl Simpson and colleague Lizzy Trower won $1 million in funding to extend the Earth’s temperature record by 2 billion years! Curator of Vertebrates Christy McCain studies how montane organisms are distributed on mountains around the world, and how those populations and species are influenced by human land use and climate change.
- Archaeological Research: Curator of Archaeology Dr. William T. Taylor was named a 2025 NSF CAREER award winner. Taylor has been awarded major early-career development support for his research project “Understanding Animal Domestication and Human-Environmental Relationships".
Engaging Exhibits: A Journey Through Time and Culture
The museum boasts five exhibition galleries designed to explore natural and human history through engaging and interactive displays. Here's a glimpse into some of the featured exhibits:
- Anthropology Hall: Showcases the Lewis family, one of Acoma Pueblo's most accomplished potter families, and the way their work has been shared across generations. This hall also explores the profound impact of horses on human history, examining horse equipment and ancient animal bones to understand when, why, and how this relationship evolved. A conversation with archaeologist Dr. Joseph R. "Woody" Aguilar, Deputy Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, San Ildefonso Pueblo, can also be found in the Anthropology Hall.
- TreeSpace Gallery: This juried exhibition celebrates the glory of trees through the eyes of artists from the Rocky Mountain Society of Botanical Artists.
- McKenna Gallery: Showcases an elegant collection of Museum objects through the macro photography lens of Felix Salazar.
- SEEC Building: CU Boulder is now home to a Triceratops skeleton cast! CU Museum unveils full-scale cast and exhibit in the lobby of the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community (SEEC) building on East Campus.
Programs for All Ages: Learning Beyond the Exhibits
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History extends its reach beyond static displays, offering a variety of programs designed to engage diverse audiences:
- Family Programs: Free programs engage children and families throughout the year. These programs provide opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration, fostering a love for natural and cultural history in young minds.
- Adult Programs: Engage with experts and artists while meeting others who share your passion for natural and cultural history. These programs offer a deeper dive into specific topics, providing opportunities for intellectual stimulation and social interaction.
- School Programs: Hands-on learning with real objects enriches the classroom experience. Guided tours, workshops, and kit programs are available to enhance students' understanding of natural and cultural history.
- Museum & Field Studies Program: Master's of Science in Museum & Field Studies as well as a Professional Certificate for museum professionals and graduate students in other departments.
Online Exploration: Museum From Home
The museum extends its reach beyond its physical location with a variety of online resources and exhibits:
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- Museum From Home Highlights: Download activities for family fun.
- BioLounge / Online: Take a deep dive, beyond Antarctica’s ice, to the ancient Dry Valleys-where CU conducts world-class research!
- Online only: The CUMNH Bougainville Island Collection features letters, photographs, and objects collected by CU student Bud Johnson just after World War II. An in-depth look at the earth's most pristine ecosystem, featuring photos by John Weller. Snakes play an important role in the ecosystems in which they live.
Other Artistic Exhibits in Boulder:
Boulder offers a vibrant art scene beyond the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History. Here are a few other exhibits to explore:
- Bus Stop Gallery: “Black Futures in Art: Excellence Beneath My Feet Lives Within My Bones,” work by Joseph H. Graves Jr. and Kevin Johnson.
- 4895 N. Collective Community Arts Center: “Balance,” by Studio Art Quilt Associates, regional exhibition of studio art quilts by artists from Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.
- East Window: “Jamaican Portraits,” by Albert Chong; “Shangri-la,” by Melody Melamed.
- Museum of Boulder: “Blazing Trail for 150 Years at CU Boulder,” celebrating a century and a half of innovation, advocacy and discovery at the university; “Boulder Eats!"
- Nick Ryan Gallery: “Liquid Amnesia,” by Alicia Ordal; “Strange Day Almanac,” by Lydia Farrell; “New Plan-o-grams,” by Garry Noland.
- Particulars Art Gallery: February’s featured artist is Barb Amador; “Student Show”.
- Wilderness Art Studios: Space with 28 individual creative studios for local Boulder artists, with various workshops and activities.
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