Paleontology Hall is currently closed for renovations and will reopen to visitors December 14th.

CU Museum of Natural History is open daily! As part of the Hellems renovation project, a construction fence will encircle the CUMNH through November 2025.
The Museum will remain open and accessible during this time.

Construction updates, accessibility, and parking information

Crustacean fossil with handwritten identification cards on table

NSF funds project to advance open and equitable research in the geosciences

Led by CU Museum's Dr. Talia Karim and Dr. Carl Simpson, this newly-funded project will improve discovery and use of millions of fossil specimen records for paleontology research at CU and other universities.

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Karen Chin standing next to Triceratops Skull in Paleontology Hall

Dr. Karen Chin wins GSA Bromery Award

Paleontology Curator Karen Chin wins Geological Society of America Bromery Award for making significant contributions to geological sciences and opening the geosciences to underrepresented communities through her extensive outreach.

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Researchers sifting dirt on the shores of the Alaskan coast

Dr. Jaelyn Eberle and research team discover tiny fossil mammal in northern Alaska

The tiny ‘ice mouse’ thrived in what may have been among the coldest conditions on Earth about 73 million years ago.

Read more at CU Boulder Today

Paleontology Hall in the CU Museum of Natural History

Dr. Nancy J. Stevens named permanent director of the CU Museum of Natural History

Following a nationwide search, the Research & Innovation Office has announced the appointment of Dr. Nancy J. Stevens as Director of the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, effective Sept. 1, 2023.

Early dispersal of domestic horses into the Great Plains and northern Rockies

Archaeology Curator Dr. William T. Taylor along with CU Graduate students Chance Ward, Carlton Grover, and others, have a new study published in the journal Science.

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Museum From Home

Visit the CU Museum virtually! We offer a wide range of online exhibits and resources for students, families, and community members.

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Exhibits

Featuring five exhibition galleries to explore natural and human history through engaging and interactive displays. Open seven days a week and always free!

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Family Programs

Take your curiosity on a play date. Free programs engage children and families throughout the year.

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Research and Collections

With nearly five million objects, the CU Museum houses the largest natural history collection in the region.

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Adult Programs

Engage with experts and artists while meeting others who share your passion for natural and cultural history.

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School Programs

Hands-on learning with real objects enriches the classroom experience. Check out our guided tours, workshops, and kit programs.

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Join our MFS Program

We offer a Master's of Science in Museum & Field Studies as well as a Professional Certificate for museum professionals and graduate students in other departments.

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Land Acknowledgement

The University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado’s flagship university, honors and recognizes the many contributions of Indigenous peoples in our state. CU Boulder acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and many other Native American nations. Their forced removal from these territories has caused devastating and lasting impacts. While the University of Colorado Boulder can never undo or rectify the devastation wrought on Indigenous peoples, we commit to improving and enhancing engagement with Indigenous peoples and issues locally and globally.

CU System Lands Recognition

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Featured Exhibits

Take a Closer Look

McKenna Gallery
Explore an elegant collection of Museum objects through the macro photography lens of Felix Salazar. Disponible en Español.

Antarctica

BioLounge / Online
Take a deep dive, beyond Antarctica’s ice, to the ancient Dry Valleys where CU conducts world-class research! Disponible en Español.

Beaded saddle made of hide and elk antler

Horses in the North American West

Anthroplogy Hall / Online
Understand when, why, and how horses shaped human history by studying horse equipment and ancient animal bones. Disponible en Español.

Sincerely, Bud Johnson

Online
The CUMNH Bougainville Island Collection features letters, photographs, and objects collected by CU student Bud Johnson just after World War II.