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Museum of Natural History

Research and Innovation Office
Museum of Natural History

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CU Museum of Natural History is open daily!

As part of the Hellems renovation project, a construction fence will encircle the CUMNH through January 2025. The Museum will remain open and accessible during this time.

Construction updates, accessibility, and parking information

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.

Read more at the Research & Innovation Office

Science journal cover
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.

Learn more

Adult and child looking at acorn
Museum From Home

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

Get started

Hawk specimen
Exhibits

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

Learn more

kids looking at animal skull
Family Programs

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

Learn more

dried cattail
Research and Collections

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

Learn more

Adults at the CU Greenhouse
Adult Programs

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

Learn more

Girl holding artifact
School Programs

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

Learn more

Student at Mesa Verde
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.

Learn more

Boulder Flatirons
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

Hands holding sprouting plant
Become a Museum Insider

Join us and become a part of the story. From exhibits and programs to research and collections, your support helps bring science and culture to life for current and future generations.

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Home

What's On

Featured Exhibits

Navajo bracelet made of silver and turquoise stones

Take a Closer Look

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

Antarctic landscape

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.

Historic photo of CU student Bud Johnson with Bougainville Islander

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.

Museum From Home Highlights

Bingo board game

Family Activities

Download activities for family fun. Disponible en español.

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Upcoming Events

Browse our full calendar of lectures and events.

laptop with lecturer on screen

Lecture Archive

Watch past lectures in our online video archive.

Museum Unlocked

Museum Unlocked

Go behind the scenes of the CUMNH in our new podcast.

ipad and phone with social media feeds

Ways to Connect

Follow us on social media or join our mailing list.

Family, Student, and Adult Programs

child with volunteer looking through microscope

Children and Families

Free programs and hands-on exhibits engage children and families throughout the year.

Family Days
Mornings at the Museum
Birthday Parties

student at mesa verde

Students and Faculty

Check out our programs for lectures and workshops. Study or meet with students in the Biolounge. Use the museum for a class project!

BioLounge
Students Using the Museum
Faculty Using the Museum

woman looking at tree leaf

Adults

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

AIA Lecture Series
Tree Walks

kids looking at skull

Schools and Groups

Our guided programs are fun, interactive, and developed to address state and local school curriculum standards.

Field Trips
Schedule a Tour
Discovery Kits for the Classroom

Visit Us

Henderson Building
15th and Broadway, Boulder, CO 80309
Directions and Parking

Contact Us

 303-492-6892 
 cumuseum@colorado.edu

Stay Connected

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Mailing List

Hours of operation

Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 4pm
Sunday: 10am – 4pm

Become a Museum Insider

Join us today and support the Museum’s ongoing mission of research, education, and stewardship of the largest collection of natural and human history artifacts in the Rocky Mountain Region. Learn more about becoming a Museum Insider!

The CU Museum of Natural History is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Mailing addresses

Exhibits, Administration, and Anthropology
Henderson Building
218 UCB, 15th and Broadway, Boulder, CO 80309

Vertebrate Zoology, Invertebrate Zoology, Paleontology, and Entomology
Bruce Curtis Building
265 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309

Herbarium
Clare Small Arts and Sciences Building
382 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309

Museum of Natural History

Henderson Building, 15th and Broadway, Boulder, CO 80309

 303-492-6892 
 303-492-4195
 cumuseum@colorado.edu

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