Photo by Jennifer Dillon
The CU Museum of Natural History’s BioLounge, founded 12 years ago, serves as a space for students to relax, study, and be inspired by ever-changing exhibits staged in the area.
BioLounge patrons can also seek refuge from the unpredictable Colorado cold by sipping a complimentary cup—or two—of organic coffee and tea. Needless to say, it’s cozy. But if you ask its regulars, the museum’s study space is unknown to many CU students. As the adage goes, “If you know, you know.”
Junior Juliana Bristol, who frequents the spot three to four times a week, says it’s a “guarded secret, which is why not a lot of people come.” Bristol first found out about it from a friend who whispered it to her in confidence “like it was a speakeasy.”
Ty McCaffrey, a sophomore, was passed down the knowledge of the BioLounge from his older brother. While students relish in the space’s quiet mystique, no secret password or fee is required for entry.
Walking into the BioLounge is like entering a highly organized curio shop. Eclectic exhibits foreground white walls and taxidermy birds of prey perch atop cabinet eaves. Students can choose between lounging on vintage couches or getting studious at the retro chrome-trimmed tables—reminiscent of doing homework in your grandma’s kitchen.
Whether you're looking for seclusion, a nice view or somewhere nearby to get a snack, these spots will make the hours spent studying more enjoyable.
Often, the museum will host activities for students in the space, appropriately called “brain breaks.” These are free, DIY crafting opportunities for those who want a change of pace away from the tedium of blue light and ballpoint pens. Students can follow the museum on social media to receive notice of future hands-on events, including DIY holiday gift making.
A new exhibit will debut this November that may encourage students interested in the fight to protect our climate. Ross Sea: The Last Ocean catalogues the decade-long battle to grant protection to the Ross Sea, Antarctica’s purest ecosystem. This month, students can also learn about CU’s contributions to the exciting field of genomics, told simply through multimedia.
If you find yourself looking for a new homework hangout for finals season or are in need of something warm to drink after your next class—consider yourself in the know.
