Next time you find yourself exploring Denver's Museum of Nature and Science, you may want to take a closer look when checking out the exhibits. Did you know that there are tiny, hidden elves throughout the museum? It's true, and searching for them can add a whole new element of fun to your next museum visit.
In the 1970s, Artist Kent Pendleton added a creative twist to many of the diorama murals he painted. Instead of a typical signature, he hid small, well-camouflaged elves into his work.
Through the years, the museum staff has also added to the fun by hiding a few elf figurines as well (see if you can find one hiding under an escalator next time you're at the museum).
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The artist intentionally made these tiny mythical creatures extremely difficult to find because he didn't want to distract visitors from the exhibits themselves.
Check out this elf secretly perched on a dinosaur's back. There are also several elves found camouflaged within trees, and even one dipping its feet into a stream.
If you want a little sneak peek, watch the video below for an inside look at the hidden elves of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
If you'd like to find these little elves and want a few clues to help you along the way, check out this handy Elf Scavenger Hunt guide. You can also pick up a copy of this "Seek and Find" brochure at the museum's information desk on the day of your visit.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science can be found at 2001 Colorado Blvd. in Denver, CO 80205.
Have you ever gone on an elf hunt at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below.
Here in Denver, we've hit the jackpot when it comes to museums. From historical gems to contemporary wonderlands of art, the Mile High City offers countless opportunities to view, learn, and play in its various museums. So, whether you've only got an hour or are hoping to spend an entire day, check out the various locations below that are sure to offer a spectacular museum visit.
Whether you are uncovering dazzling gems, digging into dinosaur fossils, or watching the kids learn hands-on at the discovery zone, The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is an exploratory experience that you could really get lost in for hours on end. Plan to make a day of it, and you will discover why this museum is the Rocky Mountain region's leading resource for informal science education.
Learn more about aviation and space endeavors of the past, present, and future at Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum. Colorado's official air and space museum, located at the former Lowry Air Force Base, is a massive learning center where you will encounter more than 50 different aircraft on display and have the opportunity to take part in thrilling flight simulator experiences.
Home to spectacular galleries including a world class collection of American Indian art, The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums between the west coast and Chicago. With over 70,000 diverse works of art from different time periods, this museum will both educate and inspire you.
You will love this sweet, little museum housed in the historical Pearce-McAllister Cottage. The Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys celebrates and preserves antique items and has an impressive collection of over 10,000 objects to fill your time with a blast from the past.
Visitors of all ages will take part in innovative and hands-on activities at the Denver Firefighters Museum that will take you on a historical journey of firefighting in Denver from the early 20th century to the present. Housed in former Fire Station No. 1 (built in 1909), their four galleries feature a collection of firefighting equipment, uniforms, and other memorabilia.
If you are a baseball lover, you've got to check out the one-of-a-kind treasures at the National Ballpark Museum. This baseball fan's paradise was recognized by Smithsonian Books as one of the top 21 finest private baseball collections in the world. When you explore their extensive collection of baseball artifacts, bricks, postcards, jerseys, books, pictures and more, you will see why.
Get ready to dig deeper into paleontology at the Morrison Natural History Museum as experts guide you around their hands-on exhibits featuring information on a variety of Colorado dinosaurs. This museum, which is located just 25 minutes west of downtown Denver, will give you a closer look at both historic and modern fossil finds from the area. You can also view research in progress in their fossil preparation lab.
Step back in time as you witness Colorado history through hands on and high tech exhibits at the History Colorado Center. Your imagination will be ignited and you will feel connected to Colorado's past as you make your way around this wonderful museum.
The Clyfford Still Museum is filled with breathtaking art that is dedicated to honoring the legacy of one of the most important painters of the 20th century. This museum is home to approximately 3,125 of abstract expressionist Clyfford Still's works that he completed between 1920 and 1980 (making up 95% of his lifetime output).
Whatever your particular interests might be, we're betting one of the museums in Denver would provide the perfect backdrop to dig a little deeper as you are surrounded in unforgettable learning experiences.
Are you looking for even more museums to explore in the Denver area? Are you brave enough to visit this haunted museum?!
Prepare to have your mind blown as you are fully immersed in an entertainment and learning experience at Fiske Planetarium. This technologically advanced theater, located on the campus of the University of Colorado in Boulder, is on a mission to encourage individuals to be passionate about exploring the universe.
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The 65 foot diameter dome (the largest between Chicago and Los Angeles) provides the most cutting-edge content as the audience is fully surrounded with a giant screen, dazzling visuals, and wonderful sound.
A diverse range of programs are available at the planetarium including, CU live talks, FullDome films, Laser and Liquid Sky Shows, Star Talks, and live music concerts. They also host larger crowds during astronomical and NASA related events.
Fiske Planetarium first opened its doors in 1975 thanks to a donation from its namesake, Wallace Franz Fiske (CU class of 1917).
Not only does this planetarium serve CU faculty and staff, but it also caters to other schools and teachers as they can create a tailored program for teachers who are searching for a specific, high quality educational experience for their students. They also reach out out to local schools by providing off-site education with their portable, inflatable planetarium.
Psychedelic music shows blend beats with captivating graphics.
If you would like to be uniquely entertained, attend one of Fiske Planetarium's late night Laser or Liquid Sky shows that combines their unbeatable visuals with music. They offer both live shows and tributes to musicians such as Michael Jackson and Prince.
From super volcanoes to black holes and Colorado skies, Fiske Planetarium has a full-dome show that will leave you filled with both awe and a bit more knowledge on a particular subject.
The Fiske Auditorium is located at 2414 Regent Drive in Boulder. For more details or to purchase tickets to one of their unforgettable shows, visit their website.
Have you had to opportunity to attend a show at Fiske Auditorium? Share your experience in the comments below.
