The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has announced a $20 million gift from the Sturm Family Foundation in support of a major renovation project.

The largest private donation in the museum’s history will fund the East Wing Project, which will renovate and reimagine the historic theater, lobby, and plaza on the east side of the museum. The second phase of the project, which involves upgrading the indoor and outdoor spaces in the east wing, is underway. A new theater outdoor entrance is expected to open to the public in 2025.

The indoor and outdoor spaces will open the museum to new activities and science demonstrations, provide enhanced film experiences and educational opportunities for camp-goers and school groups and invite curious park-goers to enjoy a meal on the east plaza. The museum expects to expand its partnerships with local organizations, attracting feature films and connecting artists to museum audiences. In addition, the grand scale of the site will enable the museum to accommodate everything from VIP receptions to outdoor programming for free days.

“We would like to thank the Sturm Family Foundation for bringing their vision for the East Wing Project to life,” said Denver Museum of Nature & Science president and CEO George Sparks. “What we hope to accomplish goes far beyond bricks and mortar—we are creating a new connected landscape of indoor and outdoor spaces that aligns with our community’s desires while empowering the museum to carry out new programs, sustain our operations through business opportunities, and drive our mission forward.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/milehightraveler)