Denver Museum Opened Renovated Sturm Family Wing
The historic space features restored 1930s architecture and new accessibility improvements for visitors.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Should your local museums prioritize historic integrity over adding modern facility updates?
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its renovated Sturm Family Wing on September 1, 2026. The project updated the historic facility while preserving key design elements from the 1930s.
Why it matters
The renovation balances historic preservation with modern accessibility, ensuring the museum can host families more effectively. It provides a blueprint for how older public infrastructure can be updated without losing its original architectural character.
The project restored historic terrazzo floors and plaster cornices dating back to 1938 and 1939. These finishes are now complemented by new accessible ramps and gathering areas throughout the museum.
The players
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
A prominent City Park institution that maintains extensive historical and scientific collections.
Haselden Construction
A contractor known for managing complex architectural renovations and large-scale regional building projects.
Open Studio Architecture
An architecture firm specializing in design solutions that integrate modern requirements into existing structures.
The details
Haselden Construction and Open Studio Architecture utilized three-dimensional laser scanning to create precast components that match the original architectural style. During the work, temporary mechanical systems were installed to maintain strict humidity and temperature controls to protect the museum exhibits, including mummies that are 3,000 years old.
Timeline
Original construction of the wing elements took place in 1938-1939.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the wing was held on September 1, 2026.
The Home Front
This project follows a pattern set by the Engineering News-Record Mountain States Award of Merit for excellence in regional construction. It highlights a broader trend of repurposing historic public structures to meet modern accessibility standards.
If you are planning a historic home renovation, consider using 3D laser scanning to ensure new materials seamlessly match existing structural details. Consult with a licensed professional to verify that any modernization of historic systems meets current safety and building codes.
The takeaway
Preserving original architectural details like plaster cornices and terrazzo floors can increase a property's character while adding accessibility features improves long-term usability. For your own projects, prioritize professional assessments before altering structural or mechanical systems.
Further reading
Learn more about local restoration efforts in the Home Renovation section.
Live Poll
Should your local museums prioritize historic integrity over adding modern facility updates?
