Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a unique space in the city of Fort Collins where science meets history and culture. Located in the USA, this interactive center invites visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in a world of discovery through exciting exhibits and hands-on experiments.

The museum was born from a successful partnership between the city museum and the science center. Today, it is housed in a modern building featuring collections in natural history, music, astronomy, and agriculture. One of the highlights of the complex is the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater—Northern Colorado's only 360-degree digital dome cinema, offering a fully immersive experience.

In 2018, the museum earned prestigious accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, confirming the high standard of its exhibitions. This is the perfect place for those who want to do more than just look at exhibits, but actively interact with them, gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them.

If you have any questions about current exhibitions or special events, you can contact the museum administration directly. The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is always open to communication with tourists and is ready to provide up-to-date information for your visit.

Inside, a kaleidoscope of experiences awaits guests. Kids will love the Dino Dig area, where they can feel like real paleontologists while excavating dinosaur bones. Physics and creativity enthusiasts should check out the Music & Sound Lab: here you can explore the nature of sound, build your own wind instrument, or play the theremin, drums, and marimba. The exhibits cover everything from the life of Colorado's First Nations to modern agricultural technology.

Be sure to make time for the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater. It regularly screens immersive films about space, Earth's dynamics, and the history of flight, literally transporting viewers into the center of the action. History buffs will enjoy a stroll through the Heritage Courtyard, where original historical structures have been preserved: a pioneer cabin, an old schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop, allowing you to feel the spirit of the Old West.

For those who prefer a more in-depth exploration, there is an archive and research center with rare photos and maps. The museum also frequently hosts world-class traveling exhibitions from National Geographic and the Smithsonian Institution, so every visit can offer something completely new and inspiring.

The attraction is located at 408 Mason Court, in close proximity to the scenic Poudre River and the downtown area. If you are coming from Denver International Airport, the drive via the I-25 highway will take about one hour. Convenient parking is available for visitors with private vehicles right at the museum entrance.

For those who prefer public transport, the city's Transfort bus system is an excellent option, with routes covering the main parts of the city. Also, remember that this region is famous for its well-developed cycling infrastructure, so reaching the site by bike on dedicated lanes will be not only convenient but also very pleasant. A walk from the historic city center takes about 20–30 minutes.

The history of this cultural center began in 1941 with the opening of a small pioneer museum in the city of Fort Collins. Over the decades, the collection grew, and in the 1970s, the institution gained official status as a city museum. Simultaneously, in 1989, the Discovery Science Center was founded—a non-profit space focused on popular science education for young people.

A landmark moment was the decision to merge these two organizations in 2008. Thanks to community support and significant investment, the modern building we see today opened in November 2012. This partnership allowed the combination of a scientific approach and historical memory in one space, creating a unique educational hybrid.

Interestingly, the museum's collection includes artifacts related to the city's founding as a military fort in 1864. Among the exhibits, you can find authentic soldiers' uniforms and tools from that era. The museum not only preserves the past but also actively participates in the life of the region, digitizing archives and making the history of Northern Colorado accessible to every researcher.

To leisurely explore all the interactive halls, catch a show at the dome theater, and visit the historic courtyard, it is recommended to set aside 3–4 hours. If you are traveling with children, your visit can easily stretch to a full day, as the museum's exhibits truly captivate young explorers.

Its convenient location near the Poudre River allows you to combine your cultural program with outdoor recreation. Plan your time to catch specific shows at the Digital Dome Theater, as the schedule usually follows set hours throughout the day.

The museum operates on a consistent schedule, making it easy to include in your itinerary. Please note that the complex is closed to visitors on Mondays, which is standard practice for many cultural institutions in the region.

Official opening hours:

• Tuesday — Sunday: 09:00 to 17:00
• Monday: Closed

The museum's location in the historic district makes it an excellent starting point for further exploration of the city's culture. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to see old buildings, visit cozy parks, and feel the unique atmosphere of this part of the state.

Below are the most interesting sites located within walking distance or a few minutes' drive from the museum: