The Museum is currently closed to the public to support Denver’s effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. We look forward to announcing when we’ll be able to welcome our staff and guests back to the Museum. 

Please support the Museum’s commitment to providing free learning for families and teachers during this time: www.dmns.org/dmnsgive.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT 
Denver Museum of Nature & Science 
Maura O’Neal 
303.370.6407 
[email protected] 

DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE TO REOPEN JUNE 23 

THE ART OF THE BRICK to Debut with Museum Reopening 

DENVER―June 17―The Denver Museum of Nature & Science will reopen to the public on June 23 with a members only preview on June 22. The global touring exhibition THE ART OF THE BRICK will open to the public on June 25 with a members only preview on June 24. 

“As restrictions lift from COVID-19, science education has never been more essential and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is catalyzing our community forward, helping us understand how diversity in our natural world creates strength and nurtures life,” George Sparks, Denver Museum of Nature & Science President & CEO said. “We are a place for everyone, everywhere, and we can’t wait to welcome our community back to the Museum!” 

The safety of everyone who comes into the Museum is top priority. Here is what to expect when visiting the Museum: 

• An unwavering commitment to safe spaces for all who visit the Museum.
• Strict adherence to all public health orders regarding COVID-19.
• A rigorous cleaning and disinfecting program, that includes the creation of roles and protocols to focus on disinfecting high touch areas, the use of EPA approved list N disinfectant cleaners, conducting regular hygiene assessments.
• A new health and safety protocol for staff, including requiring face coverings, temperature checks, and increased teleworking.
• Presence of handwashing reminder posters in all restrooms. 
• Availability of hand sanitizer stations throughout the Museum. 

Guests will also play a role in creating a safe place for everyone at the Museum. We are asking guests to take the following steps to help protect themselves and ensure the best possible experience for everyone:   

• Beginning at noon on Friday, June 19, purchase tickets/reserve an entry time in advance online. 
• Come back another day if not feeling well. 
• Wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth. 
• Wash hands frequently.
• Maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet from other groups.

During the Museum’s longest closure in the history of the organization, the Museum:  

• Donated 90,000 pairs of gloves, along with other personal protective equipment to the healthcare front line. 
• Hosted nearly300 virtual programs, and connected with 60,856 people between March 14 and June 15 through these programs and our exclusive digital content for members.  
• Attracted over 524 (and counting!) new member households.          
• Renewed over 5,049 member households. 
• Received donations from over 1,822 generous members of our community. 
• Announced the discovery of four millipedes, one Crazy Beast from Madagascar and a new timeline for the Cambrian explosion using Grand Canyon rock layers.
• Volunteers made nearly 1,000 face coverings to ensure Museum staff and volunteers were covered when they returned to work.  

“I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support of community members who continued to engage with us and shared valuable input that has informed our reopening process and shaped what the Museum will look and feel like as we begin to welcome guests back,” Sparks said.  

For Museum updates and COVID-19 information, visit dmns.org/reopening and search #CatalyzingUsForward.  

THE ART OF THE BRICK Exhibition 

The global touring exhibition THE ART OF THE BRICK will debut for the first time ever in Denver on June 25 with a members only preview on June 24.  

THE ART OF THE BRICK —one of CNN’s top 10 global must see exhibitions—is a captivating exhibition featuring art made by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya from one of the most recognizable toys in the world—the LEGO® brick.  

Designed to inspire ingenuity and creativity, THE ART OF THE BRICK is the world's largest and most elaborate display of LEGO art, featuring 100 works of art.  The exhibition includes original pieces as well as re-imagined versions of famous masterpieces along with an innovative, multimedia collection of LEGO brick-infused imagery produced in tandem with award-winning photographer Dean West.   

“THE ART OF THE BRICK takes LEGO bricks somewhere you wouldn’t expect and shows you things you have never seen before,” said brick artist Nathan Sawaya.   

Visitors will get up close with the fan favorite “Yellow,” a life-size sculpture of a man opening his chest allowing thousands of yellow LEGO bricks to cascade from the cavity.  

"THE ART OF THE BRICK exhibition is an exciting display of fine art, science, engineering and imagination,” Denver Museum of Nature & Sciences Paleontologist and Exhibition Curatorial Advisor Ian Miller said. “I played with LEGO bricks all the time growing up, and I wish I had been exposed to the artistic depth that Nathan brings to LEGO bricks when I was building my castle sets as a kid!” 

Exhibition Free through Labor Day 
As the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt by all of us in so many ways, the Museum and Sawaya are supporting our communities by offering THE ART OF THE BRICK free with membership or general admission through Labor Day. Timed tickets are required, and advanced reservations are strongly encouraged. 

Media Preview 
A press conference and media preview will be held on June 23 at 10 a.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, and via Zoom. To confirm attendance or receive the Zoom link, contact [email protected].  

For more information, visit dmns.org/brick. 

About the Denver Museum of Nature & Science 

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain Region’s leading resource for informal science education. Our mission is to be a catalyst and ignite the community’s passion for nature and science. The Museum offers a wide variety of engaging exhibitions, programs, activities and scientific research to inspire public appreciation and understanding of the wonders of Colorado, Earth and the universe. The Museum is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205. Information: dmns.org or 303.370.6000. Many of the Museum’s educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by the citizens of the seven-county metro area through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Connect with the Museum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

About Nathan Sawaya and THE ART OF THE BRICK 

Former NYC corporate lawyer turned contemporary artist, Nathan Sawaya is the first artist ever to take the LEGO brick into the art world as a medium. Sawaya has earned a top position in the world of contemporary art and has created a new dimension by merging Pop Art and Surrealism in awe-inspiring and groundbreaking ways. Sawaya’s touring exhibition, THE ART OF THE BRICK, has entertained and inspired millions of art lovers and enthusiasts around the world. CNN heralded THE ART OF THE BRICK as one of the top ten ”must-see exhibits in the world!” Sawaya is an author, speaker and one of the most popular, award winning contemporary artists of our time. For more information visit brickartist.com. 

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