x
Breaking News
More () »

40-pound Colorado meteorite on display at reopened Mines Museum of Earth Science

The Golden museum was closed for nearly a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

GOLDEN, Colo. — The museum on the Colorado School of Mines campus has reopened to the public following nearly a yearlong closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mines Museum of Earth Science, formerly known as the Geology Museum, is open Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Reservations for the museum are required and COVID-19 safety protocols are in place, including mask requirements and a limit of 10 visitors per floor per hour.

> Above video: Colorado School of Mines adds minor in space.

“We’re excited to finally reopen the doors of the museum to the public – with a completely renovated entrance, new exhibits and, yes, new protocols in place,” museum director Renata Lafler said.

Credit: Colorado School of Mines

Now on display at the Mines Museum of Earth Science is a meteorite that was found in Colorado and weighs over 40 pounds. The museum said the meteorite's donor used the H6 ordinary chondrite as a doorstop until its true nature was discovered – he found it in 1941 in a field that belonged to his family.

Museum visitors will also notice a brand-new museum store at the museum’s entrance and a new welcome desk with an amethyst countertop, a new collection of mining artifacts donated by the family of Mines alumnus Frederick R. Dowsett Jr. ‘69, expanded exhibits of Colorado minerals, including a new section dedicated to minerals from Alma's Sweet Home Mine and new interactive exhibits for kids.

Credit: Colorado School of Mines

“We’ve been busy over the past year improving the museum experience for our guests – and that includes officially launching our new name, the Mines Museum of Earth Science, to better reflect our mission and one-of-a-kind collections dedicated to the earth sciences and Colorado’s mineral heritage," said Lafler.

The Mines Museum of Earth Science is located at 1310 Maple Street in Golden. Reservations can be made online.

RELATED: Food Network star to headline Bellco Theatre live event

RELATED: Colorado Ballet announces return to in-person performances

> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.

SUGGESTED VIDEOSScience is Cool

MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS

Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER

Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n 

HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.

Before You Leave, Check This Out