Celebrating 1 Million Visitors!

Join us on Saturday, January 7th as we celebrate 1 million visitors at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery!

Admission is free all day long, thanks to generous support from the City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department – Sustainability Services Area.

Come early to see our black-footed ferrets get fed their breakfast! Dome shows are also FREE, but tickets are limited. Please visit the front desk to grab tickets for your show of choice.

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., visitors can enter their name for a grand prize to be drawn at NOON on the 7th:

Grand Prize includes:

  • Free lifetime membership
  • 30 guest passes
  • Behind the scenes tour
  • And so much more!

(Must be present to win)

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Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa’s coming to FCMoD!

Create special holiday memories at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery on Saturday, December 17th! There’s fun planned for everyone, no matter your age!

Enjoy taking photos with Santa Claus, holiday-themed activities, balloon creations, and more. Photos will be on a first come, first-serve basis from 10 am – 1 pm, so we hope you’ll join us! Please bring your smartphone device or camera for photos (FCMoD staff available to take pictures).

This special event is free with museum admission purchase. And don’t forget, members are always free!

NOTE: This may be a high volume event!

Schedule of Events:

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Photos with Santa Claus in the Main Gallery

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Ornament Crafting with FCMoD

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Balloon Creations with Alpaca Globo

Special Events for Museum Members! 

10:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Members receive* FREE hot chocolate available in the Museum Café

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Members-only viewing of “Let It Snow” in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater

While you’re at the museum, don’t forget to explore our latest traveling exhibition Earth Matters: Rethink the Future or check out the newest addition in our Animal Encounters Zone (hint: they’re very green and very froggy).

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Extended Hours for Fall Break Fun!

FCMoD is open EXTRA days during Fall Break this year, and we can’t wait! If you’re looking for things to do in Fort Collins, plan your visit to FCMoD and enjoy fun for everyone! We’re open every day during the week of Thanksgiving from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Thursday, November 24th.

Here are some tips for your upcoming visit:

Earth Matters Special Exhibition – Build an insect hotel! Ride a bike to power a city! These are just a few ways that Earth Matters inspires visitors to rethink the world around them. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking scientific topics about our changing planet such as biodiversity, rising global temperatures, and issues around carbon emissions. Explore this STEM-based, family-friendly exhibit now through Sunday, January 8th. Don’t forget, members receive free admission to the exhibit!

Pop-Up Floor Programming – Join us in the main gallery for programs that rock as hard as you do! From Foley art to the science of sound, there’s something for everyone! Programs are included in general admission and free for members. Check out the schedule in our museum calendar!

Meet the Animals – On Saturday, November 26th, join us in Animal Encounters and discover some amazing creatures we share this planet with. Animals of all kinds from creepy crawlies, wet and slimy, to soft and furry. Don’t miss an opportunity to make a new animal friend! Free for members and included in general admission ticket.

OtterBox Digital Dome – A visit to the museum isn’t complete without a visit to the Dome! Featuring a gigantic 39-foot diameter dome screen, adventurers of all ages will be wowed by the Dome’s state-of-the-art digital projection systems and booming surround sound.

Now showing in the Dome: CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story, Dream to Fly, Explore, Prince 360, One World, One Sky: Big Birds’ Adventure, Let it Snow! (starting 11/25)

Special Spanish-language shows: Un Cielo, Un Mundo. La Aventura de Big Bird y CAPCOM Go: La Historia del Programa Apolo

Check out the schedule here!

Archive and Collections (Free Zone) – Dive into local history by visiting FCMoD’s robust Archive and Collections! Free and open to the public, visitors can either take advantage of walk-in hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10-1, or schedule an appointment Tuesday – Friday, from 10-4. Can’t make it in? Check out the online archive here, which grows daily!

The Museum Store (Free Zone) – Shop small this holiday season! All purchases at The Museum Store support FCMoD’s mission to create meaningful opportunities to learn, reflect, and have fun. From jewelry crafted by local artists, to books for children and adults, to toys and other curiosities, there is something for everyone at The Museum Store!

The Museum Café (Free Zone) – From pastries and coffee to jump start your day, to a variety of casual lunch bites, The Museum Café is here to fuel your discovery!

Membership – Membership is the best way to experience all that FCMoD has to offer! Not only do you receive free general admission for a year, but you also enjoy exclusive discounts, events invitations, and more! Plus, membership makes the perfect holiday gift. (Check your email on Monday, November 28th for a very special offer!)

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Fort Collins Museum of Discovery Turns 10!

On November 10, 2012, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery opened its doors for the very first time. Fast forward 10 years and nearly 1 million visitors later, and WOW have we had fun! We’re proud of what these ten years have meant to FCMoD and the community, so we’ve planned a year of celebrations that kicks off with a very special 10th Birthday Party on Saturday, November 12.

Join us for a FREE, fun-filled day of celebrations!
Saturday, November 12, 2022
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Free Entry
Free admission presented by Elevations Credit Union

  • Face painting from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • A fun photo booth to take memories home with you from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Live music from 12 – 4 p.m. with Miranda Fling, Mariachi Voces Mexicanas, Teddy Creal, and Corinthian
  • Special Animal Experiences and more from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Solar scope viewings with the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society
  • Movies and films in The OtterBox Digital Dome throughout the day
  • Special giveaways to the first 300 visitors!
  • And more to be announced!

Ten years of science exploration. Ten years of discovering history. Ten years of curiosity and learning. Ten years of creating memories… And we’re only just beginning! A special and heartfelt thank you to YOU for your continued love and support for the museum over the years. We can’t wait to see you this year during our many celebrations!

Sign up for our newsletter to receive special 10th anniversary updates, directly in your inbox.


FCMoD’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations are generously supported by:

Additional support provided by:
Bohemian Foundation
Fiona’s Catering
Nordson Corporate Foundation

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Virtual Book Signing: Biology Everywhere

Join us for a free, interactive virtual book signing with Dr. Melanie Peffer, author of “Biology Everywhere”, where we will explore topics from Dr. Peffer’s book such as the biology of how we experience music, how art influences one of the greatest discoveries in neuroscience, and music therapy in relation to our current special exhibition Mental Health: Mind Matters.

Books will be available for purchase through the Museum Store at www.fcmod.org/store.

Register here.

About Biology Everywhere: “Biology Everywhere” is an overview of biology through the lens of our everyday experience. It is written for the general public, but could be a good alternative text in the biology classroom. “Biology Everywhere” covers many of the topics in an introductory biology course, in addition to several unique interdisciplinary topics including psychology and biology, biology and the arts, and business and biology. Where have you experienced biology today? Dive in and take a look! What you find may surprise you. Learn more at biologyeverywhere.com

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