Discover the dynamic culture and abundant biodiversity of the Caribbean’s largest island nation in the new temporary exhibition “¡CUBA!,” at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This lively experience for all ages — presented in English and Spanish — inspires new perspectives and immerses Museum guests in the people, landscapes, unique species and daily life of this intriguing country. The exhibition is free with general admission.
Cuba is a place of stunning contrasts: mysterious caves and bright avenues, sweltering fields and cool forests, hard challenges and high energy. The main feature of the exhibition is a “plaza” evoking city life and lined with displays. Tabletops along the streetscape encourage guests to try activities related to Cuban dominoes, Cuban foods and coffee, local music and the nation’s obsession with baseball. A 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air on display reveals the story behind the vintage cars that famously rumble down Cuban streets.
Cuba is also one of the region’s most ecologically diverse countries, with the Caribbean’s healthiest coral reefs, most significant wetlands and largest rainforest. The exhibition features beautiful re-creations of the island’s habitats, with lifelike models representing its distinctive wildlife, both modern and extinct, and live lizards called anoles. About 50 percent of Cuba’s plants and 32 percent of its vertebrate animals are endemic, found only on the island. Highlights include the Zapata wetlands, home to the endangered Cuban crocodile, and a reconstructed cave environment.
The Museum worked with the Cuban community in Denver to enhance the experience, by adding live musical and dance performances at times during the exhibition’s run, and contributing profiles and personal mementos from local Cuban Americans.
“¡CUBA!” is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org), in collaboration with the Cuban National Museum of Natural History.
The IMAX film “Cuba” in 2D opens in Phipps IMAX Theater is the perfect complement to the exhibition. IMAX tickets and schedule are available at dmns.org/imax. Daily hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 20, except on Dec. 25. For more information, visit www.dmns.org/cuba. The Museum is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver CO, 303-370-6000.
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