The Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center are both long-time icons of the northern Colorado cultural landscape. When our two institutions began exploring independent capital campaigns in 2004, an exciting idea presented itself: what might be possible if we joined forces to create a new experience — a world-class, state-of-the-art combination of science and culture?

Fast forward to today: thanks in large part to Fort Collins voters' overwhelming support of Issue 2A in 2005 — which provided $6 million in tax revenue to partially fund a new museum — and the creation of a unique public-private partnership between FCM and DSC, this vision is becoming reality.

Project milestones

2005

• Fort Collins voters approved Issue 2A, "Building on Basics," a $6 million bond.

2006

• Economic feasibility study conducted to determine realistic expectations for facility size, admission prices, target audiences, marketing strategies, and more.

2007

• Site in Old Town Fort Collins along the banks of the Cache La Poudre River secured through a land donation from the City of Fort Collins.

2008

• Partnership Agreement between the City of Fort Collins and Discovery Science Center Board of Directors signed with approval by the City of Fort Collins City Council.
• Fundraising campaign launched to secure public and private funding for capital costs, identify resources for transitional funds, and secure revenue for operations.
• Exhibit master planning process started with Gyroscope Inc.

2009

• Co-programing of exhibits and educational programs began when Discovery Science Center relocated to share space with the Fort Collins Museum at 200 Mathews Street.

2010

• Design/build team of OZ Architecture and Hensel-Phelps Construction chosen.
• Groundbreaking in September 2010.

2011

• Exhibit fabrication begins.
• Museum closes to the public on October 30 to prepare for move.
• Construction completed in November 2011.

2012

• Exhibit fabrication and installation.
• Opening on November 10, 2012.