Access to Collections

The security of the specimens housed in the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History’s (UCM) Paleontology Collections is a top priority and must always be maintained. Controlled access to the collections is essential to prevent unauthorized use, damage, loss, theft, or destruction. While safeguarding the collections, the Paleontology Section remains committed to providing appropriate access to faculty, staff, students, and visiting researchers.

Visiting Researchers

All visiting researchers must request access to the Paleontology Collections by emailing an appropriate Collection Manager at least two weeks in advance of the intended visit. The written request should include the proposed visit dates, a summary of the research goals and methods, and the researcher’s credentials. The Collection Manager, and where necessary the Curator, will evaluate the request, assess any potential risks to the collection, and determine whether access will be granted. The researcher will be notified of the decision via email.

Access to the collections is generally limited to regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Visiting researchers are expected to handle specimens with care and follow all collection protocols. If the visit involves a request to loan specimens or conduct destructive sampling, reproduction, or imaging, the appropriate documentation and approvals must be completed and submitted in advance.ÌýSee the Loans pageÌýor the Destructive Sampling, Reproductions, and Imaging page for more information.

Collections Tours

Educational tours of the Paleontology Collections offer a valuable opportunity to share the collections and research activities with the public. Tours can be arranged for individuals, classes (K-12 or university), or educational groups (no birthday parties) interested in paleontology. All tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance through the Collection ManagersÌýand are only available during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Due to space limitations, each tour is limited to a maximum of 10 visitors. Larger groups may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Directions

The Paleontology Collections are in the Bruce Curtis/Museum Collections Building (MCOL) on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. MCOL is a short walk northwest of the Henderson Building (which houses the UCM’s public exhibits), near the intersection of College Avenue and Broadway.

MCOL’s external doors are generally open during weekday business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM). If the doors are locked, a Paleontology Section staff member will meet you to provide access. Once inside, please proceed to the Paleontology Section offices in Room W210, located on the west side of the second floor (floor 2W if using the elevator), to check in with a Collections Manager.

Parking

There are several nearby parking options, both on campus and in the adjacent business district known as The Hill.

On-Campus Parking

  • : Located beneath the CASE (Center for Academic Success and Engagement) building at 1725 Euclid Ave. This is a metered garage.
  • : A metered lot at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Broadway.

Off-Campus Parking (The Hill)

  • : A metered lot near the Starbucks at the corner of College Ave and 14th Street. Note this lot has a 4-hour maximum.
  • Street parking is available throughout The Hill, with a mix of metered, time-limited, and some free spots farther from campus.