Cabinet of Curiosities
Cabinet of Curiosities
At the Old Anthropology Museum
Naturalia
A Contemporary Cabinet of Curiosities
Installed in the historic Old Anthropology Museum at the University of Denver, Naturalia reimagines the tradition of cabinets of curiosity, seamlessly blending natural specimens with contemporary artistic interventions. Rooted in the Early Modern fascination with the marvels of nature, cabinets once sought to capture the vastness of the world through eclectic displays of rare artifacts, organic oddities, and scientific wonders. Naturalia continues this legacy, showcasing rocks, fossils, taxidermy, botanical illustrations, and meteorites alongside works by artist-scientists who engage with nature’s mysteries. This immersive installation transcends conventional classification, inviting visitors to explore connections between scientific observation, artistic imagination, and the sheer spectacle of the natural world. Echoing the historic impulse to collect and categorize, Naturalia sparks curiosity, revealing both the ordered beauty and playful unpredictability of nature. At once a scientific archive and an artistic experiment, the exhibition offers a space of wonder, discovery, and creative dialogue.
Curated by Geoffrey Shamos
Artists:
- Libby Barbee
- Alexandra Branch
- Katie Caron
- Kate Casanova
- Adrienne DeLoe
- Rebecca DiDomenico
- Nina Elder
- Don Fodness
- Ashley Frazier
- Megan Gafford
- Sarah Hearn
- Conor King
- Viviane Le Courtois
- John McEnroe
- Mia Mulvey
- Lauri Lynnxe Murphy
- Bill Nelson
- Christine Nguyen
- Regan Rosburg
- Eileen Roscina
- Martha Russo
- Gretchen Schaeffer
- Sarah Wallace Scott
- Tina Suszynski
- Lex Thompson
- Darya Warner
Visit the Cabinet
The Cabinet of Curiosities is located in the Old Anthropology Museum on the lower level of Mary Reed Hall, room 001.
2199 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80208
Open Hours (September 25-November 23, 2025)
- Thursdays 12:00-5:00 PM
- Fridays 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Saturdays 12:00-4:00 PM
The Cabinet is free and open to the public. Please note that the Mary Reed Building requires a DU ID for access.
If you are not affiliated with DU, please click the button below to request an appointment and we will gladly let you into the space.
The revitalization of the Old Anthropology Museum was made possible through the generous support of Taylor and Molly Kirkpatrick. Additional support was provided by Susan and Jeremy Shamos and Walter Arader.
