Museum highlights
Visitors enter the museum, 12 miles west of downtown Denver, and cross a simulated snowfield and realistic crevasse with ambient sounds and theatrical lighting effects.
Climbing timeline: Graphically see how climbing gear has changed. Walk through a graphic timeline of climbing history, which begins in 7th-century Japan and ends with modern bouldering, ice and rock climbing. While there, “dress the climber” and guess what time period the clothing comes from. Read stories of famous climbers and their achievements.
World mountains: Learn about the world’s 8,000-meter peaks – 14 peaks which are 25,000 feet or higher. Another panel highlights those who have climbed the “Seven Summits,” the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. In a temple structure, spin the Tibetan prayer wheel and release prayers to the world. A flipbook illustrates mountain cultures and climbers who have helped people around the world.
Mount Everest: A detailed model of the mountain build by Washburn and kiosks with push-button controls and audio wands offer film clips about the mountain and climbers who have summited the 29,035-foot mountain. One is blind climber Eric Weihenmayer of Golden, Colo., who used this same model in preparation for his historic climb.
Colorado: Photographs from the Colorado Mountain Club’s stunning collection and a touch-screen interactive map teach about the state’s sky-scraping mountain ranges. Turn the wheel on global climate change and see how you can help make a difference in the mountains.
Mountain safety, science: Dangers of avalanches, cold and high altitude are described in films and displays. In the nearby “Living on Big Walls” panels, kids can jump into the port-a-ledge and see how climbers sleep while suspended high on a mountain face.
Activity theatre: Features film clips on mountain sports and historic climbing experiences.
World War II training for the 10th Mountain Division ski troopers in Colorado is featured in a display.
Gift shop: Mountaineering-related merchandise including art, jewelry, books, maps, games, photographs, and DVDs for sale.