The Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s (DMNS) newest exhibit is not what some might expect. It explores the story of how one of the world’s favorite sweet treats transformed into what it is today. “Chocolate: The Exhibition” opened on Friday, Feb. 12 and will stay in Denver until May 8. In addition, on Friday, Feb. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., the museum is hosting “The Ooey Gooey Science of Sweets,” an event that allows attendees to truly taste the science of this delicious treat.

 

When placing the title of the exhibit next to the “Denver Museum of Nature and Science,” some might expect a tour of the production of modern-day chocolate, with a Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory-esque semblance. However, the exhibit will disappoint in this regard. While the exhibition’s features thoroughly explore the history of chocolate and visitors are sure to learn copious amounts about the production of chocolate, the presentation of the information lacks the glamour and evocative intrigue with which Willy Wonka is associated. “Chocolate: The Exhibit” is not hosted in a chocolate factory made with edible grass and trees: it is in a museum. It explores the history of chocolate from the tropical rainforest to the ancient Mayan communities to Aztec marketplaces and its entrance into Europe, exploring its cultural importance over time and featuring the various artifacts that allowed scientists to follow its development. The exhibit also contains a detailed walkthrough of how the sweet treat was used as money for trading in addition to an offering to the gods of some cultures. “Chocolate: The Exhibition” showcases the complexity of chocolate and how it gradually gained the universal fame that it has today.

 

The exhibit does exit directly into “The Chocolate Shop,” a quaintly decorated coffee/chocolate shop combo, with a diverse menu comprised of many different chocolaty options. Items such as the toasted sesame milk chocolate brittle ($2), the Feuilletine praline truffle ($2.50) or the chocolate, coconut and dulce de leche cupcakes ($5.50) will do anything but disappoint. In addition, the shop boasts a wide selection of fine-crafted espresso and tea drinks, like the Chestnut Mocha or Lavender White Hot Chocolate, both priced at $3.25 for a small and $3.65 for a large. The attraction to this exhibit is grounded in the quality and unique options produced from this shop.

Some may be tempted to simplify this exhibit to one big sales pitch, almost forcing viewers to buy the delicious coffee and chocolate sold at the end. However, the inspiration for the exhibit was genuine and, while the presentation is not as whimsical as some may expect, the sponsors, Grand Junction’s Enstrom Candies, hope to provide an educational experience that furthers the world’s universal love of this sweet treat.

The museum is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day of the week and it is located right next to City Park on Colorado Boulevard Tickets to the museum are $14.95 for visitors, $9.95 for those 18 years and under and free for members; “Chocolate: The Exhibition” is free with general admission to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.