Opening Feb. 23 at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, a new exhibition titled Creatures of Light examines the fascinating world of organisms that produce or reflect their own light. From the familiar sparkle of fireflies to deep-sea animals that glow in the dark, the exhibit showcases bioluminescence and biofluorescence through hands-on displays, life-sized models, immersive environments, and live animals.
Guests can explore simulated habitats that reveal how and why creatures glow. A meadow setting recreates the soft, rhythmic flash patterns of fireflies and explains the complex role those signals play in mating and communication. A recreation of a Puerto Rican lagoon demonstrates how microscopic plankton can transform water into a shimmering blue ribbon when disturbed. In caves inspired by New Zealand’s limestone ceilings, visitors see how glowworms produce constellations of tiny lights to attract prey.
The exhibition also features live specimens, such as a tank of GloFish—fish genetically modified to fluoresce and used in research on environmental detection—as well as displays of bioluminescent jellyfish and other animals that emit light for defense, attraction, or camouflage. Large-scale models of glowing mushrooms, jellyfish, and fireflies allow close-up observation of structures that create or reflect light, while an interactive coral reef installation explains the biological and ecological reasons coral exhibits pink, orange, and green fluorescence.
Educational programming built into the exhibit is designed for visitors of all ages. Family-friendly activities encourage hands-on learning about the chemistry behind bioluminescence, the evolutionary advantages of glowing traits, and the ways researchers study and apply biofluorescence in conservation and environmental monitoring. Interpretive panels discuss how light production differs between species, the molecular mechanisms involved, and the ecological contexts—such as deep-sea darkness or nocturnal forests—where light proves advantageous.
By combining scientific explanation with sensory experiences, Creatures of Light aims to make a rarely seen natural phenomenon accessible and engaging. The exhibit emphasizes real-world science without sensationalizing the organisms on display, offering balanced information about both their beauty and their biological functions. Visitors leave with a better understanding of how light shapes life in unexpected places and how scientists harness those natural systems in research and technology.
Creatures of Light invites curiosity and wonder while delivering clear, accessible science for families, students, and general audiences. The exhibit’s blend of live animals, immersive scenes, and educational interactives provides multiple entry points for learning—whether someone comes to see a glowing lagoon, study a firefly’s mating flash, or examine the fluorescent pigments that color coral. Together, these elements create a rich portrait of life that literally lights up the natural world.