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The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab

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😠 What kind of person wants to go to a museum about terrorism? I don't know, but I recently visited on a free night out of a sense of morbid curiosity. Even for free, it was a bad deal. The "museum" is essentially nothing but fear mongering, including a room where you're subjected to 360 degree views... People often mention museum, terrorism, students, learn,


Address

99 W 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80204, United States

Website

www.thecell.org

Contact

+1 303-844-4000

Rating on Google Maps

3.60 (88 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (11) terrorism (8) students (7) learn (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Chris C. 4 years ago on Google • 244 reviews
    What kind of person wants to go to a museum about terrorism? I don't know, but I recently visited on a free night out of a sense of morbid curiosity. Even for free, it was a bad deal. The "museum" is essentially nothing but fear mongering, including a room where you're subjected to 360 degree views of explosions and graphic images of terrorist attacks. Fun for the whole family! The museum wraps up with an 8 point plan about how to keep an eye out for suspicious activity from potential terrorists lurking among us. Give me a break. There are so many good museums in Denver - this is the worst.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Christian B. 7 years ago on Google • 331 reviews
    While I was in the downtown Denver area I noticed that this place had a sign out front that said "free admission" so I was like OK and went to check it out. I was expecting it to be like any other museum with displays and videos, but that's where it went off the rails. The first room is set up museum style but after you go through the big doors you are bombarded with fear mongering, giant video displays surround you with graphic pictures and videos of death, destruction, explosions, and violence. I believe the goal of this place is to either make you become xenophobic, never step foot outside ever again or for you to become super paranoid and suspicious of every and anybody.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kolten R. 5 years ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Completely tasteless museum. There are rooms where you are subjected to horrible graphic tragedies in an attempt to cause fear and panic and brainwash visitors. Not at all a heartfelt or sympathetic piece, but rather a disgusting museum with a political agenda. I went for a special free day and would have been downright outraged if I had been charged to visit this atrocity.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Michael I. 6 months ago on Google • 211 reviews
    Visited this location twice now when I was in the state, both times It was in the location that was locked down and was unable to enter or able to ask questions regarding this site due to construction or other stuff going around that may have ussed the delay in the museum, however this location is a place me and my family would like to come and visit and learn more however however we were unable to do so, maybe the building was under construction, or maybe the information that was told to the community was false, regardless we would love to come visit someone and once done so we will cage the status on the review.

  • 1/5 Carol G. 7 years ago on Google • 11 reviews
    I wanted to learn more about terrorism, but other than the exhibit on what to look for in suspicious activity, and the screen about terrorist cells around our country the rest of the museum was disappointing. Seeing pictures of the lone terrorists and bombing devices and the loud bombing movie did not do anything but scare me and my family. Was that the point? To be afraid? How is this Museum funded? By the way the Museum does have an entrance fee, and some of the bloody loud exhibits are not for children.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Skot L. 5 years ago on Google • 31 reviews
    Reviews seem to be fives, or ones. I found it to be an important topic and presented with some value, but with some failings. Good interpretive technique says to engage the visitor's emotions, provoke them to further thought, and provide information to move forward. The CELL overwhelms the emotions with significantly less practical skills to gain. The authentic object of a beam from 9-11 is powerful; all the other exhibits are models, not original objects which have much less power over the visitor. The giant screen simulation overwhelms without teaching. Why not use it help visitors look for threats and safety routes in public places. Following a simulated explosion how do you look for safe zones, where should you go, what can you do to help until first responders arrive, how do you watch for secondary devices or other threats . . . this room simply tries to overwhelm. Unfortunately more than half of the learning technology (monitors, touch screens, projection tables, ipads) were malfunctioning or off completely. This museum feels outdated, underfunded, underutilized, and misses the mark on an important topic.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeanette L. 5 years ago on Google • 56 reviews
    The cell came and did a presentation at our Cub Scout Twilight camp. They were very professional kept the kids really engaged parents commented as to how much they learned and appreciated it. They also gave us papers which detailed what items were signed off in various Cub Scout ranks so we didn't have to go back and figure that out. That was greatly appreciated. Would recommend they do a program for you anytime.

  • 5/5 Julie C. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm a witness agent fbi unpaid queen of many countries I've reported I'm kidnapped into the usa younger the california government ignores my wanting to return to England palace.Van nuys Ca judge Nuremberg claims I'm from a russia I'm definitely Marilyn monroe dept of defense 129278
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachel K. 6 years ago on Google • 17 reviews
    I went to the CELL's 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony and it was fascinating. As I'm looking for more ways to educate myself on international security, this couldn't have been better! John Brennan was really interesting to listen to, and I felt like Bret Stephens did a good job moderating and keeping the discussion from getting too biased. Looking forward to the next event! I also had a chance to check out the CELL's exhibit near the Denver Art Museum. I highly recommend - there are things that I never new about terrorism before walking through, and it helped me realize how important it is to learn more.

  • 5/5 Jonas D. 4 years ago on Google • 7 reviews
    We took a group of high school students on a field trip to The CELL, our tour guide was very engaging and informative, he answered all of the students questions. Will be back again with another group of students in the future! They loved it.

  • 4/5 Debbie O. 4 years ago on Google
    Our Victim Advocate group toured the CELL and enjoyed a lively discussion and exploration of ideas and concerns regarding terrorist activity. Thank you Elizabeth and Daniel for making this possible and creating an exciting experience. Be advised - standing for long periods of time - wear comfy shoes!

  • 4/5 Alan L. 4 years ago on Google
    A very educational place to learn about terrorism prevention and the definition of terrorism. I went when I worked for the City of Aurora which has a huge role in setting up this place. I learned a lot about terrorism, but not its causes and the reason why terrorism starts in the first place. A good place to bring your kids and learn.

  • 3/5 Richard C. 5 years ago on Google • 1 review
    I'm a DPS teacher, and have been bringing students here since the CELL opened. We always have a decent time. My middle school students do learn a lot of crucial vocabulary when discussing terror. Most of them are still in the "concrete stage" in life and just see thing in black and white. The online worksheet and the 2nd exhibit help students see that there grey areas as well. In my opinion, the museum has been out of date for several years, and not all the equipment functions. The simulation is exciting but is more a tool of propaganda then really teaching anything. The Docents are energetic and knowledgable, but sometimes a bit too one sided for my liking, and not enough emphasis is but on domestic terrorism which is more likely to happen to my Brown and Black students than any outside attack. I hear they are FINALLY closing in May for a remodel which is overdue, but I am excited to see what will takes its place. I'm glad This facility is here in Denver.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍


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