The CELL – The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab

I’m still trying to figure out what the purpose of this exhibit really is… It felt like propaganda by the Republican Party/​Fox News to show you how gruesome terrorism is, without really teaching you anything. A quick Google search also shows that John McCain, and Lindsey Graham came to this exhibit so it really sounds like the goal is a pro-​war agenda which kinda doesn’t fit for Downtown Denver. I only visited this exhibit as it was free on Night at the Museums and I was already in the area to see other nearby attractions.
I could easily see younger kids and even teens be disturbed by this exhibit. I do have to say it was interesting to see the different types of weapons used in terrorist attacks. After waiting to get into the room showing a film I was disappointed when I realized its just a bunch of random news media shots of terrorist attacks (or the aftermath) all showing simultaneously without telling a coherent story. I probably can learn more via Youtube or by googling individual attacks rather than just being subjected to images meant to teach us that terrorism is bad and could happen any time and we have no control over it.

So I was walking around the museum district on first free Saturday and noticed «CELL» on a couple of the marquis. Intrigued by the name and the short walk, I made my way over. As I got closer, there were around 3 to 4 a-​frame signs that said «Free admission» and pointed you to the entry way of the Counter-​Terrorism Education Learning Lab. The second I read what CELL stood for, I mumbled «What in the blue hell is this?» I reluctantly went in because it was free.
Once inside, I was greeted by 4 people. Two that seemed to work there and two security guards. They were all huddled up next to each other. How cute… The CELL gatekeeper did his best Vanna White pointing towards the steel beam from tower 2 of the World Trade Center. After taking a quick glance at that, I went through a hallway of screens that made me feel like I was watching 30 different televisions and they were all playing Fox News. Next was another hallway with more screens depicting news reports of terrorist activities. All along the wall were different recreations of terrorist tools such as cell phone bombs, bomb vests, and sarin gas. As I began to take pictures, the gatekeeper and a security guard came into the hallway and asked me to delete the pictures. I did, but lucky for you iPhone can recover deleted pics! They then stood at the other end of the hallway as if to watch me. They blocked my way into a room that supposedly showed terrorist attack footage.
This hallway is only meant to scare you. I’m not sure why it exists. I certainly wouldn’t pay the $ 8 that normal admission is. I feel like they owe me money for the time I spent there. As I left, the other gatekeeper asked me how I enjoyed it. I could only laugh and tell her that it was the most comical waste of time I’ve ever had. Don’t let CELL discourage you from the real museums in the area. They’re all fantastic.

Very technology savvy museum. Interactive displays and videos. However very short — only took about 30 – 40 min to go through entire museum.

Can’t ever get in. I have tried four times to visit. I have called and there was a special event. I called again, they said they were open, oooppps, special event. I went yesterday (Sept. 18, 2014) and closed again for a special event. I was told by the staff to check their website where the most current closings are posted. So I checked — there was NOTHING on the 18^th saying they were closed.
So part of my tax money (SCFD) goes to support a museum that is only open to special groups. Hmmm… the DAM Hamilton Building across the plaza is able to simultaneously be open and give special tours. Perhaps they should walk the 30 yards and find out how to do two things at once? Or what is going on in these special events that they do not want the public to see/​hear.
If I ever get to actually visit — I will update this review.

I visited from out of town with some friends of mine from Boston, and we found the CELL really interesting! We are all pretty interested in political science and international affairs, and it was an educational way to spend a few hours. It sparked a lot of conversation among us later in the day, and I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re looking for something different to do in Denver! I don’t live in the area, but I started following The CELL on facebook, and it looks like they host some pretty interesting events too. Nice job over all!

I don’t buy into the myth of 911; I’m more inclined to believe in things like gravity and physics. So I thought it would be a bit of a joke to take my 18-​year-​old daughter to The CELL… but they got the last laugh. The heart of the exhibit is a dark room filled with large screen TVs displaying gruesome images and the message, «Terrorism. It can happen to you. Any time. Anywhere.» …which left my daughter sobbing uncontrollably. Nice work, guys.
So if you want to be terrorized, go to The CELL. Which is really what it’s all about, isn’t it?

As a student of Political Science and International Security, I decided to go and check out The Cell exhibit after hearing about it on my campus.
Upon arrival, my friend and I were pleased to see the exhibit offered a discount for students at only $ 5 a person. The staff was friendly and happy to explain what the cell is and what to expect throughout the exhibit.
Let me start off by saying this exhibit is extremely powerful. I won’t spoil the entire exhibit, but starting off inside is a display of an actual piece of the world trade center. It was an educational experience on the subject of terrorism and terrorism prevention. learning about the subject made it more exciting because most exhibit is hands on and interactive. The exhibit didn’t make me feel afraid after walking out but only to be more motivated and alert with my community. My friend next to me walked out in disbelief because she didn’t know about a lot of the current problems the world faces when it comes to terrorism.
I highly recommend everyone to visit the cell and become educated on the subject. It’s very important for citizens to raise awareness in their communities to help prevent possible future attacks from happening.

Although the building is somewhat small, each room is carefully laid out in a manner that provokes deep thought and consideration. The examples of the weapons used by terrorists were startlingly innovative, and a frank reminder of the lengths some are willing to go in order to commit acts of violence against innocent people. Extremism is a global problem, and the 360 Room is an interesting method of uniting victims from around the world. I was surprised to see a school group somberly going through the exhibit because I’m used to seeing kids screaming and shouting as they sprint through museums. It would seem that the CELL is as thought provoking for me as it was for them. All and all, it was informative, well curated, and easy to get to.

This is not a museum.
If your curiosity gets the better of you, go on a free day. The place is meant to scare the crap out of you, not empower or educate you.
It’s pretty much a propaganda mill. You can always catch an hour of Glenn Beck’s the Blaze if you don’t have the time to make it out here.
I posted this before but it was taken down. hmm

The CELL provides an interesting exhibit that is really a one-​of-​a-​kind look at terrorism and its impact on the United States, Israel, United Kingdom, and other parts of the world.
It is not a huge exhibit, but it is interesting and insightful. Worth visiting once, but probably not more often.

I am surprised by all of the positive reviews, because my husband and I found this museum to be terribly disappointing. The exhibit consists of a few newspaper clippings on the wall, some videos of political figures discussing how bad terrorism is, and some basic factoids about terrorism. No attempt to elucidate the complexities of terrorism, or to convey lesser-​known facts about terrorism. If you are someone who keeps up with current events, you will probably leave feeling frustrated as I did. We were done with the exhibit within 30 minutes, and even though we had buy-​one-​get-​one-​free tickets, we still felt that it was a waste of time and money.

We just visited the museum with a group of friends. I really did not know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. It is a great history of terrorism, particularly after ⁹⁄₁₁. The exhibits are interactive and informative and offers ways for everyone to help combat terrorism.

I was really impressed with the Cell on my last trip to Denver. I went to the Art and History museums and sort of stumbled upon this little exhibit. Reasonably priced ($ 5 for student), I decided to check it out. It was really interesting. They had an actual piece of steel from the world trade center which was really powerful. I also loved the informational pieces about children in terrorist organizations, how terrorist groups are funded and how countries balance freedom and protecting people. I thought it was really thought provoking. It only took me about an hour to go through the exhibit, and I probably could have gone faster if I had been on a time crunch. As a museum lover, I really thought the exhibit offered a new and different take on the traditional format. I loved the high-​tech stuff and was impressed by their courage to take on such a difficult subject. I highly suggest visiting.

I guess there is a museum for everything! This is one of those oddities, which they claim is the only one like it in the world. It is a documentary on the life after 9 11 and give you a chance to bathe in the memories.