The reopened planetarium will offer public programmes four days a week, with shows scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, informs the online report. Six programmes will rotate through the calendar, covering subjects ranging from the solar system and Mars exploration to exoplanets and the search for life beyond Earth.
Construction took place between 1954 and 1958, with the first planetarium show presented on April 7, 1960. The original projection system eventually stopped functioning in 2004. The space subsequently became an important part of Florida Southern’s astronomy programme, hosting students, school groups and members of the public, states the report by West Orlando News. the planetarium was largely inactive while restoration plans took shape Although the space continued to see occasional use. The revival unfolded in several stages. Exterior work received support from the State of Florida and private funding, while interior restoration was backed by federal Save America’s Treasures funding and private donors. The latest phase has transformed the restored interior into a functioning contemporary planetarium. A new COSM projection system and Bowen sound system now provide the technology needed to once again turn the space into an immersive environment for exploring the cosmos. Importantly, the restoration has sought to preserve the architectural character of Wright’s original design rather than turning the historic space into a generic modern venue.
The reopened planetarium will offer public programmes four days a week, with shows scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, informs the online report. Six programmes will rotate through the calendar, covering subjects ranging from the solar system and Mars exploration to exoplanets and the search for life beyond Earth.