PHOENIX — The Arizona Science Center recently completed construction on the Dorrance DOME and it is now open to the public.

Construction on the Dorrance DOME, formerly known as the Dorrance Planetarium, took over a year and started in spring 2024.

“The Dorrance Planetarium has always been a cornerstone of the Arizona Science Center experience,” Interim Hazel A. Hare President and CEO Tammy Stewart said in a press release. “With the new Dorrance DOME, we’re not only taking science and space education to the next level, we’re creating a must-see destination that will draw visitors from across the region — many who may be discovering Arizona Science Center for the very first time.”

What changes were made to Dorrance DOME?

The DOME is powered by Cosm’s cutting-edge CX System LED Dome and is meant to bring science, art and the universe to life and provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

The CX system has an 8K+ visual resolution that is supposed to elevate the clarity and realism of every show.

According to the press release, the DOME also has 100x the brightness of traditional projectors and seamless, wraparound canvas.

The DOME seats 205 people in total with 200 premium seats — which are broken down between 112 fixed seats and 88 movable chairs. In addition, there are five ADA-compliant spaces for guests.

What will be shown at Dorrance DOME for its reopening?

Tickets are on sale now for shows at the DOME through Nov. 30. There are daytime shows during the Arizona Science Center’s operating hours as well as after-hours showings and special events.

The daytime shows, shown Tuesday through Sunday between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., include:

  • Astronomy Tour: Arizona, produced by the Arizona Science Center — 12:30 p.m.
  • Black Hole: First Picture, produced by Cosm Studios — 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m.
  • Orbital, produced by Cosm Studios — 11 a.m., 1:15 p.m
  • Inside Pop Art, produced by Cosm Studios — 3:30 p.m.

During the after-hours showing and special events, the rest of the Arizona Science Center will be closed.

An astronomy night is planned for Saturday, Nov. 22 that will show Astronomy Tour: Arizona, Black Hole: First Picture and Orbital. The event costs $14 per person, per show.

There are also events being held on Saturdays, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, that will feature 50-minute shows from Art360 of KPOP Demon Hunters and Taylor Swift. Tickets for the Art360 screenings start at $20.

Art360 will also be holding a Sip n’ Paint on Friday, Nov. 21, which will be a 75-minute guided experience with a showing of Cosmic Cacti at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the event cost $45 per person and come with a drink ticket.

In addition to the after-hours showing, there will be special yoga events hosted at the DOME. They are planned for Nov. 8, Dec. 14  and Jan. 10 and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Admission to the yoga events cost $40.

“With the Dorrance DOME, we’re redefining what’s possible for immerse experiences — sparking curiosity, inspiring creativity and engaging every visitor,” Stewart said. “This space is for everyone, educators, local families and tourists alike, as it showcases the endless possibilities of science, art and innovation in one unforgettable setting.”

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