ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – The largest upgrades in more than 25 years are officially complete at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium at the St. Louis Science Center, and the transformation is out of this world.
After five months of renovations, the newly reimagined Orthwein Star Bay is open to the public, making the iconic St. Louis landmark the most advanced hybrid planetarium in the United States.
What’s New Inside?
The centerpiece of the renovation is a cutting-edge hybrid projection system — combining the GOTO Chiron III and Cosm Digistar Full-Dome Data Visualization technologies working in tandem beneath the dome.
“In the center of the room, you’ll notice a lot of things right away. Instead of that one big projector, you’ll see what is called a hybrid planetarium, two systems working in harmony to create a beautiful effect overhead. These two technologies work together to create experiences that will feel both familiar and entirely new,” explained Will Snyder, Planetarium Manager.
The system can recreate millions of stars and planets, producing high-detail educational shows unlike anything previously possible at the facility.
“It’s the first of its kind in the United States. And it creates that beautiful pinpoint starry sky that makes you feel like you are seeing the sky away from city lights,” said Snyder.
Sound & Accessibility Upgrades
The renovation also includes:
- 🔊 A brand-new sound system for a fully immersive audio experience
- 🦻 An Auracast system providing enhanced hearing accessibility for all guests
For generations, a trip to the planetarium has been a rite of passage for St. Louis children and space lovers alike. Planetarium Manager Will Snyder says that tradition just got a major upgrade.
“I think everyone, from our youngest guests to our oldest, has that fundamental curiosity about what awaits us in the universe, what we will discover next. And we’re excited to bring that down to St. Louis. So you can always come here, learn about those beginning points, and then take a journey into the universe, and you’ll never know what you find.”
Three newly developed planetarium shows are also now available for guests. Visit the St. Louis Science Center’s website for show times, tickets, and more information.
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