Saint Louis Science Center’s Planetarium set for major upgrades

This post was originally published on here

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Science Center’s McDonnell Planetarium is preparing for its largest technology upgrade in decades.

The Science Center says the upgrades will help the McDonnell Planetarium become the largest and most-advanced hybrid planetarium in the nation.

Planned upgrades include the following:

• The installation of a GOTO Chiron III Hybrid Star Projector (which will be the first of its kind in the United States) and a Cosm Digistar Full-Dome Data Visualization System.

• Modernizing the projection system within the Orthwein StarBay, combining the traditional educator-led astronomy show display with a high-resolution, digital projection system.

• Upgrading the sound system within the theater to create a full 360-degree immersion.

• Installing new enhancements such as an assistive learning system, a telecoil loop system for guests using hearing aids and cochlear implants and an audio broadcast transmission system.

“Millions, like myself, have visited the McDonnell Planetarium over the past six decades and have had the opportunity to marvel at the stars above as both a connection to the past and a bridge to the future,” Science Center CEO and President Dr. Ray Vandiver said. “With these improvements to the projection system and the Bill and Laura Orthwein StarBay, we’re ensuring that our Planetarium continues to be the most advanced hub for informal space learning in the region and inspires generations to come to continue exploring the world — and the universe — around us, as there will always be new discoveries to make.”

Upgrades will begin Feb. 1 and continue into the summer months. During installation, the top two floors of the planetarium will be closed, but the rest of it will remain open to visitors.

The planetarium has been open since 1963 and is set for its largest technology upgrade in 25 years.

For more information on the planetarium and Science Center programs, click here.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.