PHOENIX — The Arizona Science Center announced Monday that the Dorrance Planetarium will officially reopen on October 18, following more than a year of renovations aimed at completely modernizing the space experience.
Closed since spring 2024, the popular attraction in downtown Phoenix has undergone a high-tech makeover through a partnership with Cosm, a company specializing in immersive visual technology. The project is part of the Science Center’s broader Visitor Experience Renewal Plan.
Dome upgrades set a new standard
The revamped planetarium will feature a cutting-edge LED dome with 8K+ resolution, offering visuals that are twice as sharp as ultra-high-definition televisions. According to the Arizona Science Center, the screen will be 100 times brighterthan traditional projection systems and powered by Cosm’s CX technology, designed for storytelling, education, and entertainment.
“Visitors aren’t just watching—they’re stepping into new worlds,” said Guy Labine, president and CEO of the Arizona Science Center. “This isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a transformation of how people learn and engage with science, space, and exploration.”
Seating, flexibility, and programming
The upgraded planetarium will accommodate 194 guests, including 106 premium fixed seats and 88 modular seats, allowing the space to be easily reconfigured for a wide range of public and private events.
Ticket sales are expected to open in August, with early access and updates available through the Science Center’s newsletter. Full reopening details and programming schedules will be available on the Arizona Science Center’s website in the coming weeks.
Located at 600 E. Washington St., the Dorrance Planetarium has long been one of Arizona’s leading venues for space and astronomy education. The new enhancements aim to place it among the most advanced public planetariums in the country.
