Science Museum OK announces future plans for Planetarium

Science Museum Oklahoma’s planetarium will be temporarily closed after its last shows slated for April 21, with plans for the new state-of-the-art Love’s Planetarium.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Science Museum Oklahoma’s planetarium will be temporarily closed after its last shows slated for April 21, with plans for the new state-of-the-art Love’s Planetarium.

The Love’s Planetarium will use some of the best technology that is currently available around the world. There's only one other planetarium that has similar capabilities, which is located in Shanghai, China.

The Science Museum Oklahoma's planetarium has been the foundation of the building since it opened up in 1958, drawing in visitors with its stunning displays and the educational and live programs.

The closure happening this month will mark the transformation of a fully hybrid system which will include combining optical and digital projectors, high-intensity LEDs and fiber optic equipment.

Astonishing detail and high-resolution images of the Milky Way, 8 million detailed stars, 88 constellations, the sun, moon, and other plants will be illustrated with the new technology including seats that are individually calibrated for the best viewing experience.

“Our museum roots are as a planetarium,” said Sherry Marshall, John E. Kirkpatrick President/CEO. “We intend to continue and grow the incredible vision of our founder, Admiral John Elson Kirkpatrick, and improve the planetarium for our visitors to enjoy for the next 60-plus years."

"We are incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm that updating the planetarium has received from all of our community. We are excited to bring Love’s on as a partner to continue to spark an interest in space exploration and science with a new level of technology and real-time, interactive educational opportunities from across the universe.”

With the last planetarium shows taking place at the current location on April 21, Science Museum Oklahoma will offer a series of laser light shows during the transitional period. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from May 9 to June 15, special laser light shows will be held in the planetarium to celebrate its legacy.

There will be multiple showtimes available for each of those nights and the laser art set will provide popular music including Pink Floyd, Taylor Swift, Grateful Dead, Elton John, Queen, The Beatles and more.

The Love's Planetarium is set to open in the early fall.

For more information about the planetarium or Science Museum Oklahoma, visit www.smo.org.