News Summary
A new $15 million planetarium learning center is being constructed at Church and Broad streets in Spartanburg, aiming to enhance science education. The 10,000 square-foot facility will feature a 50-foot dome, classrooms, and a maker’s lab. Scheduled to open in late 2025, the project combines private donations and county bonds, serving as a critical educational resource for local schools and the community.
Spartanburg – A new $15 million planetarium learning center is steadily taking shape at the corner of Church and Broad streets in downtown Spartanburg, with construction officially commencing in December 2023. The facility is expected to open its doors to the public in late 2025, marking a significant advancement in the region’s educational landscape.
The financing for the project has been sourced from a combination of private donations, county-issued construction bonds, and the library system’s fund balance. The planetarium is projected to be a groundbreaking educational facility, with ambitions of offering various science education programming in collaboration with local partner agencies.
The center will house a 50-foot dome equipped with sloped seating and five projectors, designed to provide visitors with an immersive learning experience. Spanning three stories and covering a total area of 10,000 square feet, the building will not only host this viewing space but will also include office and classroom areas, as well as a maker’s lab aimed at fostering creativity and innovation among its users.
As part of its design, the planetarium will feature two ground-level entrances located conveniently at Church and Broad streets. An inviting outdoor plaza will accompany the building, incorporating public seating, planters, and greenery. The plaza’s design aims to utilize materials that reflect light effectively throughout the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.
The grand opening ceremony of the planetarium is scheduled for October 17, 2025, coinciding with the 140th anniversary celebration of Spartanburg County Public Libraries, a milestone that underscores the center’s significance to the local community.
In a notable development, workers from Spitz Co., a firm specializing in planetarium screen installation, completed the installation of the central screen on May 30, 2025. This project will also feature a Foucault pendulum, which is designed to be visible from the exterior of the building. Calibration of the pendulum will be assisted by experts from Clemson University.
The planetarium aims to serve as a substantial educational resource, particularly for local schools, enhancing science education in the area. Construction efforts are ongoing, with plans for carpet and lighting installations underway in the upcoming weeks. Staff members are expected to move into the facility by late August or early September 2025, setting the stage for the anticipated opening.
Over the past 30 years, advancements in planetarium technology have made significant headway, and Spartanburg’s facility will incorporate the latest innovations. Future considerations include potential upgrades to all-electronic screens, ensuring the center remains at the forefront of educational technology.
Once completed, the new planetarium will complement existing educational facilities within the Upstate region, such as those located at Clemson University and the Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville. As with many large construction projects, the planetarium is facing challenges from simultaneous developments in the area, including a nearby new baseball stadium, government complex, and other community initiatives.
The upcoming planetarium learning center in Spartanburg is poised to become a cornerstone of educational experience and community engagement, drawing visitors from the surrounding region and establishing itself as a key player in the local educational landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Planetarium Opens Summer 2025
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg’s 2025 Projects Include Fifth Third Park & Planetarium
- AOL: Spartanburg Planetarium Scheduled for Completion in 2025
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg Library Leaders Break Ground on Downtown Planetarium
- WSPA: New Renderings for Spartanburg Planetarium Approved, Construction to Begin
- Wikipedia: Planetarium
- Google Search: Spartanburg Planetarium
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg Planetarium
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Planetarium
- Google News: Spartanburg Planetarium
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
