News Summary
Spartanburg, South Carolina, is set to welcome a new planetarium, the Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center, with its grand opening on October 17, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will include a 136-seat theater, a Foucault Pendulum, and a maker lab. The 28,000-square-foot project aims to enhance educational experiences in astronomy and science, featuring various programs and shows starting the following day. Local officials are optimistic about the urban revitalization and community engagement the planetarium will foster.
Spartanburg, South Carolina, is preparing for the grand opening of its new planetarium, set to take place on October 17, 2025. The Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center will feature a state-of-the-art 136-seat theater with a 50-foot dome, designed to enhance educational experiences related to astronomy and science.
The planetarium, located at the corner of Broad and Church streets, is part of a $15 million project that spans 28,000 square feet. Visitors will be greeted by a suspended Foucault Pendulum in the lobby, which demonstrates the rotation of the Earth. Additionally, the facility includes a maker lab named after Kitty Black Perkins, a trailblazing designer for Mattel Barbie, who created the company’s first Black Barbie in 1980.
The grand opening event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is expected to feature tours, demonstrations, and information about the planetarium’s offerings. Perkins will attend the opening and conduct demonstrations in the maker lab.
The planetarium project was announced in 2022, with construction commencing in early 2024 and reaching completion in 2025. Funding for the planetarium came from a mix of private donations, county-issued construction bonds, and the library system’s fund balance.
As one of the newest additions to Spartanburg, the planetarium is anticipated to boost pedestrian traffic and generate interest among local schools and businesses. Spartanburg County Librarian Todd Stephens expressed enthusiasm for the community engagement opportunities that the planetarium will provide. The project design includes public seating, planters, and trees at the entrances of Church and Broad streets, along with an outdoor plaza to enhance the area.
Brett Vaughn, the executive director of Spartanburg County School District 7, mentioned that the planetarium will significantly enhance students’ connections to science and provide immersive learning experiences. Starting from October 18, the planetarium will present three shows daily from Tuesday to Saturday, featuring productions such as “Worlds Beyond Earth,” “CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story,” and “Aurora: Lights of Wonder.” In addition to these shows, the planetarium plans to host guest speakers and will begin offering school group tours in early 2026.
Weeks leading up to the opening will involve calibrating the planetarium’s systems and preparing staff for public presentations. For visitors attending the grand opening, parking will be available at the Spartanburg County Public Library Headquarters and the Kennedy Street Parking Garage. It is important to note that part of Broad Street will be temporarily closed during the grand opening festivities.
Overall, the Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center aims to provide enhanced educational opportunities and interactive experiences that foster a deeper understanding of astronomy and science among community members and visitors.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center Grand Opening
- Wikipedia: Planetarium
- WSPA: Spartanburg Planetarium Nears Completion
- Google Search: Spartanburg Planetarium
- Fox Carolina: Exclusive Look at New Planetarium Spartanburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Astronomy
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg’s 2025 Projects Include Planetarium
- Google News: Spartanburg Planetarium News
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.
