News Summary
The Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center is set to officially open its doors to the public, featuring a state-of-the-art planetarium complete with a 136-seat theater and educational programming. The grand opening event will showcase guided tours, demonstrations, and special appearances, including activities in a unique maker lab. The facility aims to promote science education while enriching the local community and attracting more visitors to downtown Spartanburg.
Spartanburg, South Carolina, is set to unveil its highly anticipated planetarium as the Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center holds its grand opening on October 17, 2025. Located at the corner of Broad and Church streets, this state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance educational opportunities in the community while drawing in visitors to downtown Spartanburg.
The total budget for the project is $15 million, resulting in a sprawling 28,000 square foot building that features a 136-seat theater topped with a 50-foot dome. The planetarium’s design includes a maker lab named after Kitty Black Perkins, the first Black designer for Mattel Barbie who created the inaugural Black Barbie in 1980.
Grand Opening Event Details
The grand opening event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will include guided tours of the planetarium, engaging demonstrations, and a wealth of information regarding its various offerings. Kitty Black Perkins herself is expected to attend and will lead demonstrations in the maker lab, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
In addition to the festivities, visitors will encounter a Foucault Pendulum prominently displayed in the lobby. This installation will serve as a captivating visual demonstration of the Earth’s rotation, enhancing the planetarium’s educational mission.
Programming and Services
Following the grand opening, the planetarium theater will offer three daily shows starting from October 18, 2025. Scheduled presentations include “Worlds Beyond Earth,” “CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story,” and “Aurora: Lights of Wonder.” The planetarium plans to feature guest speakers who will share knowledge and insights, as well as provide specialized tours for school groups anticipated to commence in early 2026.
Community Impact and Expectations
Spartanburg County Librarian Todd Stephens expressed the growing excitement within the community about the new planetarium. The facility aims to increase pedestrian traffic in downtown Spartanburg while attracting interest from local schools, universities, and business entities. The educational emphasis is to help students connect more effectively with scientific concepts, particularly those related to NASA programming.
Staff members will engage in calibrating the planetarium’s systems and practicing usage of the high-tech equipment in preparation for the public opening. Additionally, to facilitate access during the grand opening, parking will be available at the Spartanburg County Public Library Headquarters and the Kennedy Street Parking Garage. A section of Broad Street will also be temporarily closed to accommodate the day’s festivities.
Background and Construction Timeline
The planetarium project was officially announced in 2022, and construction commenced in early 2024, culminating in its completion in 2025. As a notable addition to the educational landscape in Spartanburg, the planetarium brings with it a commitment to fostering a passion for science and a deeper understanding of the universe.
Local leaders and educators hope that the Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center will not only serve as an entertainment venue but also as a vital resource for fostering educational growth and exploration in the sciences across the region.
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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
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg SC Planetarium Opening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Astronomy
- GoUpState: Spartanburg’s 2025 Projects Include Planetarium
- Google News: 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.
