Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center to Open Soon

Spartanburg, SC – The Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center is set to officially open its doors to the public on October 17, 2025. This new educational facility aims to serve as a community resource for learning about astronomy and science, featuring a variety of exhibits and programs designed to engage visitors of all ages.

Located at 151 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, the Planetarium will host shows at various times throughout the week. Showtimes are scheduled as follows: 11 am, 2 pm, and 6:30 pm on Tuesday through Thursday, 11 am and 2 pm on Friday, and 11 am, 2 pm, and 3:30 pm on Saturday. Admission to the center is free, but tickets are required and can be reserved through the Planetarium’s website.

Confirming accessibility, the facility will feature a free parking lot off Liberty Street, with additional overflow parking available in the Liberty Street garage. Visitors will be able to enter the main library through the new Planetarium Lobby, which has been designed to enhance visitor experience and accessibility.

The Planetarium Lobby will display stunning installations, including hanging fiberglass globes imported from Italy and a unique Foucault Pendulum equipped with a 135-pound brass ball, which will demonstrate the Earth’s rotation. Moreover, on display will be historic models such as replicas of the Dawn spacecraft, Space Shuttle Discovery, and the Cassini-Huygens Orbiter, with some models on loan from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab.

The facility will also host a classroom that seats 20-30 individuals, providing an environment for classes focused on physics and astronomy. These educational sessions will be conducted by Planetarium staff and guest instructors, catering to those interested in expanding their knowledge in these fields.

In addition, the Planetarium will include the Kitty Black Perkins Maker Lab, which will offer creative tools and classes geared towards children 12 years and older. Following the grand opening, the Planetarium Theatre will offer 30 to 45-minute shows, beginning with a Constellation Talk. Visitors can expect immersive journeys through outer space with varying themes, supported by a rotating monthly schedule.

The theatre itself features a 50-foot dome and sloped seating that accommodates approximately 135 guests. With high-quality projection technology in place, the Planetarium will also offer accessible seating areas. Clear policies regarding cell phone use, food and drink, and restroom breaks will be established to ensure a focused viewing experience for all guests.

The recommended age for attendees of the shows typically starts at six years, with specific age guidelines confirmed on the Planetarium’s website. The construction of the Planetarium Learning Center began in December of 2023, with a project budget totaling $15 million, which was funded through private donations and county bonds.

Designed to be a significant educational attraction, particularly for local schools, the Planetarium’s offerings aim to enrich the community’s understanding of space and science. The Foucault pendulum, set to be calibrated by Clemson University, adds an interactive element suited for visitors keen to learn about planetary movement.

Construction of the facility has been completed by Spitz Co., a company renowned for their expertise in planetarium installation. Notably, the opening of the Spartanburg Planetarium Learning Center coincides with the 140th anniversary of the Spartanburg County Public Libraries, marking a significant milestone for both educational initiatives in the area and the library system as a whole.