June 17, 2025

Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry to Unveil New Planetarium

News Summary

The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa is renovating its Saunders Planetarium, set to become the second-largest in the U.S. by 2025. With a state-of-the-art digital dome and enhanced seating for over 300, visitors will enjoy immersive experiences and educational programming. The project is funded by multiple contributions and aims to strengthen STEM education in the community. A VIP grand opening event is scheduled to feature a special guest, further generating excitement around this major transformation.

Tampa, Florida is set to welcome the second-largest planetarium in the United States, as the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) prepares for the unveiling of its renovated Saunders Planetarium in 2025. This significant upgrade will transform the old IMAX dome theater into a state-of-the-art digital dome, enhancing educational and immersive experiences for visitors.

MOSI’s Chief Executive Officer, John Graydon Smith, announced that the new facility will be powered by ten advanced Christie digital projectors utilizing 8K technology. This cutting-edge upgrade promises notably sharper, brighter images and a more engaging experience compared to the previous film-based system that was in place. Additionally, the seating capacity of the renovated dome will grow from a mere 46 seats to over 300, allowing more guests—including school groups and museum patrons—to enjoy planetarium tours and immersive experiences.

The modernized digital dome will feature a range of educational programming. Visitors can expect live presentations of the night sky, engaging discussions about astronomical phenomena, and immersive 360-degree films that explore various scientific topics. This initiative aims to bolster the educational framework for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly for children and the local community.

The existing planetarium at MOSI has been closed since 2017 as part of extensive renovations that have now entered the final phase. Funding for the multimillion-dollar project has been secured through contributions from the Saunders Foundation, Raymond James Financial, and Hillsborough County, ensuring the successful completion of the transformation.

The iconic blue dome at MOSI is set to open its doors in early 2025, with the official launch planned for the first half of the year. Anticipated is a VIP grand opening event on October 31, 2025, which will feature astronaut Nicole Stott as a special guest, adding excitement to the occasion.

Positioned across from the University of South Florida (USF), MOSI serves as a cornerstone institution in the Uptown area, enhancing the educational landscape of the community. Besides the planetarium, the museum provides seasonal attractions alongside its core exhibits, ensuring a dynamic and engaging environment for all ages to explore.

MOSI operates daily, welcoming visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and with the unveiling of the new planetarium, it aims to further its commitment to educational development and community engagement. The revamped Saunders Planetarium will not only solidify MOSI’s reputation as a leader in science education but also serve as a vital resource for future generations interested in the wonders of the universe.