Join the Party! The Planetarium is Turning 50

The Saint Louis Science Center invites you to join the party celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium with a new exhibition, special programs, laser shows and retro prices for star shows in the Planetarium.

“Everybody loves a party! And, we have a great 50 years to celebrate,” said Bert Vescolani, President and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center. “But, this also is a time to showcase the planetarium as a state-of-the-art facility for exploring our universe and inspiring the next generation of space explorers and scientists who will make those journeys possible.”

The party begins with the 50th Anniversary Blast-off this weekend (April 13-14) and continues through Sunday, April 21. During this time, you can enjoy:

• Gateway to the Universe: Celebrating 50 Years of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium  (new exhibition in the Planetarium)

• 1963 prices for star shows - 50 Cents!

• LASERIUM® laser shows (limited engagement)

• Space-themed movies in the OMNIMAX Theater

• Science with the Symphony: Voyager – The Golden Record (April 15 – free performance)
• 50 years of Astronomy with Professor Charles Schweighauser  (April 16 – free presentation)

• Astronomy Day on April 20 with lots of free activities

• Free commemorative magnets (while supplies last)

If you’re among the first to take advantage of the retro prices, you’ll be given a Planetarium commemorative magnet until supplies run out. In addition, you can have another “flashback” experience with LASERIUM, the Original Cosmic Laser Show that returns to the Planetarium for a limited engagement during April, primarily on Thursday and Friday evenings. (Check slsc.org or call 314-289-4424 for show times and to purchase tickets).

More of the past comes to your fingertips in the new exhibition, Gateway to the Universe: 50 years of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, where you will be guided through the through the first five decades of the Planetarium. You’ll see never-before-displayed design drawings and construction photographs, an interview with architect Gyo Obata, plus an interactive demonstration will show you how straight lines create the planetarium’s hyperbolic shape. 

“The Planetarium’s iconic structure quickly became part of the culture of St. Louis,” said Jennifer Heim, Director of Strategic Projects and Programs at the Saint Louis Science Center, “and we have collected memorabilia of the Planetarium’s image on phone books, magazines and even placemats.”  In addition, a special section captures the memories and photographs of some of the 18 million visitors who have walked through the doors of the Planetarium over the past five decades.

If you have ever wondered what we've learned about our universe and space exploration over the past 50 years, you’ll want to attend a special presentation by the Planetarium’s first director on April 16.  Charles Schweighauser, now a Professor Emeritus of Astronomy/Physics at the University of Illinois at Springfield, will describe what we have learned about the electromagnetic spectrum and dark energy; the discovery of nearby extra-Solar system planets and the search for planets that could support life, 50 years of Astronomy with Professor Charles Schweighauser is a free lecture but seating is limited so please make your reservation at 314-289-4424.

The celebration continues on Astronomy Day, Saturday, April 20. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you’re invited to join the Saint Louis Science Center and members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society for fun activities. You can learn about telescopes and how you can begin exploring the stars on your own, and, if the weather permits, do Solar observing near the Planetarium entrance during the day. In the evening, you can observe the night sky on Archery Field, adjacent to the Planetarium parking lot. There will be a Public Telescope Viewing at 7 p.m. 

Since the James S. McDonnell Planetarium’s doors opened on April 16, 1963, more than 18.5 million people have experienced a connection with astronomy, space exploration and aviation through a visit to this iconic structure. Though visitors first experienced the Planetarium in April of 1963, city leaders had discussed the possibility of a Planetarium since at least the 1930s.

In 1955, St. Louis voters approved $1 million toward the cost of building a planetarium in Forest Park. During construction, James S. McDonnell, the chief executive of McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, made a gift to cover additional costs. From its initial opening in 1963 through its re-openings in 1985 and 2001, the Planetarium continues to be a state-of-the-art facility from which to experience the mystery and vastness of the universe.

For more information about any of these events, visit www.slsc.org/planetarium

Join the party! The Planetarium @slsc is turning 50, and here's how you and your kids can celebrate ht.ly/jRXkn #stl

— St. Louis Kids Mag (@stlkids) April 10, 2013