The proposed 157,000 square foot facility will include the largest planetarium in Texas, a full-spectrum interactive science museum, and a technology center showcasing Texas innovations and ingenuity. The development of a science complex across the street from the Bob Bullock State History Museum and the Blanton Museum of Art will solidify a Museum District for Austin, increasing visitation to the surrounding museums and adding a tourist destination just blocks from the State Capitol and the University of Texas at Austin Campus.

Of course, with the University of Texas at Austin next door, we really will be creating a wonderful public space and we sincerely hope that the museum district will become one of the iconic places to visit when visiting Austin, like 6th street and the State Capitol. 

Science Museum

Demonstration of artificial Lightning at the Museum of Science, Boston MA.

The science museum will provide the ultimate in innovative, engaging experiences. Through a combination of traditional and interactive exhibits, we will provide museum-goers a multitude of ways to explore their world and expand their horizons.

We often refer to our science museum concept as full-spectrum, meaning we intend to include as wide a breadth of scientific fields and topics as possible. You may find the dinosaur bones and incredible geological exhibits you would see in a Natural History museum, but you will also find astronomy, physics, biology and cutting-edge technology; all under one roof. Naturally, we will also include a revolving area for the many spectacular traveling exhibits that tour the nation and world. In addition to a wide thematic range we also intend to create content for a wide age range. As part of our commitment to building an accessible, world-class facility, our museum will cater to people of all ages and interests.

Planetarium

Launceston Planetarium, Tasmania

A planetarium is an unparalleled instructional device that has been proven to elevate interest and understanding in the concepts addressed in its programming. Austin is the largest city in the nation without a planetarium, so we are in a position to create something truly unique for the Central Texas community. Our plans include, not one, but two domes, offering extreme flexibility and the ability to simultaneously accommodate the blockbuster planetarium shows while still maintaining an area for the more traditional “night sky” viewing.

The primary planetarium theater will be the largest in Texas at 75 feet across and holding approximately 350 patrons. With full-motion 3D-video and state of the art digital projection, participants will be immersed in 360° of the top planetarium shows from around the world.

The secondary planetarium theater will house a “traditional” star projector which still offers the greatest contrast and definition available for displaying the night sky. This smaller dome will be ideally suited for school groups looking to make a jaunt through the cosmos, exploring the many dynamic systems that can be found throughout the known universe.

Technology Center

One of the planned exhibits, unique to Austin: the story of sand, silicon, wafers and computer chips

Austin is not only the state capital and the live music capital of the universe; it is also the capital of high-tech industry in Texas. Often touted as Silicon Hills, there are a multitude of high-tech firms located in and around Austin that are moving technology and human endeavor forward with some truly remarkable innovations. Cutting–edge technologies, which are changing the world around us, are being developed right here in our own backyard.

The Technology Center will be a playground for these innovators; a place to show off their previous accomplishments and introduce new ones to the community. The Technology Center will provide a place for the community to discover and appreciate the incredible accomplishments and achievements of our local technology industry. Best of all, it will inspire young minds to pursue academic and professional career paths in the highly sought areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).