At the Austin Planetarium we are committed to providing the ultimate in interactive experiences.  We intend to create a facility for people of all ages and interests.  Therefore, the Science Museum within the facility will be a combination of traditional and interactive exhibits, providing displays with the concepts and history of scientific exploration combined with displays that can be manipulated and touched allowing visitors to engage in explorations of their own. The Science Museum will be divided into three areas each with a different focus, take a look below to find out more...

Earth & Space Science

Astronomy Exhibit, Hayden Planetarium NY

With a world class planetarium, naturally, one area will be dedicated to Earth and Space sciences. The visitor will be taken on a “Powers of Ten” style exploratory mission, beginning on Earth then carrying them to the far reaches of the known universe. The Earth & Space Science exhibit areas will contain “information corners” with projection screens detailing scientific concepts as well as state-of-the-art mock-ups and models displaying the technology and hardware that humanity has employed in exploring our own galactic backyard. Exhibits will strive to be interactive, educational, and immersive.

General Science

The other wing of the Science Museum will emphasize more general topics in science. This “Exploratorium” style area will provide a variety of interactive exhibits that will offer a hands-on approach to educating visitors about concepts in science. We envision an area where people of all ages can explore the wonders of science with their own hands and truly touch the future.

Traveling Exhibit Area

To further attract repeat visitors, we plan to host two to three different traveling exhibits annually. Rotating the content of the Traveling Exhibit Area will give the our community the opportunity to view some of the incredible traveling exhibits that can be seen in the well known museums of Houston or Dallas-Fort Worth, but often pass Austin by. Given the wide subject matter addressed at the Austin Planetarium, the traveling exhibits will maintain a certain level of diversity, ensuring a wide public appeal.

Each museum wing will cover approximately 17,500 sq. ft., of the proposed 116,500 sq. ft. facility, and comprise one of the four planned exhibit halls (the fourth being the Technology Center).

Fostering relationships with local educational institutions is an integral part of the vision of the Austin Planetarium. We intend to allow students and educators to develop exhibits in close partnership with the Austin Planetarium staff to help provide a constant source of new content with an emphasis on community involvement.