MOSI to Open America’s Second-Largest Digital Dome Planetarium in 2025

The inside of MOSI’s iconic blue dome will begin lighting up imaginations early next year, powered by a combination of foundation, private, and county support. MOSI’s new Digital Dome Theatre will be powered by 10 huge, cutting-edge digital Christie projectors, the new 8K technology is far sharper, brighter, and more immersive than the old film technology that last operated inside the dome in 2017.

“We’re talking about pull-you-in and blow-your-mind educational fun,” said MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith. “Our eight-story-tall screen will surround you with science, with 360-degree movies and the second-largest digital dome planetarium in America.”

The investment comes as jobs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are projected to grow by almost 11 percent by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That growth is almost four times faster than non-STEM jobs.

 The theatre will also serve as MOSI’s new Saunders Planetarium. MOSI’s existing Saunders Planetarium can seat 46 guests at a time, but in the new dome, more than 300 people can share the experience at once. By adding capacity for field trips, group events, and daily museum guests, more people than ever in Tampa Bay will be able to take a planetarium tour of the universe, simulate an undersea expedition in a 360-degree movie, or discover other wondrous new ideas.

“We believe in the power of STEM learning to transform lives. This investment at MOSI will give students in Tampa Bay the biggest and best STEM learning destination anywhere in the Southeastern U.S.,” Smith said.

In addition to replacing the entire 10,000-square-foot screen inside the dome (which was completed in September), the project will install 10 new Christie digital projectors powered by an Evans & Sutherland Digistar 7 control system and custom Bowen speakers to deliver a feel-like-you’re-there immersive experience, whether in outer space, under the ocean, or anywhere else your imagination and movie magic can take you. Funds for the multi-million-dollar renovation are still being raised, but support from the Saunders Foundation, Raymond James Financial, and Hillsborough County has already been secured, with more private funding pending, including naming opportunities for the theatre.

This project sends the message that, once and for all, MOSI is here to stay next to USF in Uptown.

“This major investment shows that MOSI is committed to staying right here in North Tampa, an area driving innovation thanks to USF, Moffitt Cancer Center, and the transformation of University Mall into Rithm at Uptown,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “We look forward to watching MOSI continue to grow, here in its longtime home, now and for years to come.”

Since its founding in 1962, MOSI has received significant support for its planetarium and immersive theater efforts from AdventHealth, the Saunders Foundation, and Hillsborough County. MOSI’s new theatre and planetarium is expected to open for field trips, museum guests, and special events in the first half of 2025.

See the MOSI Digital Dome Theatre Fact Sheet for more stats and information about this landmark project:

*** EDITORS: Download Concept Images, Trailers from 360-Degree Movies, and More at This Link ***

About MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry

MOSI is Tampa Bay’s center of science and innovation, located in North Tampa at 4801 E. Fowler Ave.

Welcome to the Museum of Science and Industry, where the wonders of science come to life. We are a hands-on science center dedicated to interactive learning and playful exploration. With engaging permanent and rotating exhibits and out of this world programming, MOSI makes science and technology accessible to all. Come join us on a journey of discovery and unlock the mysteries of the world around us.

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