Minneapolis Planetarium is on a mission to make contact with the stars

The Minneapolis Planetarium is on a mission to make contact with the stars. The planetarium is located in a new building above the Minneapolis Central Library, Minneapolis and aims to develop and deliver astronomy outreach programs, develop the vision of the younger community and develop strong partnerships with libraries, schools and other educational institutions. The Minnesota Planetarium Society aims to raise the funds for the operations of the planetarium, is currently developing a membership program and is constantly recruiting new volunteers to assist with the everyday running of the Planetarium.

The Minnesota Planetarium Society is a group of executives, astronomers, educators and citizens who formed a non profit organization to build and operate the planetarium and space discovery center. They aim to inspire, inform and educate the community about the planet and universe through scientific thought, technological advancement and exploration.

A portable planetarium - The ExploraDome, the able to bring the universe to the classroom. Teachers travel the region and provide immersive learning sessions to students, the classes support curriculum and can be tailored to meet the age and interest of the class.

The ExploraDome allows students a hands-on and minds-on learning experience under a 25 foot diameter dome. The lessons are based on Minnesota State Science Standards allowing students to travel from inside of a subatomic realm to the edge of the universe. The ExploraDome is the first portable dome in the world and is built around the scaling software Uniview. The ExplorDome will leave a long lasting impression on students.

The planetarium is now opened in a new location as the old planetarium was torn down in 2002 with the central library. Funding has been provided by state legislature and citizens of Minneapolis. The new location of the Minneapolis Planetarium is on the top of the Minneapolis Central Library.