Frank Lloyd Wright Planetarium Reopens at Florida Southern College

The restoration marks the end of a multi-phase project supported by state, federal, and private funding. While the exterior was preserved through local and private initiatives, the interior received a critical upgrade with the installation of a new COSM projection system and a Bowen sound system. These technical improvements allow the historic theater to function as a contemporary educational hub once again.

Originally constructed between 1954 and 1958, the planetarium serves as a centerpiece of Florida Southern’s campus, which holds the world’s largest single-site collection of Wright-designed structures. The space fell into disuse in 2004 when its original projection equipment failed, ending a legacy that began with the facility's first show in April 1960. Under the new program, visitors can choose from six rotating shows, including features on Mars exploration and exoplanets. College president Dr. Jeremy P. Martin noted that the project honors Wright’s vision of extending campus learning opportunities into the broader community. Tickets are now available for public sessions held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.