Astronomy Discovery Center

Infinite Wonders Await

Opening

November 16, 2024

Details

This space will be a place where curious visitors come to be awed by the cosmos and learn about astronomy.

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Tickets are now available to purchase!

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Stellar Experiences

Welcome to the era of the Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory! Your General Admission ticket will now include access to the Orbits Curiosity Zone children’s interactive exhibit, the Astronomy Lab Interactive Exhibit for all ages, the brand new rooftop Dark Sky Planetarium, the Giovale Open Deck Observatory with 6 advanced state-of-the-art telescopes, all historical tours, all historical exhibits, the Pluto Discovery Dome, and the famous Clark Telescope.

Coming Soon: Lowell Universe Theater. Once tickets are available for this unique live performance experience in the new 160-degree, multi-story LED theater, you will receive an email alert.

*Renderings on this page are conceptual and subject to change.

Lowell Universe Theater

The Lowell Universe Theater will be an attraction in its own right, employing features of a planetarium, but designed to include a stage that continues our emphasis on using live educators to present science content. Providing seating for about 180 guests, the Universe Theater includes a 160° curved, wrap-around screen and a ceiling screen that together can place guests on the surfaces of worlds like Mars or Pluto.
Dark Sky Planetarium

Situated on the rooftop of the Astronomy Discovery Center, the circular Dark Sky Planetarium will use the dark skies of Flagstaff, Arizona, as a natural planetarium dome. Lowell educators will take guests on a live journey among the stars, constellations, and planets that are visible to the unaided eye, all from the comfort of heated seats. Educators will enhance the familiar laser pointer presentation with customized audio-visual components for an experience unlike any other in the world.
Orbits Curiosity Zone

The Astronomy Discovery Center’s exhibit gallery for children will serve as northern Arizona’s only children’s science museum. Interactive exhibits designed specifically for preschoolers, elementary school children and middle schoolers will bring astronomy to life for children of all ages. Exhibits will include interactive displays and take-away activities to further engage guests after their visit.
Astronomy Gallery

The new Astronomy Discovery Center will employ the most advanced exhibition tools. This gallery will explore questions like “where are we” and “how did we get here.” The Astronomy Gallery will allow guests to experience the many ways scientists seek answers about the cosmos. Visitors will leave feeling connected to and curious about the Universe.

Grand Opening Celebrations

Join us for Grand Opening Celebrations on November 16, 2024.

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Opening November 16, 2024

The Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory will be a place where curious visitors come to be awed by the cosmos and learn about astronomy.

A growing body of evidence indicates that “free-choice” learning experiences at private science centers contribute more significantly to the public’s scientific literacy than science coursework in high school or college. For children, experiences gained in science centers are major predictors for future science inquiry skills and academic achievement.