Astronomy Discovery Center

Contact

Philanthropy Department

Phone

(928) 268-2924

Infinite wonders await.

Opening in November of 2024, the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory will be a place of curiosity and discovery for visitors from around the world.

Interested in sponsoring the Grand Opening celebrations? Learn more in the Event Sponsorship Packet

Budget

The construction and outfitting cost for the Astronomy Discovery Center, including exhibits, technology, and ample contingency totals $53.6 million. In addition, we will raise a $7 million endowment for facility and technology upgrades and future programming.

Timeline

We broke ground on June 26, 2021. We anticipate opening in November, 2024.

Construction Camera

Current view of the Astronomy Discovery Center construction

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(updates every few minutes).

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Opportunities to Support

Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

Lowell Universe Theater Seats

Save yourself a seat in the Lowell Universe Theater! We’ll put your name on one of the 180 seats in this unique, immersive theater. Every seat will have a great line of sight to our incredible LED screen.

Explore Sponsorship Opportunities
Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

Orbits Curiosity Zone Exhibits

Playing with magnets, foam rockets, colored light, and other hands-on experiments will help children build a foundation for future science learning – and it’s fun! Interactive exhibits in the Orbits Curiosity Zone children’s hall will fuel children’s interest in and understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Explore Sponsorship Opportunities
Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

Stardust Lab Exhibits

The Stardust Lab centers around the burning questions asked by Lowell Observatory visitors. Questions like “where are we” and “how did we get here” can be answered through many methods (art, math, spirituality.) The Stardust helps visitors experience the many ways scientists seek answers about the cosmos. Visitors will leave feeling more connected to and curious about the Universe.

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Sponsor a Planet

Orbits Curiosity Zone: Hanging Planets

Exhibits in the Orbits Curiosity Zone children’s hall will fuel children’s interest in and understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. One of the most dramatic and intriguing features in this exhibit hall will be the gigantic planets suspended from the ceiling! Each of the eight planets (plus Pluto!) will be on display and approximately to scale for visitors to seek out and enjoy.

Sponsor a Planet

Recognition Opportunities

  • Stardust Lab Exhibits | $1,000,000
  • The Great Planetary Hall | $500,000
  • Dark Sky Planetarium Production Development | $350,000
  • Lowell Universe Theater Live Show Production | $185,000
  • Program Development | $150,000 
  • Dwarf Planet Patio | $100,000
  • Lowell Universe Theater Short Film Production | $75,000
  • Thematic Experience Lighting (3 remaining) | $75,000
  • Catering Servery | $75,000
  • Level 1 Landing | $35,000
  • Level 2 Landing | $35,000
  • Level 3 Landing | $35,000
  • Great Planetary Hall Audio/Visual Equipment | $25,000 
  • Alchemy Studio (Universe Theater Production Room) | $20,000
  • Classroom Audio/Visual Equipment | $15,000
  • North Plaza Spectrum Benches (4 remaining) | $5,000 each
  • Lowell Universe Theater Seats (75 remaining) | $1,500 each

Call us at (928) 714-7777 or click the link below to make your donation today.

Donate Now

Opportunities Already Claimed

  • Astronomy Discovery Center Name | $14,500,000
  • Dark Sky Planetarium$6,000,000 
  • Lowell Universe Theater$4,000,000
  • Stardust Lab | $3,000,000
  • Orbits Curiosity Zone | $2,500,000
  • Skylight Terrace | $1,500,000 
  • Origins Gallery | $1,500,000
  • Dark Sky-Compliant Lighting$750,000
  • Origins Art Installation | $500,000
  • Dark Sky Adaptation Plaza | $500,000
  • Children’s Exhibits$500,000  
  • Windows to the Universe | $500,000 
  • Dark Sky Planetarium Screen | $350,000
  • Cafe | $250,000
  • ADA Features$150,000
  • Stairway to the Stars $100,000
  • Universe Theater Gateway | $100,000
  • Gift Shop | $100,000
  • Entrance Artwork | $100,000
  • Cosmic Classroom | $100,000
  • Donor Wall | $50,000
  • Cafe Patio | $50,000 
  • Entry Foyer | $50,000 
  • Landscaping $50,000 
  • Lowell Astronomer and Planetary Scientist Showcase | $50,000
  • Stellar Nursery (Mothers’ Lounge) | $30,000
  • Universe Theater Gateway Mural | $30,000
  • Universe Theater 557.7nm (Green) Room$30,000
  • Ticketing Counter $25,000
  • South Elevator$25,000
  • North Elevator | $25,000
  • Attraction Signage$25,000 
  • Curiosity Overlook | $20,000
  • Universe Theater Mission Control$20,000
  • Staff Workroom | $15,000
  • Dark Sky Planetarium Portal to the Sky | $15,000
  • 1st Floor Office | $15,000
  • Conference Room | $15,000
  • Origins Gallery Seating (4) | $12,500 each 
  • Curiosity Zone Science Cart | $10,000 
  • Stairway to the Stars Murals (4) | $10,000 each
  • Elevator Lobby Benches$7,500 each
  • Great Planetary Hall Images (9) | $5,000 each
  • South Plaza Benches (6) | $5,000 each
  • Rooftop Horizon Feature Plaques (12) | $5,000 each
  • Outdoor Benches (5) | $5,000 each
  • Diverse Universe Plaques (75) | $3,500 each

See the Floor Plans

The Astronomy Discovery Center will be a place where curious visitors come to be awed by the cosmos and learn about astronomy. Click the button for a preview of the this state-of-the-art science center.