Astronomy Discovery Center
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.
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
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Opportunities to Support
Diverse Universe Wall
Our message is that there’s a place for everyone in astronomy. You can sponsor a scientist’s plaque on the Diverse Universe Wall for $3,500.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 (13 remaining) | $5,000 each
- South Plaza Benches (1 remaining) | $5,000 each
- Diverse Universe Plaques (7 remaining) | $3,500 each
- Lowell Universe Theater Seats (95 remaining) | $1,500 each
Call us at (928) 714-7777 or click the link below to make your donation today.
Donate NowOpportunities 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
- Rooftop Horizon Feature Plaques (12) | $5,000 each
- Outdoor Benches (5) | $5,000 each