Vanderbilt Planetarium opens after $4 million renovation
The Vanderbilt Planetarium in Centerport, New York was reopened on 15 March 2013 following a $4 million renovation that included technological and infrastructural improvements.
The aim of renovation was to improve admissions revenue. It involved addition of two flanking video projectors to improve learning for children, apart from making the planetarium updated to host corporate and other events.
As part of renovation, theatre space was enhanced to allow the planetarium to expand its audiences, visibility and regional appeal. The planetarium’s William and Mollie Rogers Theater now feature new shows for children and extraordinary NASA imagery recorded by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and other satellites. In addition, the Konica Minolta GeminiStar III system will offer audiences a spectacular experience.
Other enhancements to the planetarium include ergonomically designed seating, new carpeting, an online digital ticketing and reservation system, and a refurbished museum gift shop.
Suffolk County provided $3.9-million in financing, while $100,000 was gifted by William Rogers, a member of the Vanderbilt Museum Board of Trustees.
The planetarium was built by Suffolk County in 1971.
