3-minute read
For years, the Miller Planetarium was an integral part of Florida Southern’s campus. Once integrated in the coursework and used frequently by the astronomy program, the planetarium also offered school field trips and shows to the public.
Roughly two decades ago, a failing projection system forced its closure.
Built in the 1950s, the planetarium is part of Wright’s “Child of the Sun” architectural collection on the Lakeland campus, which underwent a multi-year renovation beginning in 2022 to address structural repairs, according to Florida Southern.
“With all of the Wright structures, his architectural brilliance is unquestioned. His civil engineering at times may lead to some issues, particularly around leaks or other things like that, as experienced in every Frank Lloyd Wright facility,” said Jeremy Martin, president of Florida Southern College.
Now, after delays from the pandemic halted construction, the planetarium is reopening to students and the public.
Adding modern conveniences, protecting original design
The multimillion dollar restoration project was, in part, funded by a National Park Service (NPS) program called Save America’s Treasures, which aims to restore and celebrate cultural sites across the nation, according to the Department of the Interior.
Restoring the planetarium, though, meant bridging Wright’s designs with the latest technology.
“One of the challenges and fascinating parts about modern architects working within the Wright design is how do you incorporate modern conveniences without disturbing Wright’s original architectural brilliance and intent,” said Dr. Jeremy Martin.
The planetarium now boasts seamlessly integrated air conditioning, along with a COSM projection system, a digital display which offers viewers high-resolution imagery, and a Bowen sound system that delivers spatial audio throughout the dome. The new systems are a major upgrade from the previous eight-track technology utilized two decades ago.
Florida Southern will begin offering regularly scheduled shows for visitors starting Saturday, Sept. 26, with performances Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
Planning a visit?
Currently, the planetarium plans to rotate its programming monthly, offering shows that range between 23 to 30 minutes and explore a variety of topics, according to Florida Southern.
“We have six licensed shows that we can show, which is also unusual for a planetarium,” said Tory King, director of retail operations and visitor experience. “Normally, you’ll see maybe two or three in a particular year, but we are going to be changing essentially every month so the community can come back and see all the different shows that we have.”
With the planetarium fully restored, the first shows open to the public are scheduled for this weekend. Saturday’s showing of “Oasis in Space” is sold-out, however a few tickets remain at the time of publication for “God, Science & Search for Meaning” on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are purchased online, with prices starting at $20 for the public, $18 for seniors, and free for Florida Southern students. Programs for schools and organizations will launch in January, and group discounts are available for parties of four or more in the meantime.
Additional information and program schedules are available at Florida Southern College’s ticketing website.
“It’s a great bonding experience to share with other folks, and truly is the only Frank Lloyd Wright planetarium in the world, and indeed the universe that we’re aware of. That’s a one-of-a-kind experience that students can enjoy together,” said Dr. Jeremy Martin.
The space, once a quiet reminder of Wright’s vision for Florida Southern, shines again, ushering in a new generation of students to the campus.
latest news
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
