Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is opening its newly-remodeled theater this weekend. We got a sneak peak and it's amazing.
Take your little explorer to see amazing projections and out of this world adventures at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium's Eos Foundation Planetarium Theater.
This is for those who love to look up at the stars at night, are fascinated by the world around us, and want to learn something new about our universe.
Going this Saturday during the grand opening
The Eos Foundation Theater Grand Opening is Saturday, August 27, at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. Families will get the chance to experience the newest additions and remodel of the theater, while also getting access to the rest of the science center for free. Come any time between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
There will be a food truck on the UA Mall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with burgers, BBQ, street tacos and more.
The Eos Foundation Theater shows four short movies: Asteroid: Mission Extreme, Mysteries of the Unseen World, We Are Stars, and Tucson Sky and Beyond. These shows are a little extra, it's $3 per show per person. Watch the trailers here to find your favorite before you go. We really liked We Are Stars, it seemed the most kid-friendly.
"This renovation has really transformed the theater. Our visitors will be delighted by the look, the feel, the sound, the whole package. Combined with our full-dome digital projection system, our planetarium shows are an amazing way to discover all kinds of new science," says Executive Director Kellee Campbell.
Show Schedule for August 27th, 2016:
Going any other day
1. It's always changing
Currently, you can see a collection of minerals from Harvard but it changes every every time the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show comes to town around February.
2. Your kid is going to want to stay there all day
Every exhibit has something your kid can touch. There's even a whole area with puzzles and games called Puzzles, Proofs & Patterns.
3. There are amazing minerals and gems in the Mineral Museum
As you venture to the lower level of Flandrau, you will feel like you're on a quest to find treasure. It'll seem like that when you see all the shiny minerals and gems. Split up to find your favorite color then read about where the mineral came from. You might learn something surprising.
4. There is fossilized dinosaur poop and bones
Head to the back corner just beyond the Mineral Museum to see and learn about fossils!
5. Pretend you're an astronaut about to land on the moon
Learn about the UA's role in the space race and see a model of the moon.
6. You'll find everything you didn't need at the gift shop
Yes, this is the first thing you see and you'll want to buy that dinosaur that caught your eye but save it for last.
Other important information
Fall 2016 hours of operation:
- Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Parking: You can either park in Cherry Avenue Garage by Arizona Stadium or Second Street Garage on Second Street. It's free on the weekend.
Cost: Regular admission (any other day) is $7 for adults, $5 for children 4-17, children 3 and under are free, and senior/military/college students get in for $5 with ID.
