Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center, Science center and planetarium at University of Nevada, Reno, United States
The Fleischmann Planetarium is a science center and planetarium on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Its building, designed by Reno architect Raymond M. Hellmann, takes the form of a hyperbolic paraboloid. Inside, a dome theater shows public star programs, and exhibits cover the solar system and space exploration.
This facility opened in 1963 as a groundbreaking achievement in planetarium design, being the first in the United States to employ a complete 360-degree projection system. The innovation allowed the dome to display the entire sky from horizon to horizon.
The building's name honors Max C. Fleischmann, the Nevada philanthropist whose fund supported its construction, and the original title "Atmospherium" referred to its weather films. The 1963 time-lapse projector could compress a full day of weather into a few minutes, a feature shown alongside star programs. Today the center continues public star shows for campus visitors and Reno residents.
The facility is situated on the university grounds and is accessible with parking available nearby. Check ahead about current show schedules, as presentations vary based on the season and what educational programs are running.
The building's hyperbolic paraboloid shell was designed by Reno architect Raymond M. Hellmann, and the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its curved form is visible from across the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
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