About the Fleischmann Planetarium

Learn about Nevada's first planetarium and explore the facility's features.

The Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center is a historic landmark, deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Reno community. Opened in 1963, the Planetarium was designed by Raymond Hellmann, a local architect who designed more than $100 million in construction upon moving to Reno in 1951. 

Over the course of the past 59 years, the Planetarium has hosted thousands of field trips for students eager to learn about atmospheric science, and continues to immerse students in interactive field trip experiences seven days a week. In addition, the center is open to the local community, and provides people of all ages with access to public screenings in the Full-Dome Theater and a plethora of exhibits around the facility. The Science Store also serves as a one-stop-shop for all sorts of intergalactic gadgets and gifts, perfect for space and science lovers alike.

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Planetarium by the numbers

59 years of operation in our local community
Manzanita Lake in the summertime, surrounded by trees and blue skies, on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
1 giant meteorite and 100+ space and science fiction themed objects to explore
Space hallway leading to Exhibit Hall in the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center.
56,000+ students are welcome to attend field trips each year
Group of elementary-age children with backpacks, walking together on a field trip.

A regional landmark rich in history

The Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, originally named the Fleischmann Atmospherium-Planetarium, was built in 1963 on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. It was the first planetarium in the U.S. to feature a 360-degree projector with the ability to provide horizon-to-horizon images and utilize time-lapse photography to review an entire day's weather in just a couple minutes.

Read more about our history

The Fleischmann Planetarium has served as a gateway to exploring science and the universe since 1963. Many of us came as kids, and now we bring our own kids, maybe our grandkids, here.

Paul McFarlane

Director of the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center

Audience in the Full-Dome Theater in 1963 watching the blue sky and clouds projected on the ceiling at the Fleischmann Planetarium.

Tell us about your experience

What are some of your favorite memories of the Planetarium?
We would love to hear from you!