Full-Dome Theater

The Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center hosts an assortment of shows in the Full-Dome Theater, both for field trip attendees and the public. Upon opening in 1963, the Planetarium was the first of its kind to use a 360-degree projector with the capacity to display horizon-to-horizon visuals in the theater. Atmospheric physicist Wendell Mordy, the Planetarium's founder, aided in developing this revolutionary technology and, for 10 years, our facility was the only planetarium in the nation utilizing it.

Entering a new era: Cosm's CX System to transform STEM education opportunities and beyond

At the University of Nevada, Reno, the George W. Gillemot Foundation Dome at the Fleischmann Planetarium, powered by Cosm Technology, represents a groundbreaking advancement in immersive education, enhancing student experiences and cross-campus connectivity. Marking the world’s first LED dome on a university campus, the George W. Gillemot Foundation Dome will feature a 9-meter LED dome boasting 100x the brightness of traditional projection domes and ultra-high resolution, offering unparalleled visual clarity and lifelike imagery for an array of educational and cultural applications.

The new George. W. Gillemot Dome will not only drive the next generation of aerospace engineers and STEM professionals, but it will also inspire campus-wide collaboration among students, faculty, and departments. With CX System (previously known as DomeX), which integrates Unreal Engine and Digistar, the world’s leading immersive planetarium software, the transformed planetarium will immerse guests in the highest-quality astronomy simulations and scientific visualizations in the highest-level resolution, brightness and contrast. CX System will also empower the University to create dynamic environments that engage students across multiple disciplines, including STEM simulations for aerospace and physics, cultural exhibits, community events and other cross-disciplinary collaborations that bridge the arts, sciences and engineering. Providing a connective experience platform that transcends the traditional boundaries of a classroom and encourages students and visitors to explore new frontiers of learning, innovation and community, the Fleischmann Planetarium will inspire the next generation of learners and innovators while engaging audiences of all ages in Reno and beyond.

Construction in the dome is set to begin in mid-2025, with an estimated grand reopening in late-2025 or early-2026.

Investing in the success of its students and community, the visionary transformation of the Planetarium with Cosm’s LED dome technology is part of a record-setting $35 million gift from the George W. Gillemot Foundation to create the George W. Gillemot Aerospace Engineering Department in the University’s College of Engineering. In addition to funding for the new dome technology, the Gillemot gift will also extend the Planetarium’s reach to local K-12 students, with support directed toward attendance and fee waivers aimed at fostering early engagement in STEM fields.

To learn more about this state-of-the-art dome upgrade, read the press release on Cosm's website.