Tampa’s MOSI will have the second-largest planetarium in the country

Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is preparing to unveil the second-largest planetarium in the United States, a significant upgrade from its former IMAX theater. The transformation will feature a high-tech eight-story dome equipped with cutting-edge 8K digital projection technology, promising to deliver breathtaking visual experiences that envelop the audience. MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith emphasized the project’s educational potential, stating it will provide “pull-you-in and blow-your-mind educational fun. ” With an initial investment of $4 million, the total cost could rise to $10 million as more facilities, including learning labs and dining options, are considered. The Digital Dome Theatre is slated to open in the first half of 2025, with the likelihood of a separate admission fee yet to be finalized.

Funding for this ambitious project has been sourced from a combination of foundation grants, private donations, and local government support. The initiative represents a major cultural development for the Tampa Bay area, aimed at enhancing community engagement through science and technology. As MOSI evolves into a premier destination for learning and entertainment, it promises to attract visitors of all ages.