The night sky is only the beginning. The Center for Astronomy + Space Exploration (CASE) will invite guests of all ages to journey from familiar constellations to new frontiers.
Immersive planetarium shows, interactive galleries, and live programs will offer experiences unlike anything currently available in Connecticut.
CASE will carry forward the Gengras Planetarium’s tradition of public engagement through a bold new space science center.
CASE’s admission-free public spaces will bring together attractions, gift shops, dining, and guest amenities. At the heart of the atrium, an imposing six-story Foucault pendulum will demonstrate Earth’s daily rotation. An orrery display, Golden record exhibition, and Showcase gallery will further enrich the experience.
CASE will feature three distinct domed experiences. The Celestial sphere will immerse guests in the night sky through advanced projection and computer-generated imagery. The Hyperdome will offer cinematic presentations with stadium seating and immersive sound. The intimate Star chamber will support instruction, camp-ins, receptions, and private rentals.
Five fully interactive, immersive space galleries will take guests from Earth orbit to distant worlds as they experience the challenges of living and working in space. Through simulator-based adventures and hands-on activities, guests will explore new frontiers as space-age explorers, becoming active participants in the journey.
Configurable learning labs will provide workshops for educators, students, and families. The Mission ready room will connect guests to live launches, recoveries, and remote observatories. A lecture hall with a wall-to-wall video display will host presentations and exchanges of ideas. The resource center will also accommodate conferences and professional gatherings.
Gift shops, restaurants, and cafés will offer places to browse, dine, and recharge. Open to all, these public spaces will include casual family fare, relaxed dining, and the Explorer store featuring books, gifts, apparel, and space-themed merchandise. Day and evening access will welcome locals and guests from across New England.
A free community resource, this outdoor attraction will offer a welcoming place to explore, relax, and gather. Landscaped gardens, water features, a sundial, and Explorers colonnade. An amphitheater will provide the perfect setting for regular visits or special occasions, and for live performances under a canopy of stars.
Explorer workshops will invite curious minds of all ages to build, experiment, and explore together. After-school, evening, and weekend sessions will bring science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) to life for kids and families.
Design, build, and test robotic vehicles for the unique challenges of space exploration.
Build and launch model rockets to discover the challenges of balancing weight, fuel, and thrust.
Chase light from distant worlds through a telescope and capture the wonders of the night sky.