Mueller Planetarium to celebrate 60th anniversary with classic shows

Mueller Planetarium at the University of Nebraska State Museum at Morrill Hall, 645 N. 14th St., will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a classic fulldome festival on March 24.

Giving a nod to the past, the lineup will include shows dating back to the 1980s. The planetarium will showcase five films with special ticket pricing (in addition to regular museum admission). General admission will be $2 per person per show for ages 4 and older. Museum members will receive free admission. Tickets can be picked up at the front desk of Morrill Hall.

The lineup is:

• “Larry Cat in Space,” 11 a.m.

• “Oceans in Space,” noon

• “Light Years from Andromeda,” 1 p.m.

• “The Cowboy Astronomer,” 2 p.m.

• “The Voyager Encounters,” 3 p.m.

“With these classic shows – originally slides and converted into fulldome – audiences can experience the early days of immersive storytelling at Mueller Planetarium,” said Zach Thompson, planetarium coordinator. “Comparing those with what the planetarium is capable of now will demonstrate just how much the technology has grown and improved over the years. As we look to the future of this facility, we remember our humble beginnings and those who have joined us on this journey. We hope to continue our tradition of premier innovation in Nebraska for the next 60 years.”

Mueller Planetarium was the state’s first planetarium when it opened in 1958, as the space race was just getting underway. It was the first to bring laser light shows to Nebraska in 1977, a tradition that continued for decades.

The planetarium was also the first to bring fulldome technology to the state. The technology allows viewers to feel like they’re part of the show – similar to 3D or virtual reality, but without the need for special glasses. Visitors can feel like they are among the stars or being dropped into exploding supervolcanoes.

“The Mueller Planetarium represents 60 years of inspiring Nebraskans to reach for the stars and ponder their place in the universe,” said Susan Weller, museum director. “When our fourth-floor redevelopment, Cherish Nebraska, is completed next year, the planetarium will be joined by our Sustainable Earth Globe, which will help us appreciate Earth’s history and our stewardship of the planet.”

For more information, click here or call 402-472-2641. The schedule is subject to change.