Tomorrow's Universe K-12 Student Art and Essay Competition

For over 60 years, the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center has served as a gateway to the universe, inspiring generations of students, educators and lifelong learners. With the upcoming installation of Cosm's cutting-edge CX System (previously known as DomeX) in the dome theater, made up of over 3,800 LED panels, we are on the brink of a transformation. This state-of-the-art upgrade will redefine how we engage with astronomy, science and storytelling, setting a new standard for planetarium experiences in our region. The Tomorrow’s Universe Competition invites K-12 students and educators to imagine the possibilities of a newly renovated Planetarium.

Learn more about the competition and enter to win
Planetarium visitors in the Full-Dome Theater, watching as blue-tinted constellations are projected above them.

Full-Dome Theater

Explore the Full-Dome Theater
View of the bright orange and yellow 3-D sun mural through the hallway to the Exhibit Hall.

Exhibits

Learn about our exhibits
Planetarium t-shirt stationed in the Science Store near other space-themed merchandise.

Science Store

Discover the Science Store

Join the Planetarium family

Become a member and enjoy exclusive benefits.

Explore membership levels
Four full-body silhouettes of stargazers, looking at the night sky and a sea of stars.

Upcoming events

Learn more about upcoming events hosted at the Fleischmann Planetarium.

Mar 13
Celebrate the Total Lunar Eclipse at Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center 08:30 PM

Our mission at the Planetarium is to engage, educate and explore. We get to engage people with the adventure of space and stars and planets. We get to explore the Universe. And in the process, we get to educate ourselves about our place in space and time.

Director of the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center

Paul McFarlane in front of Full-Dome Theater exterior at Planetarium

This is definitely the coolest place in Reno. It makes me want to go to the University of Nevada, Reno and learn even more about science and the world in which we live.

Student in Reno, NV

Female student raising hand in classroom, as another student writes on a whiteboard.

The Planetarium has an amazing world-class building, fascinating little display areas and fantastic shows. But, best of all, it has the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff we’ve ever met.

Recent Visitor in 2022

Visitors near the entrance of the Exhibit Hall, congregating and talking amongst themselves, as space suits hang on a rack to the right.

Meet the Planetarium Director

Headshot of Paul McFarlanePaul McFarlane is the Director of the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center. An educator, Paul taught for more than 25 years in the Washoe County School District.

He has studied astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Department of Physics, doing coursework and research using the MacLean Observatory telescopes at the Redfield Campus. McFarlane also trained at Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers with aerospace and NASA experts in astronomy, engineering and planetary science. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT Paul