This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.
What started as a wish list has turned into an popular attraction at the Washington Pavilion that keeps getting even better.
“We had a short list of dream projects, and one of them was a planetarium,” said Madelyn Grogan, the Pavilion’s director of education and museums.
“We shared that with the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, and that was how we connected with the Sweetman family.”
Dick and Kathy Sweetman and their family had had a wonderful experience at a different planetarium, “and it became a match made in heaven,” Grogan said.
“We got to move forward with that project because of their generous donation and really start to unlock another programming opportunity at the Washington Pavilion.”
The space, previously known as the Wells Fargo CineDome was renovated to include the Sweetman Planetarium, which opened in late summer of 2023 and welcomed more than 25,000 visitors in its first year.
But even approaching 18 months later, many visitors are still discovering – and rediscovering – what has changed.
“Sometimes because from the outside – and even largely when you walk inside – it doesn’t look much different, people don’t always understand how much the program has changed for the better,” Grogan said.
Here are four things you need to know about the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium to make the most of your next visit.
It had a big upgrade
Before the Sweetman Planetarium could debut its first film, the entire interior screen of the theater was taken down and replaced.
There’s now a seamless canvas for all shows “that really elevated the clarity of the picture,” Grogan said.
“We went from having one projector, kind of a box in the middle, to now having five projectors that auto-align with one another to create a vivid image.”
The original sound system also was updated to offer a top-of-the-line audio experience.
“So while the room itself probably looks similar when you walk in, the pictures and the sound are much improved,” Grogan said.
This isn’t your throwback planetarium
If your idea of a planetarium is what you probably experienced in school – a device posted in the middle while someone speaks into a microphone about what you’re seeing – prepare to enter a new era.
“The modern planetarium offers so much more,” Grogan said. “The Sweetman Planetarium not only pulls up the night sky but also allows you to travel to galaxies outside the Milky Way and really expanded what we’re able to produce.”
The variety of program is huge. Here’s a sample of what’s offered in February:
- “Winter Skies” – Travel at the speed of light through our universe and discover the science behind what happens in our skies during the winter months.
- “Unseen Universe” – Makes what was once thought to be unseeable, seeable.
Both those shows are 25 minutes, making them an easy addition to your visit to the Washington Pavilion.
Other educational films include the popular “T.REX” and “Cities of the Future.”
And, stay tuned soon as two new films debut in March including “Mars: The Ultimate Voyage” and “3,2,1 Liftoff,” a film designed for kids.
It’s a big addition for special events and programs
The Washington Pavilion has learned that the Sweetman Planetarium is a perfect fit for the numerous school groups that continually visit.
“Our school groups are now prioritizing that as part of their time at the Pavilion because the experience is so much better,” Grogan said.
“The content is just a great way to engage with kids around the topic of space.”
Sponsor Aerostar also has held multiple live presentations for large groups of students using the space, she said.
“It’s been a great way to use screen and sound to help students learn more about the company and its industry,” Grogan said.
The Sweetman Planetarium also is a popular attraction at the recurring Cosmos and Cocktails events, offering after-hours, adults-only opportunities to enjoy the Washington Pavilion.
The next one is this Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. for those 21 and older.
This exciting evening will include:
- Showings of the new full-dome film “Into the Void: The Mysteries of Black Holes” in the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Unlimited access to the Kirby Science Discovery Center, including new interactive exhibits in the Discovery Den.
- Unlimited access to the Visual Arts Center, including new exhibitions of beautiful depictions of the Heartland and abstract interpretations of nature, as well as the last chance to see the traveling exhibition “Your Place in the Universe.”
- Specialty cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase. Plus, a fun mocktail too!
- Gourmet ice cream, fresh popcorn, wraps, sandwiches, candy and cold beverages available at Parlour.
Tickets for the event are on sale now. The price includes access to the museums and one film showing. For information, visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Cosmos.
You can reserve it for yourself
Looking for a unique way to engage your co-workers, clients, friends or families? The Sweetman Planetarium can offer it.
“You can rent it for anything from a corporate event to a date night under the stars,” Grogan said.
“We’ve had people do family dinners and then take a tour of the Milky Way, so there are just really fun opportunities to try something new and see things you wouldn’t normally see.”
To learn more about the Sweetman Planetarium, click here.
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