Do you remember August 1969, when Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon? Have you ever spent a summer’s evening gazing up at the stars, wondering, “What’s out there?” For those who grew up in Stamford, one of the most magical school or scout trips was to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s Planetarium. It inspired curiosity, wonder, and dreams of the unknown. Fast forward sixty years to 2025, and the excitement is reborn with the opening of the new Stamford Museum & Nature Center (SM&NC) Planetarium—and it is extraordinary.
Executive Director Melissa Mulrooney is the visionary behind the project. Determined and unwavering—even through a pandemic—she, her team, and a dedicated board of directors brought this enhanced, expanded dream to life.
Past Meets Future
What’s remarkable about this new chapter is how seamlessly the future connects to the past. The design respects the farm and surrounding natural landscape while ushering in a bold new era. As with so many great endeavors, the work honors those who came before while creating something fresh and vital for generations to come.
Inside, the “Modern Farm” motif continues—but step into the Planetarium and you’ll feel transported. Think of a “Baby Sphere,” reminiscent of Las Vegas’ spectacular Sphere. The immersive dome opens endless opportunities to educate, entertain, and engage visitors of every age and interest.
Building the Dream
The architecture was designed by TSKP Studio, founded in 1970 by Tai Soo Kim. Over the decades, the firm has evolved into a collaborative partnership known for work that is elegant, modern, and thoughtful. At SM&NC, architects Whit Iglehart and Jesse Saylor led the project, blending vision with purpose.
Landscape design came from Langan, guided by natural site patterns and realized by Joe Aveni. Their work creates a powerful connection between people and place, extending the experience beyond the walls and into the surrounding environment.
Gateway to the Cosmos
The Planetarium is only half the story. The new Observatory offers a direct path to the night sky. As Charles Eder, Director of Astronomy, explains:
“Our hope is to provide visitors with clear, up-close views of objects both in and beyond our solar system. With our 14-inch telescope, guests will see craters and mountains on the Moon, Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons, Saturn’s rings, dazzling star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. But most of all, we want to spark conversations—connecting people with the wonders of space and astronomy.”
Countdown to Launch
SM&NC members will have exclusive access to premiere Planetarium shows on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, with showings every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $8 per member, and pre-registration is required.
Non-members are welcome to enjoy the grounds on those dates, but only members may attend the premiere Planetarium shows.
The public celebration continues with ASTRO Fest on Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 30—a festive event filled with skywatching, hands-on activities, and family fun. Starting Monday, November 17, the Astronomy Center opens seven days a week. Weekday mornings are reserved for schools and groups, ensuring thousands of students each year discover the wonders of the cosmos through immersive STEAM learning. Afternoons (Wednesday–Friday) and weekends will feature regular Planetarium programming for the public.
Advance registration is always encouraged.
Join the Journey
Membership at SM&NC offers more than early access—it’s a year-round passport to workshops, events, and family activities. Options are available for singles, couples, and seniors. Join now and be among the first to experience Stamford’s newest jewel: the Astronomy Center. Truly, it’s out of this world. www.stamfordmuseum.org
A Storied Legacy
The Stamford Museum was founded in 1936 under the leadership of Dr. George R.R. Hertzberg, beginning in three rented rooms at the Stamford Trust Company. In 1945, the eight-acre estate of E.Y. Weber was deeded to the city, which leased its stone carriage house to the museum. The construction of I-95 forced a move, and in 1955, friends of the museum purchased the Bendel Mansion, built for fashion magnate Henri Willis Bendel.
In 2018, SM&NC unveiled the Knobloch Family Farmhouse, its first new building in more than five decades. Today, with the opening of the Astronomy Center, SM&NC combines the Planetarium and Observatory into a true hub for STEAM education—linking past, present, and future in one stellar vision.
...most of all, we want to spark conversations—connecting people with the wonders of space
and astronomy.