The Lowell and Nancy Lohman Family Planetarium

The planetarium’s story begins in 1972, when the original facility opened as an adjunct classroom for Volusia County Schools, made possible through the fundraising efforts of the Junior Service League. It quickly became a gateway for students to explore astronomy and science in an immersive environment. In 1988, the school district invested in updated technologies, elevating the educational experience and keeping the facility aligned with emerging planetary science tools of the time.

 

A major transformation arrived in 2014 with the opening of a fully digitized, newly relocated planetarium—a project funded through ECHO and FEMA. The 94-seat venue, crowned with a 40-foot dome and enhanced sound system, offered an entirely new level of immersion. With its state-of-the-art OmniStar™ digital projector, the facility expanded beyond traditional star shows to full-dome HD films of varied genres, dramatically broadening what visitors could experience.

 

In 2019, following a significant investment from Lowell and Nancy Lohman, the planetarium was officially renamed the Lowell and Nancy Lohman Family Planetarium. Their continued support fueled another wave of advancements in 2023, bringing major system upgrades, new programming, and a refreshed guest experience—ensuring the planetarium remains a vibrant place for discovery, wonder, and exploration.