HUTCHINSON, Kan. – This Sunday, April 12, fewer than 90 days after the doors of the Justice Planetarium 
closed for a major renovation, the Cosmosphere is kicking off the Grand Reopening of the venue that started it all.
In 1962, Hutchinson civic leader Patricia Brooks Carey started a planetarium in a chicken coop on the grounds of the Kansas State Fair with nothing but a used starball and a dream. 53 years later, Patty’s dream continues with a fully renovated, state-of-the-art, energy efficient venue that will inspire and education new generations of dreamers and explorers. The renovation of the Justice Planetarium marks the first of many changes to come for the Cosmosphere in the next few years as part of a major revitalization initiative.
The Grand Reopening of the Justice Planetarium begins at 6 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a dessert reception and coffee bar. At 7 p.m., attendees will enjoy a presentation by Cosmosphere Astronaut Advisor Dr. Steven Hawley – former NASA shuttle astronaut (STS-61C, STS-41D, STS-93, STS-31, STS-82), Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, and Director of Engineering Physics at the University of Kansas. Following Dr. Hawley’s presentation, Cosmosphere education staff will show off what the new Spitz Sci-Dome XD digital projection system can do with a demonstration and show.
The renovation of the Justice Planetarium was made possible by contributions from the Walter E. & Velma G. Justice Fund for Reno County and a personal gift from Dave and Dee Dillon.