The Museum of Science & Industry has announced plans to debut the second-largest digital dome planetarium in the United States, in 2025, transforming its current dome into a state-of-the-art STEM learning destination.
Joined by local officials, MOSI leaders unveiled the ambitious multi-million-dollar renovation project during a community event. The revamped Dome Theatre will serve as the new home of the Saunders Planetarium and a digital dome theater, featuring cutting-edge projection technology.
“Our eight-story-tall screen will surround you with science, with 360-degree movies and the second-largest digital dome planetarium in America,” said John Graydon Smith, chief executive officer of MOSI. “We’re talking about pull-you-in and blow-your-mind, educational fun.”
Powered by 10 Christie digital projectors and an Evans & Sutherland Digistar 7 system, the dome will offer sharper, brighter and more immersive visuals than the film-based technology used before its closure, in 2017. The new screen, spanning more than 10,000 square feet, was installed in September 2024, as part of the ongoing upgrades.
The project, supported by a combination of foundation, private and county funding, aims to position MOSI as the premier STEM learning destination in the Southeastern U.S. Tampa Bay’s STEM job growth is projected to rise nearly 11 percent, by 2031—almost four times faster than non-STEM occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The dome, with seating for over 300 guests, will host field trips, community events and daily programming.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor underscored the importance of MOSI’s revitalization to the city’s innovation ecosystem. “With this major investment, MOSI is saying, once and for all, that they are here to stay in North Tampa—right next to USF in Uptown,” Castor said. “This area is driving innovation—with the University of South Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center and the transformation of University Mall into Rithm at Uptown—so why would MOSI go anywhere else? North Tampa is the perfect home for MOSI now, and for generations to come.”
Since its founding in 1962, MOSI has received significant support for its planetarium and immersive theater efforts from partners like AdventHealth, the Saunders Foundation and Hillsborough County.
The new Digital Dome Theatre is expected to open in early 2025, welcoming students, museum guests and special events to an unparalleled STEM experience.