As part of its ambitious transformation, Arizona Science Center’s Dorrance Planetarium proudly unveils its new name: Dorrance DOME. Powered by Cosm’s cutting-edge CX System LED Dome, the new identity signals a bold leap into the future of immersive learning and storytelling—delivering breathtaking 360-degree visuals and sound that bring science, art and the universe to life like never before.

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“This name change reflects more than just a new look; it’s a reimagining of what a planetarium can be,” said Jacquie Dorrance. “The Dorrance DOME will inspire generations to come, igniting curiosity and wonder in Arizonans through an immersive journey. It’s more than a digital dome; it’s a legacy of learning and discovery.”

“We are deeply grateful to Jacquie and Bennett Dorrance, whose visionary support, along with that of so many others, has made this extraordinary project possible,” said Board of Trustees Chair Robert Miller. “The Dorrance DOME will transform the Arizona Science Center into a landmark destination, not just for Arizonans but for visitors from around the world.”

The Dorrance DOME will reopen to the public on Saturday, October 18, featuring next-generation immersive technologies including a high-resolution LED dome display, advanced Digistar planetarium software, and a rich content ecosystem that offers unparalleled visual clarity, brightness, and depth designed to spark curiosity and wonder for visitors of all ages.

“With the transformation of the Dorrance DOME, Arizona Science Center is setting a new standard for what a planetarium can be. Powered by Cosm’s CX System LED dome, the Dorrance DOME will stand as a cultural destination that expands the reach of science, art, and exploration, inspiring guests of all ages with next-generation immersive technology and storytelling,” said Kirk Johnson, Chief Operations Officer, Cosm.

The Hazel A. Hare President & CEO, Guy Labine added, “We are excited with this new name and new visitor experience.  We can’t wait for visitors of all ages to be inspired, amazed, and educated by the experiences that await inside the Dorrance DOME.”

Advance ticket sales begin Wednesday, August 20. The 60-foot, 8K+ LED Dorrance DOME comfortably seats 205 guests in total, featuring 200 premium seats—including 112 fixed and 88 movable chairs—for a world-class, immersive experience from every angle. Five ADA-compliant spaces provide flexible seating configurations to accommodate guests of all abilities and group sizes, making the experience accessible to everyone. 

During the pre-opening ticket sale, guests can purchase tickets for shows running from October 18 to November 30, 2025. Each day will feature seven showtimes, including five unique shows and a free presentation showcasing the capabilities of the 8K digital dome. The opening schedule will include: 

Astronomy Tour: Arizona

Produced by Arizona Science Center

Daily Showtimes: 12:30 p.m.

Embark on a live, presenter-led journey through Arizona’s legendary night skies. Discover the state’s deep-rooted astronomy heritage, stunning celestial sights, and cutting-edge space science in this immersive planetarium experience—perfect for all ages.

Black Hole: First Picture

Produced by Cosm Studios

Daily Showtimes: 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m.

Follow the groundbreaking quest to capture the first image of a black hole. This full-dome film showcases real footage from global observatories in the Event Horizon Telescope network, exploring the Messier 87 galaxy and the Milky Way’s core. Shot across 10 countries with minimal CGI, Black Hole: First Picture highlights the global collaboration that made the invisible visible.

Orbital

Produced by Cosm Studios

Daily Showtimes: 11:00 a.m., 1:15 p.m.

Take an animated journey from the Big Bang to low Earth orbit in Orbital. Created by Guy Reid and Planetary Collective, this film offers a poetic, visually striking experience inspired by astronauts who’ve seen Earth from above—inviting you to feel your own “Overview Effect.”

Inside Pop Art

Produced by Cosm Studios

Daily Showtime: 3:30 p.m.

Step into a vivid, animated exploration of pop art’s rise—from 1950s Britain to 1960s New York. Featuring works by Haring, Lichtenstein, and others, Inside Pop Art reveals how this bold movement shaped fashion, branding, and culture. A Cosm Studios Original, directed by Graham Watts and produced with Moonraker VFX.

The reopening of the Dorrance DOME marks a pivotal milestone in Arizona Science Center’s bold transformation. As part of the Center’s ambitious visitor experience renewal plan, this project signals the beginning of a new era in science learning and engagement right in the heart of downtown Phoenix.

To purchase advance tickets, view showtimes or for more information about the Dorrance DOME and continued updates, visit DorranceDOME.com. 

To preview images of the future space: click here.