An expansive renovation project is planned for the Fleischmann Planetarium at 1664 N. Virginia St. at the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
The building is owned by UNR; however, public programs fund its operations. The renovation is being funded via donors, foundations and community members.
The primary change in the renovation is replacing the building’s projection system with a Cosm CX LED dome. The new dome will be called the George W. Gillemot Foundation Dome.
The new dome will be a nine-meter display that, according to planetarium staff, is 11 times brighter than IMAX. Due to the nature of the new screen, the interior of the dome must be reconstructed.
Planetarium staff also said the new theater will have a higher resolution, true color and feature black night skies. The technology features no cross-reflection and will allow images to extend to the floor.
Other renovation work will be done on the lobby and HVAC system.
While work is ongoing, other astronomy programs will be held at a mobile dome at UNR and other sites. Most of the funding stems from a donation from the George W. Gillemot Foundation. Other residents and businesses also donated.
Renovations are scheduled to begin in February 2026 and complete sometime around August. (Source)
