Friends of the Gengras Planetarium

10/13/2026

Thanks to the success of
2001: A Space Odyssey, Also sprach Zarathustra was chosen as the fanfare for the opening of the Gengras Planetarium on October 12, 1968.

10/13/2026

The line drawing of the Enterprise in a sphere was created on the Digistar II. This was an early vector based computer graphics system. The neutral zone coordinates on the big view screen were also created on the Digistar II.

10/12/2026

A new chapter begins.

On this day in 1968, the Gengras Planetarium opened to the public. Today, we are looking toward the future.

What if a planetarium could become something more, a place where astronomy, space exploration, and the arts come together?

Today, we are sharing a new vision for the Center for Astronomy + Space Exploration (CASE).

Envisioned as a landmark destination, the center will invite guests to journey from the familiar night sky to new frontiers through immersive planetarium experiences, interactive galleries, live programs, workshops, and spaces designed for discovery.

This is an ambitious vision, and there is much more to explore. Visit GengrasPlanetarium.org to learn more and spread the word.

And if you would like to follow the project as it develops, like and follow the Friends of the Gengras Planetarium Facebook.com/gengrasplanetarium. We’ll be sharing new concepts, stories, images, and updates as the vision for CASE continues.

10/12/2026

On October 12, 1968, the Gengras Planetarium opened its doors to the public.

For 58 years, the Gengras Planetarium has held a special place in Connecticut’s history, introducing generations to the wonders of the night sky and inspiring a lifelong fascination with astronomy.

For countless schoolchildren, families, and curious minds, a journey beneath its dome became a journey across the universe. The stars seemed closer, the cosmos more familiar, and the possibilities endless.

Today, we honor the visionaries who brought the planetarium to life, the dedicated educators and staff who carried its mission forward, and the generations of guests whose imaginations were awakened beneath its dome.

As we look toward the future and the development of the Center for Astronomy + Space Exploration (CASE), we celebrate a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire us.

The Gengras Planetarium gave generations a window to the universe. Its legacy will help open the door to an extraordinary new era of exploration.

October 12, 1968 – October 12, 2026

10/10/2026