Dedication Ceremony Scheduled for Friday, March 20, with Special Public Hours from 6–9 p.m.
Detroit, Mich., March 13, 2026 – On Friday, March 20, the Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) will formally dedicate its newly renovated Planetarium as the Penske Planetarium following a philanthropic gift from the Penske Foundation.
The dedication marks another milestone in Mi-Sci’s multi-year Hyperspace Initiative, an effort to reimagine space science education and exploration for audiences in Detroit and beyond, featuring big ideas that represent two new interactive galleries and upgrades to its planetarium theater, creating an immersive experience for all.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Penske Foundation for helping us bring the Penske Planetarium and our Hyperspace vision to life,” said Dr. Christian Greer, President and CEO of the Michigan Science Center. “At Mi-Sci, we believe science becomes meaningful when people see themselves in it. The planetarium allows us to ‘put YOU at the center of science’ in the most literal way possible, surrounding our guests with the wonders of space and inviting them to explore it for themselves. We want young people to see that they are not just observers of the Universe, but part of a new generation that will help shape humanity’s future among the stars.”
“The Penske Foundation is proud to support the Michigan Science Center and its efforts to inspire youth and families through innovative and interactive educational experiences,” said Blair Penske Hall, Co-President and a Director of the Penske Foundation. “We are excited that the new state-of-the-art Penske Planetarium at Mi-Sci will help elevate space science education and exploration by bringing the wonders of the universe a little closer to all of us.”
As part of the celebration, Mi-Sci will also debut an all-new planetarium show, Hyperspace: Race Through the Universe, presented by Stellantis.
Mi-Sci Planetarium Dedication & Show Premiere
Friday, March 20 | Public Hours: 6–9 p.m.
Guests are invited to experience a new era of exploration in Mi-Sci’s upgraded Planetarium, featuring:
- 8K digital projection
- 1 digital surround sound
- Inclined theater seating
- A seamless dome designed for a fully immersive journey through space
The evening will include recognition of the Planetarium’s new sponsor, the Penske Foundation, and the premiere of Mi-Sci’s newest planetarium show, Hyperspace: Race Through the Universe, presented by Stellantis.
In the show, audiences will race past planets, stars, and distant galaxies on a breathtaking journey to the edge of the universe.
Planetarium Showtimes: 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
Additional Activities
- Astronaut food tastings
- Mars Rover Challenge activities
- Live Science Stage performances
Seats are limited. Advance ticket purchase is recommended at www.mi-sci.org
About The Penske Foundation
The Penske Foundation is a private family philanthropic foundation dedicated to advancing civic engagement, healthcare, social services, and education. Through strategic grantmaking and partnerships, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations working to create lasting, positive changes in communities across the country.
About The Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) discovery, innovation, and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEAM hub, Mi-Sci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits, and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through their Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO Live!, Mi-Sci is expanding beyond its Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities, and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your Mi-Sci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.