Young adults inside the new Orlando Science Center planetarium

A BIGGER, BOLDER ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER: New Dome, New Reasons to Visit This Summer

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Standing inside the newly reimagined dome theater at Orlando Science Center, it’s clear how big a deal this is. The space has been stripped down and rebuilt from the ground up, part of a broader refresh that gives families even more reasons to visit this summer.


The first thing that strikes you isn’t just how big the new dome theater is, it’s how completely it surrounds you.

Set to debut this summer, the new dome blends cutting- edge technology with a meaningful return to the Science Center’s roots, bringing back the planetarium experience that once defined it, now enhanced in ways that feel both modern and immersive.

A Dramatically Different Dome

The transformation is extensive. The theater has been rebuilt with a brand-new screen, upgraded sound, and all-new seating designed for better comfort and sightlines. Orlando Science Center was once one of the last giant-screen theaters still using film; the shift to 8K laser projection opens the door to more dynamic and flexible programming.

And then there’s the dome itself.

Unlike a traditional screen, it wraps around your entire field of vision, extending into your peripheral view from every seat. If flattened, the screen would stretch roughly eight stories tall. The experience has also been thoughtfully redesigned for families. The seats are larger, have cupholders, are better spaced and arranged so everyone has a clear view.

More to Explore Beyond the Dome

The upgrades extend well beyond the theater. What was once a standard queue is being transformed into a true lobby, complete with concessions for the first time. Overhead LED panels will display animations and showtimes, while the floor-to-ceiling LED wall will showcase scenes tied to the current programming.

The space is also more flexible than ever. With the removal of the traditional projection booth, replaced by an eight- projector system, the Science Center has reclaimed valuable space for classrooms and camps, which serve thousands of kids each week in the summer. Inside the theater, the expanded layout allows for guest speakers, special events, and even performances paired with immersive visuals.

Orlando Science Center Dome Theater
The theater has been redesigned for families with larger seats, cupholders, and are better spaced so everyone has a clear view.

It’s both a major upgrade and a meaningful return. The Orlando Science Center, formerly known as the John Young Museum and Planetarium, will, for the first time since moving into its current building in 1997, once again offer a true planetarium experience. New programming will include live shows recreating the night sky over Orlando, alongside films, laser shows, and digital experiences.

Ways to Explore and Discover

Inside Orlando Science Center, the experience is built around hands-on discovery. Younger kids can explore spaces designed just for them, while older children can dive into dinosaurs, engineering challenges, and physics- based play. Kids are encouraged to interact, experiment, and follow their curiosity from one exhibit to the next.

Plan for a few hours, or even a full day, to allow time for breaks, snacks, and live demonstrations. It’s also an easy go-to during the hottest or rainiest days, offering a fully indoor experience that still feels active and engaging.

Not just for kids, OSC is captivating for all ages and even offers adults- only events like Science Night Live and an annual fundraising event, Science and Wine.

A gentleman stargazing inside the new Orlando Science Center dome
This new dome is full of childlike wonder for everyone!

A Summer Must-do for Families

That’s what makes the timing of the new dome especially exciting. Opening this summer and included with general admission, it adds a major new experience just as families are looking for fresh ways to spend long summer days.

To celebrate the summer, Orlando Science Center is enhancing its programming with special experiences and a few late-night operating hours to give everyone more time to savor the summer!

In many ways, the Dome by Dr. Phillips Charities reflects what Orlando Science Center does best: combining education with wonder and giving families a reason to come back again and again. This summer there are plenty of new reasons to make a visit part of your plans.

PHENOMENA

  • Dates: May 17 through September 7, 2026
  • Location: Orlando Science Center

Experience an immersive and interactive journey through the captivating world of illusions. Exploring the science behind optical illusions and cognitive distortions, this exhibit features a variety of interactive installations, allowing guests to capture mind-bending moments in the Zero Gravity Room, Ames Room, and at the Magic Table. osc.org

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*Sponsored by Orlando Science Center | Images courtesy of Orlando Science Center | Originally published in the May/June 2026 issue of Orlando Parenting Magazine

Born and raised in the land of sunshine and dreams come true, Dani is a proud Orlando native. She loves sharing her hometown with others from the theme parks to Florida's natural beauty. With over 15 years of experience, Dani is thrilled to serve as our Managing Editor at Orlando Date Night Guide, Orlando Parenting, as well as Tampa Bay Date Night Guide.