Cosmosphere
Kansas
The Cosmosphere is an internationally renowned science education center and space museum located in Hutchinson, Kansas. It features over 13,000 artifacts related to spaceflight, making it the largest combined collection of US and Russian spaceflight artifacts globally. The museum includes five main venues: the Hall of Space Museum, Justice Planetarium, Carey Digital Dome Theater, Dr. Goddard's Lab, and CosmoKids, an interactive STEAM area. Visitors can explore authentic flown spacecraft such as the Apollo 13 Command Module "Odyssey," the Liberty Bell 7 Mercury capsule, and a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The Cosmosphere also showcases restored World War II and Cold War rockets, including the V-1 flying bomb, V-2 rocket, and Redstone and Titan II launch vehicles. As the only Smithsonian affiliate museum in Kansas, it offers educational programs aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core, including summer camps and field trips. The museum's SpaceWorks division has contributed to restoring spacecraft for other institutions and film productions. Recent upgrades include a 4K digital projection system in the Carey Digital Dome Theater and a digital projection system in the Justice Planetarium. The Cosmosphere provides a comprehensive journey through the history of rocketry and space exploration, from early experiments to modern commercial spaceflight.
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Tip: The Cosmosphere is open Thursday and Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and closed Sunday through Wednesday and Saturdays. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online to ensure entry. The museum offers educational programs and summer camps for all ages, which can be booked ahead. Discounts may be available for groups, scouts, and educational field trips. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds and to fully enjoy interactive exhibits and live science presentations.
Zajímavosti
- •The Cosmosphere holds the largest combined collection of US and Russian spaceflight artifacts in the world.
- •It is the only Smithsonian affiliate museum in Kansas.
- •The museum's SpaceWorks division restored the Apollo 13 Command Module "Odyssey" and the Liberty Bell 7 Mercury capsule.
- •The Carey Digital Dome Theater was upgraded to a 4K digital projection system in 2012.
- •The Justice Planetarium was renovated in 2015 to feature a Spitz Sci-Dome XD digital projection system.
- •Authentic flown spacecraft on display include a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and the Gemini 10 space capsule.
- •The museum's exterior features authentic Redstone and Titan II launch vehicles used in Mercury and Gemini programs.
- •It houses a Moon rock from Apollo 11, the first crewed mission to land on the Moon.
Historie
The Cosmosphere originated from a planetarium established in 1962 on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
It has since expanded into a 105,000-square-foot facility housing the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside Moscow and a vast US space artifact collection second only to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.
Over the decades, the museum has undergone significant renovations, including upgrades to its theaters and galleries.
Its SpaceWorks division has restored flown spacecraft such as the Apollo 13 Command Module and Liberty Bell 7.
The museum's continuous growth reflects its commitment to preserving space exploration history and advancing space education.
Průvodce po místě
Hall of Space Museum
This main exhibit space showcases over 13,000 artifacts related to spaceflight history, including flown spacecraft, engineering models, and historically accurate replicas. It covers rocketry from World War II through the Space Race to modern commercial spaceflight.
Justice Planetarium2015 renovation
A digital planetarium featuring the Spitz Sci-Dome XD projection system, offering immersive star shows and space presentations that complement the museum's exhibits.
Carey Digital Dome Theater2012 upgrade
A 4K digital dome theater upgraded in 2012, providing high-definition space and science films that enhance the visitor experience.
Dr. Goddard's Lab
An interactive live science presentation focusing on the history of rocketry and the contributions of Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocketry.
CosmoKids Interactive STEAM Area
A hands-on educational space designed for children to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through interactive exhibits and activities.
Kontakt
Telefon: (800) 397-0330
