Visiting the Rose Center for Earth and Space
In the Upper West Side of New York, right off Central Park West, you will find the American Museum of Natural History. A significant portion of the complex is dedicated to the "Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space."
History
The Rose Center for Earth and Space was built following the complete demolition and replacement of the original Hayden Planetarium. This initial structure was commissioned in 1933 from architects Trowbridge and Livingston, funded by a federal loan and a donation from banker and philanthropist Charles Hayden. It opened in 1935 with the goal of bringing the wonders of the universe to the general public.
By 1993, the planetarium underwent a major renovation that included replacing the seating and the projection equipment.
In 1997, the facility was closed and demolished. A new project, the Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space, was constructed with a budget of 210 million USD (about 210 million USD). Its official opening on February 19, 2000, was attended by celebrities including Robert Redford, Liam Neeson, and Harrison Ford.
The current Hayden Planetarium features 3D projection technology, with narration provided by Tom Hanks.
The Rose Center for Earth and Space
The center spans over 30,000 square meters (about 322,917 square feet), housing exhibitions, research facilities, and educational spaces, all focused on the cosmos.
Inside the Big Bang Theater, you can watch a film explaining the origins of the universe, narrated by Liam Neeson.
Throughout the planetarium and the surrounding galleries, you will find rotating exhibits centered on space and celestial bodies.
To conclude your visit, you can walk through the Arthur Ross Terrace, a landscaped outdoor area covering more than 4,000 square meters (about 43,055 square feet).
It is a primary destination for anyone interested in astronomy.
The Rose Center is not the most impressive museum, far from it. It is actually quite small but offers a few interesting exhibits.
Above all, it lets you catch the planetarium show. It is a truly thrilling moment for anyone who loves space and space exploration.
Finally, the very architecture of the museum is worth a look for its modern style.
A nice visit with your head in the stars.