Exploradome

What is the ExploraDome?
The ExploraDome is a portable, immersive learning environment where students experience "hands-on, minds-on" learning. Our programs feature age-appropriate lessons delivered underneath a 25 foot diameter dome. Through guided inquiry, based on the Minnesota State Science Standards, students can virtually travel from inside of the subatomic realm to the edge of the known universe. This system is the first portable dome in the world built around the dynamic scaling software known as Uniview . To share this information with others, print the ExploraDome brochure. The ExploraDome program inspires minds and leaves a lasting impression on students.

ExploraDome

Schedule a Visit
Ready to sign up? Here is the process:

  1. Please read our FAQ before proceeding to the next steps
  2. Ensure your facility can meet the visit requirements needed to house the dome.
  3. Learn about our programs or let us create a custom lesson to meet your needs. The dome can hold 30-35 students in each session. Six or more sessions can be accommodated during one day.
  4. Learn about the program costs for schools, non-profit, for-profit groups.
  5. Search our calendar for available dates. (The calendar will open in a new browser window so you can return to this screen after closing the calendar window.)
  6. or call (952) 847-8212 with the following information:
    • School/organization
    • Choice of dates
    • Contact information
  7. Once final program details are finalized, return a signed visit agreement form.
  8. Download materials to prepare your students for the visit.
  9. Get ready to explore the universe as you never have before.

For all non-schoolday visits, please use the following forms:

ExploraDome Event Requirements 

ExploraDome Event Agreement 


Minnesota Planetarium Society Network

You can also visit one of our partner sites. Like the ExploraDome, these facilities represent the first school planetariums of their kind in the world; scaling real data, in real-time, from the earth to the edge of the observable universe. Learn more about these fine facilities:

Como Planetarium - Saint Paul, MN
651.293.5398

Mankato East Public Schools Planetarium - Mankato, MN
Click on link above, then Community Links/Planetarium
507.387.5671

Mayo High School Planetarium – Rochester, MN
507.438.5600

Southwest State University Planetarium - Marshall, MN
507.537.6173

Journey Museum - Rapid City, SD
605.394.6923 

If you have other questions, please see our FAQ or .

Minneapolis Planetarium ExploraDome in Action!

Become an ExploraDome Sponsor
The ExploraDome is a fun and exciting way for schools to enrich their science curriculums. $2,000 a day will sponsor a school of your choice or one of the waiting schools on our list. Hundreds of children will benefit from your generousity.

Thank you Sponsors
Sponsors who have donated at least a school week of the ExploraDome in the past year are: ADC Foundation, Best Buy Children's Founcation, HB Fuller, the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation, Pentair Foundation, Qwest Foundation, Travelers Foundation, Xcel Energy Foundation and others.

Thank you to the Best Buy Children's Foundation,
this year's largest corporate sponsor.
 Best Buy Children's Foundation