Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Unveils Newly Renovated Planetarium

Fort Myers, FL – The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its Planetarium following an extensive internal renovation. This significant upgrade features new seating, enhanced visibility, fresh carpeting, and a cutting-edge roof. The newly renovated Planetarium boasts a state-of-the-art 5.1 surround-sound system and the advanced Digitarium Lambda Plus laser projection system, ensuring an unparalleled viewing experience. 🌟

Grand Reopening Celebration

To celebrate, we are hosting a free open house on Friday, September 27. 🎉 Festivities will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by screenings throughout the day. Join us for a VIP reception and exclusive movie screening from 6 to 8 p.m., with tickets available for $150. Be mesmerized by our featured presentation, Mesmerica 360 – an extraordinary 360-degree projection experience offering virtual reality-like visuals combined with soothing and stimulating effects. 🎥✨ This immersive show features music by Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood and 3D animated art from international artists. Mesmerica 360 will start on select dates from September 5. Tickets can be purchased at calusanature.org and Mesmerica Tickets.

Planetarium Reopening

The Planetarium will reopen on September 1 with our usual daily shows. We are excited to welcome you back to experience the newly upgraded facility! 🌌

Nature Center Open

The Nature Center remains open with field trips, nature walks, and wildlife encounters. Explore our 105-acre preserve, featuring aviaries, gators, eagles, turtles, and fun activities for all kids. 🦎🦅🐢

Upcoming Events

Here are some exciting events to look forward to:

• Nature Explorers

  • Date: September 7, 2024

  • Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

  • Description: Nature Explorers is a drop-off program for children ages 5 to 11. The cost is $10 per child. On this date, we will be exploring honey bees. 🐝 Additional preschool and homeschool events will be announced soon.

• Tuesday Tunes

  • Date: September 10, 2024

  • Time: 7:00 PM

  • Description: Join Chuck Coffman and Diane Coffman of Common Ground for an evening of cherished American tunes. 🎶 Tickets are available now!

• Friendly Forest Fall Festival

  • Date: September 21-22, 2024

  • Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Description: Celebrate the fall season with a pumpkin patch, games, scavenger hunts, craft projects, food trucks, animal talks, and Planetarium shows. 🎃 Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are available now!

• Outdoors Inside Tour

  • Date: September 21, 2024

  • Time: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

  • Description: Enjoy a private motor coach tour to St. Pete for a day of indoor nature experiences. 🚌 Learn more and secure your spot! Tickets are available now!

• Music Under the Stars

  • Date: October 17, 2024

  • Time: 7:00 PM

  • Description: Enjoy an evening of acoustic Americana music featuring Brian Smalley, Bill Metts, and Roy Schneider in the Planetarium. 🌟🎸 Tickets are available now!

• Haunted Walk

  • Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October

  • Time: Starting at 7:30 PM

  • Description: Experience our 61st annual Haunted Walk, a thrilling event that helps support our animal residents. 👻 Tickets are available now!

    
    

Daily Programming

Join us daily for a range of activities:

• Tuesday - Saturday

  • 12:15 PM & 2:15 PM: Planetarium Show

  • 1:15 PM: Animal Talk

• Sunday

  • 12:15 PM, 2:15 PM, & 3:15 PM: Planetarium Show

  • 1:15 PM: Animal Talk

Support Our Renovation

Help us bring our newly renovated Planetarium to life by donating to our capital campaign here. Explore special sponsorship opportunities, including naming rights for Planetarium seats and other key features here. 💖

A Special Thank You

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following supporters:

• Vulcan Materials

• R4

• Aux Delicies

• Famous Dave’s

• The City of Fort Myers

• The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation

• Heitman House

• Fort Myers Film Festival

Stay Connected

Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually! Enjoy our FREE T360 tour from your couch: #HomeBoundAdventures #NatureAtHome. Immerse yourself in our fresh interactive education videos here. Make your event unforgettable with one of Florida's unique venues! From weddings and showers to meetings and parties, we offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. Reach out now to reserve your date! 🏛️

Stay connected and learn more about our events and programming by visiting www.calusanature.org or following us on social media. For a recent look at our renovation updates, check out the NBC2 story here. 📺

Please let me know if you would like a chance to interview for more in-depth information regarding our renovation.

Warm Regards,

Eric 

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Executive Director

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

3450 Ortiz Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33905 | 239.275.3435