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🎉 We’re Back and Better Than Ever: Enjoy the Planetarium’s New Upgrades and Rediscover the Wonders Above Today!

Fort Myers, FL – 🚀 We’re back and better than ever! The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its Planetarium following an extensive renovation. The Planetarium is fully open and has undergone a stunning transformation, featuring refreshed interiors, cozy new seating, a new roof and a pristine dome. This significant upgrade includes a state-of-the-art 5.1 surround-sound system and the advanced Digitarium Lambda Plus laser projection system, ensuring an unparalleled viewing experience of the night sky. 🌟


To celebrate, we are inviting the public to a a free open house on Friday, September 27. 🎉 Festivities will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. with honorees, dignitaries, sponsors, partners and supporters, followed by screenings throughout the day. All are also invited to 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 6. Tickets can be purchased at calusanature.org and Mesmerica Tickets.


Recent Events

At last night’s city council meeting, Executive Director Eric Raddatz highlighted the exciting changes at CNCP and encouraged both residents and visitors to explore our upgraded facilities. Watch video here. We invite you to be part of this transformative journey by exploring our exclusive naming opportunities, including naming the newly renovated Planetarium or key features within our sanctuary. Your support not only demonstrates your commitment to education and conservation but also provides prominent visibility for your name or organization. To learn more, visit our website. His presentation to the city can be found here. It incudes our vision for the years to come—and they are exciting! To support and sponsor reach out to us today!


Upcoming Events

We are excited to present a lineup of engaging events for all ages:

🎃 Friendly Forest Fall Festival

  • Date: September 21-22, 2024

  • Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Description: Celebrate fall 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. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets are available now!

🎵 Tuesday Tunes

  • Date: September 10, 2024

  • Time: 7:00 PM

  • Description: Enjoy an evening of American tunes with Chuck and Diane Coffman. Tickets available now!

👻 Haunted Walk

  • Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October

  • Time: Starting at 7:30 PM

  • Description: Experience our 61st annual Haunted Walk, supporting our animal residents. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets available now!

🌟 Music Under the Stars

  • Date: October 17, 2024

  • Time: 7:00 PM

  • Description: Acoustic Americana music featuring Brian Smalley, Bill Metts, and Roy Schneider in the Planetarium. Tickets available now!

Daily Programming

  • 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

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,

The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Team

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

3450 Ortiz Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33905 | 239.275.3435











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