Washington Pavilion ready to launch ‘out of this world’ new addition

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

Dick and Kathy Sweetman set out to give a gift to the community of Sioux Falls.

They ended up donating something that will bring Washington Pavilion visitors to the far reaches of outer space, the depths of the sea and many places in between.

The new Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium will open Labor Day weekend, made possible through a transformational gift from the Sweetmans.

“We approached the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation about using funds we had there to do something, and they mentioned the idea of a planetarium,” Dick Sweetman said.

 “We thought it really sounded kind of cool, and between the foundation and the Washington Pavilion, they really took it from that point and jumped on it.”

The Sweetmans visited a planetarium at the University of Notre Dame, “and it was fabulous,” Kathy Sweetman said. “It’s incredible to look up at the sky, and now we can deliver a similar experience inside the planetarium.”  

“We were blown away by what you can do with a planetarium,” Dick Sweetman agreed. “We thought, wow, if we can have that here, we know we can get kids more interested in STEM. I’ve talked to a couple people outside this area, and they’ve heard about it and think it’s going to be a really neat thing to go to it in Sioux Falls, so I think it will attract a wide range of people.”

 So does the team at the Washington Pavilion.

“We are thrilled to introduce one of the most advanced planetarium systems in the United States. The new Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium is awe-inspiring and will redefine celestial exploration for our region,” said Darrin Smith, president and CEO of the Washington Pavilion. “With cutting-edge technology at our fingertips, we eagerly anticipate welcoming children, students and adults alike to embark on this journey of space discovery.”

The Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium boasts a suite of upgrades that promise an unparalleled immersive experience:

• State-of-the-art, high-resolution projectors: Prepare to be mesmerized by astonishing visuals and effects that come to life with remarkable clarity using significantly upgraded digital technology.
• Seamless dome screen: New seamless screens ensure uninterrupted and impeccable viewing, guaranteeing a grand connection with the cosmos.
• Advanced surround sound and sophisticated lighting: The convergence of sound and light envelops visitors in a multisensory adventure, delivering an immersive encounter with the universe.

“This has been a dream of ours for a long time, put on a wish list, and we were fortunate that list found the right family,” said Madelyn Grogan, director of education, programming and exhibits for the Washington Pavilion.

“There’s just endless opportunities. I am so excited and anxious to bust it wide open.”

Here’s an example of a film that will be shown:

While the Washington Pavilion is still developing programming for the planetarium, as well as training on the equipment, “what the community sees when we open will just be scratching the surface of what we’re able to do,” Grogan said.

“There’s ways to bring art into it, to elevate the content and to bring in things geared to young adults, which we think is a void in our community. There are going to be new, fun and engaging ways for all ages to connect with science here.”

The planetarium will be connected with others worldwide, so programming from those venues can be streamed here, she said.

Imagine watching shuttle launches live, going on a stargazing date night and much more.

“There are shows made for preschoolers, for holidays and for any educational standard,” Grogan said. “We anticipate even universities could use this as part of astronomy programs. The options are really endless.”

Planetarium programming sponsor Aerostar also is “absolutely thrilled to be partnering to provide programming,” said Anastasia Quanbeck, the company’s culture and communications manager.

“From the very moment we heard about plans for the Sweetman Planetarium, we knew we wanted to be a part of it.  This state-of-the-art facility is the only one of its kind for hundreds of miles in any direction and just one of a few in the U.S. We think this planetarium will draw crowds of inquisitive people from throughout the Midwest and help build on Sioux Falls’ reputation as a science and technology center for the region.”

Aerostar already partners with NASA on projects that help enhance the understanding of space, “and we look forward to sharing how the work we do here impacts our ability to understand our universe,” she added.

“We are excited that thousands of people will be inspired by the beauty and intricacy of our universe during their visits to the Sweetman Planetarium. In this way, Aerostar hopes to plant the seeds of discovery in the next generation.”

Grand-opening events

Here’s what to expect opening weekend:

• Thursday, 4:30 p.m.: Ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• Friday, 5 p.m.: Free First Friday offers a peek into future programming until 8 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Experience the official launch event with free admission to the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium, Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center, thanks to programming sponsor Aerostar. The business will be displaying a stratospheric flight-control unit, solar panels and gondola, and will have kids activities, lollipops and fun giveaways.
• Sunday,  noon to 5 p.m.: Regularly scheduled programming will begin with showings every hour. Programming will include planetarium shows “Experience the Aurora,” “Robot Explorers” and “Unseen Universe,” as well as new large-format film “Wings Over Water.” 

The Sweetmans will be there this week too. Four of their six grandchildren will be among the first to experience the new planetarium – a fitting symbol of the spirit that has built so much of the Washington Pavilion and beyond.

“I think it lets people know that if they want to do something big for the city, there are still a lot of things we can do,” Kathy Sweetman said.

Dick Sweetman agreed.

“Sioux Falls is absolutely amazing in the things that have occurred through pure philanthropy,” he said. “We’re very excited that this is happening.”

Add a Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium showing to your museum experience for just $5 or just $4 for members. For information, visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Planetarium.