Clark Planetarium

Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, Clark Planetarium explores the wonders of space and science through state-of-the art theatres, free exhibits and the Planet Fun Store. Clark Planetarium is a Division of Salt Lake County. Clark Planetarium’s mission is to create and present enlightening experiences that inspire wonder in learning about space and science, and to promote greater public awareness of the science in our daily lives. Nov. 26, 1965: Hansen Planetarium opens. It is the first planetarium in Utah. Residents come to love the Spitz Space Transit star projector, nicknamed “Jake” for the Spitz senior engineer who oversaw the installation of this amazing collection of optical-mechanical technology. October 2002: The Clark Family Foundation donates $1 million for the acquisition of new exhibits at the planetarium and the name of the new facility becomes the Sheila M. Clark Planetarium. December 2002: Hansen Planetarium closes its doors to the public and begins the task of relocating to 110 S. 400 West. April 11, 2003: Clark Planetarium opens to the public. The first program to play in the Hansen Dome Theater (using the Evans & Sutherland Digistar 3 full-dome computer projection system) is “Ultimate Universe,” and the first film in the IMAX Theater is “Space Station 3D.”