News Release

Release Date: May 16, 2003
Contact: Ganesh Ganpat, Executive Director, (806) 355-9547 ext. 24
g.ganpat@dhdc.org

Planetarium Closes for Renovation

AMARILLO, TX, May 16, 2003 -- The Don Harrington Discovery Center announced today the planetarium will be closed for renovation from May 26, 2003 and will reopen to the public July 26, 2003. The museum will remain open with regular admission for the exhibit areas.

The $1.2 million renovation project is funded by the Sybil B. Harrington Trust as part of the $12 million Master Plan announced on February 4, 2003 to the community. The planetarium will reopen with a major overhaul, which includes additional seating, the worlds most advanced projection system and a new name for the planetarium called “Space Theater”.

When the theater reopens the planetarium will be the world’s ultimate digital theater system. “Amarillo is the fifth installation in the universe of the Digistar 3. The Space Theater will take viewers beyond the stars with educational and entertaining presentations that will delight visitors’ eyes and ears. The impressive experience will take your imagination to new places and expand your definition of a BIG PICTURE!,” said Ganesh Ganpat, Executive Director.

The museum is a private, not-for-profit organization that makes science exciting, relevant and interesting to all types of learners by providing interactive exhibits and programs that actively engage children, adolescents and their families. It fosters inquiring minds and nurtures the individual genius that is within each of us.