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SALT LAKE CITY — Clark Planetarium will close for two weeks this month as it undergoes significant interior renovation.
The renovation will include "expanded, modern science exhibits designed to excite and inform science and astronomy lovers of all ages," according to Clark Planetarium.
The planetarium will be closed Sept. 14-28 as structural steel is put in for the new exhibits area, which will be above the current "Planet Fun" store.
The science store closed Tuesday and will also reopen on the 28th, but it will carry reduced inventory until Oct. 30 due to remodeling.
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Planetarium Director Seth Jarvis said the goal is to make the new exhibits highly interactive to stimulate curiosity and make learning about science funThe closure is just the beginning of a yearlong renovation, which will include the addition of dozens of astronomy and space-science exhibits on the three levels of the planetarium open to the public.
The exhibits are designed to be interactive, inquiry-based learning experiences.
"Clark Planetarium is a one-of-a-kind educational asset in our community," said Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams. "It is a place where children and families can learn about and be inspired by science and dream big."
During the construction, Clark Planetarium employees will make sure the public will continue to have great customer service and education programming.
Clark Planetarium is a one-of-a-kind educational asset in our community. It is a place where children and families can learn about and be inspired by science and dream big.
–Ben McAdams, Salt Lake County Mayor
"Although our building will be closed for two weeks, we will continue providing Classroom Connect online distance learning programs and AstroVan outreach to schools, and we'll have a Total Lunar Eclipse public viewing party on the night of Sept. 27," said Seth Jarvis, director of Clark Planetarium, in a statement.
The upcoming construction and remodeling are the first steps in the buildingwide exhibits upgrade, which will be completed in October 2016.
"The county is thrilled to be able to advance this project," McAdams said in a statement. "I know the results will be worth the wait."
