Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium reopens with renovated Planetarium

Writer: Carolina Guzman
Published: Updated:
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Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium (CREDIT: WINK News)

The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium will reopen its newly renovated planetarium this weekend.

Following an extensive internal renovation, the upgrade features new seating, enhanced visibility, fresh carpeting and a cutting-edge roof.

The renovated Planetarium also includes a 5.1 surround-sound system and the advanced Digitarium Lambda Plus laser projection system.

The renovation was not without drama.

In July, three people were treated for mercury exposure at Lee Memorial while replacing a lightbulb on the projector.

The Hallstrom planetarium employees were reportedly exposed to around four to five grams of liquid mercury.

The three patients were rushed to the Lee Memorial Hospital, causing an orange alert to be issued. Hospital patients were forced out due to the lockdown in compliance with the hazmat situation.

All three patients were released from the hospital.

The incident did not delay the reopening of the now-renovated planetarium.

According to the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, they will host a grand opening event and free open house on Sept. 27.

Festivities will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by screenings throughout the day.

Later that night there will be a gala event and VIP reception and exclusive movie screening from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Planetarium will reopen this Sunday, however, ahead of the official grand opening.

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