The Long Island Science Center Plans Expansion, New Planetarium for Riverhead

The Long Island Science Center is growing, building a 30,000-square-foot museum and planetarium in Riverhead's planned town square.
The Long Island Science Center is growing, building a 30,000-square-foot museum and planetarium in Riverhead's planned town square.
6/7/21 - By Kristen Markel

A new rooftop planetarium is set to light up Long Island's East End. The Long Island Science Center recently announced plans for a significant expansion complete with a 42-foot domed planetarium, and we're betting your little astronomers are going to flip for this.

Once the project is complete, the nonprofit, one of our favorite science museums on Long Island, plans to occupy a 30,000-square-foot space in the brand new Riverhead town square. Read on for details on this impressive project.

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An opening date will be announced once plans for the town square are finalized. In the meantime, the Long Island Science Center is working on a smaller renovation project at 111 East Main Street, which will be completed this year.

Located half a mile from the Long Island Aquarium in the heart of downtown Riverhead, the expanded Long Island Science Center is the anchor of a whole new family-friendly destination. The town plans to raze two buildings to make way for the new town square with businesses, green space, and access to the waterfront. 

Expect more interactive exhibit space showcasing Long Island's technology and invention, a recording studio, and maker spaces for kids and adults.

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The Long Island Science Center plans to overhaul its new building in Riverhead. 

The planetarium will sit next to a unique rooftop deck overlooking the town square with a view of the Peconic River, and 100 visitors can enjoy the shows from seats allowing guests to lay close to flat. In addition, a large observation deck will hold gardens and exhibits on solar energy and photovoltaics.

If you can’t wait to see the stars, you can take in a show at the Reichert Planetarium located on the grounds of The Vanderbilt Museum, which began welcoming visitors again last weekend.

Renderings courtesy of The Long Island Science Center

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