Polk Science Building, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Florida, United States
About this story
Florida Southern College is reopening the restored planetarium within Frank Lloyd Wright’s Polk Science Building. Constructed between 1954 and 1958 and first used for a show on April 7, 1960, it is the only planetarium realized from a Wright design. The projection system stopped functioning in 2004, after which the room saw limited use. A multiphase campaign restored the exterior and interior and installed a Cosm projection system and Bowen sound system. The venue will support public shows, college teaching, school visits and community groups.
Status and timeline
Restoration is complete. Public programs begin September 26, 2026, with shows scheduled Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
Design highlights
Restoration of Wright’s Cherokee Red flooring and historic interior character; adaptive installation of contemporary audiovisual systems within a landmark architectural setting; revival of Wright’s concept of the college campus as a public educational environment.
Important dates
· First public show · Details
