
History of Flandrau Exhibit
A Temporary Installation Celebrating Five Decades of Discovery in Tucson
Step back in time and explore the story of how Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium became a Tucson icon for science learning and wonder. This special temporary exhibit celebrates 50 years of discovery, innovation, and community connection—from our earliest days to today.
Exhibit Features
- Learn about Flandrau’s opening in 1975 and the vision that shaped its creation
- Meet Grace Flandrau, the prolific author whose generous bequest made the center possible
- See historic photos of Flandrau’s groundbreaking and construction
- Discover stories of science outreach and field trips that have inspired generations of Arizona students
- Explore vintage planetarium technology and analog equipment from decades past
- Sit and watch clips from original planetarium programming created in-house, like Sonoran, the Hidden Desert
- Experience the return of a fan favorite “The Kiss II” hologram, revived from Flandrau’s early exhibits