Cosm, a global technology company that builds end-to-end solutions for immersive experiences, has partnered with the University of Nevada, Reno, the first land-grant university in Nevada and a Carnegie R1 research institution, to transform the educational experience within its Fleischmann Planetarium.
The George W. Gillemot Foundation Dome at the Fleischmann Planetarium is the first LED dome on a university campus. It will showcase a state-of-the-art, 9-meter CX System LED dome display and groundbreaking immersive software, paving the way for a new era of experiential education and community involvement in Reno, the state of Nevada, and beyond.
A new era of immersive education
Established in 1963 as Nevada’s first planetarium during the Space Race, the Fleischmann Planetarium has been at the forefront of educational and immersive experiences, providing visitors with a unique view of the universe’s marvels.
In a commitment to enhancing the success of its students and the community, the planetarium’s upgrade with Cosm’s LED dome technology is part of a historic $35 million donation from the George W. Gillemot Foundation to establish the George W. Gillemot Aerospace Engineering Department in the University’s College of Engineering.
Alongside the CX System, Cosm’s comprehensive LED dome solution, the Gillemot gift will enhance the planetarium’s accessibility for local K-12 students. Funding will support attendance and provide fee waivers, encouraging early involvement in STEM fields.
“We are proud to welcome the George W. Gillemot Foundation Dome at the Fleischmann Planetarium,” says Brian Sandoval, president at the University of Nevada, Reno.
“This cutting-edge LED dome, powered by Cosm’s revolutionary CX System, represents a quantum leap in experiential education. The visuals are so lifelike you’ll feel like you can reach out and touch them! This incredible new dome will not only elevate our faculty and students’ research and learning experiences in science, technology and engineering to new heights, but it will also offer an unparalleled opportunity for visitors from all corners of Nevada to immerse themselves in arts, culture, sports, nature, travel and much more.
“We are entering a new era of immersive education, and the possibilities are truly endless.”
A transformed planetarium experience
The new George W. Gillemot Dome will nurture the next generation of aerospace engineers and STEM professionals and foster collaboration across the campus among students, faculty, and departments.
The CX System, integrating Unreal Engine and Digistar— the premier immersive planetarium software— will create a transformed planetarium experience. This system immerses guests in the highest-quality astronomy simulations and scientific visualisations, delivering superior resolution and contrast at 100 times the brightness of standard planetarium projection domes.
The CX System will enable the University to develop dynamic environments that engage students from various disciplines. It offers a connective experience platform that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries, inspiring both students and visitors to discover new avenues of learning, innovation, and community engagement.
“We are honored the University of Nevada, Reno selected Cosm and our CX System LED dome technology for the transformation of the Fleischmann Planetarium, marking an exciting evolution in our long history of collaboration,” says Kirk Johnson, chief operations officer at Cosm.
“Setting a new global standard for higher education institutions, this project reflects the University’s commitment to innovation in science education and positions the University as a leader in experiential education.
“We’re thrilled to continue our work with the University to reimagine the Fleischmann Planetarium into a dynamic space for next-level visual storytelling and community engagement, which will have a longstanding impact on inspiring and driving the next generation of aerospace engineers, STEM professionals, and innovators.”
With 75 years of experience, Cosm has constructed and energised leading planetariums and science centres globally. It has created groundbreaking technology, an ecosystem of immersive media, and entertainment solutions that effectively merge virtual realities with physical environments, allowing audiences to explore any place, real or imagined, within a physical and social environment.
Supporting the University of Nevada, Reno’s mission to deliver exceptional learning, research, and engagement initiatives, the George W. Gillemot Foundation Dome at the Fleischmann Planetarium will be the fourth venue powered by Cosm’s LED CX System, joining the Arizona Science Center’s Dorrance Planetarium, Planetarium Prague, Planetum, and the Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater at the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History.
The George W. Gillemot Foundation Dome will open in 2025.
Earlier this year, Cosm revealed its latest Cosm Studios Original, Inside Pop Art. This new title launched at Cosm Los Angeles on 28 October and will be available through the Premium Media Program to planetariums, science centres, and full-dome theatres.
