In the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, the Nathan & Fannye Shafran Planetarium at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) invites audiences to turn down the volume of the stadium roar and look up—quite literally. Known for blending art, science, and immersive storytelling, CMNH’s planetarium is currently captivating visitors with its latest offering, “Coldplay for the Universe.” This innovative show transforms the domed ceiling into a vast cosmic stage, marrying the British band’s anthemic rock with celestial visuals in a multisensory experience that transcends traditional concert formats. Running through March 29, 2026, this program sets a new bar for fulldome presentations, inviting viewers to journey through sound and space like never before.
“The music is the draw — a curated set of roughly 10–12 songs that leans on the band’s more cinematic work,” notes the museum, highlighting iconic tracks such as “Clocks,” “The Scientist,” and “A Sky Full of Stars.” But this isn’t just a concert under the stars; it’s a “guided meditation on scale and spectacle,” where Carl Zeiss-style star projections, 360-degree video mapping, and abstract animations pulse in rhythm to Coldplay’s orchestral textures. Such immersive design exemplifies the venue’s mission to reframe familiar cultural elements within an expansive, educational, and artistic context. This initiative, produced originally by the Planetario of the University of Santiago in Chile, establishes CMNH’s planetarium as a forward-thinking cultural node, adept at merging global creative partnerships with local audience engagement.
The Shafran Planetarium leverages cutting-edge full-dome technology, utilizing Carl Zeiss optics and seamless 360-degree projection systems that wrap the audience in an enveloping canvas of light and color. Its hybrid setup offers flexibility, blending high-resolution star fields with dynamic video content. This configuration supports both educational programming—ranging from astronomy lectures and cosmic explorations—to artistic endeavors such as “Coldplay for the Universe,” which balance entertainment with immersive learning. The planetarium’s seating and design cater to family-friendly experiences while maintaining sophisticated appeal for teens and adults, making it a versatile venue in the growing planetarium ecosystem. In comparison to other institutions worldwide, such as Boston’s Museum of Science, Cleveland’s Shafran embraces the trend of music-under-the-dome shows, creating a space that harmonizes pop culture with scientific awe.
Architecturally and programmatically, the Shafran Planetarium stands at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Its integration within a larger natural history museum enriches visitor pathways, offering layered educational insights from the microcosm of natural habitats to the vastness of the universe above. This layered approach demonstrates how planetaria can evolve beyond static star maps into dynamic cultural hubs that accommodate contemporary media forms. The museum’s previous success with immersive productions like Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” showcase a trajectory where music-themed fulldome events serve as magnets for diverse audiences, enhancing engagement while spotlighting innovative uses for projection technology.
As a beacon in the fulldome community, the Shafran Planetarium not only expands creative horizons but also nurtures an inclusive environment where immersive arts and sciences intersect. By adapting licensed studio recordings into bespoke visual journeys, it provides unique exhibition formats that support creators’ visions and elevate audience experiences. This progressive programming meets growing demand for fulldome shows that resonate on emotional, artistic, and educational levels. Furthermore, CMNH’s efforts underscore a broader trend within planetaria: harnessing pop culture phenomena to reach underserved or non-traditional audiences, thereby broadening the impact and accessibility of immersive science education.
Looking ahead, Cleveland’s “Coldplay for the Universe” is emblematic of the transformative potential embedded in the fulldome field. It affirms that planetariums are more than places for astronomical observation—they are dynamic venues for storytelling, cultural exchange, and multi-sensory engagement. For industry professionals, educators, and creators alike, the Shafran Planetarium sets a compelling example of how integrating music, advanced projection technology, and thoughtful curation can open fresh avenues for immersion. In doing so, it solidifies its role as a vital contributor to the ongoing evolution and democratization of immersive arts and sciences worldwide.
Originally reported by via www.cleveland.com on 2025-11-24 07:45:00.
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