Oct. 28, 2022

A state-of-the-art planetarium is coming to the Washington Pavilion thanks to the organization’s largest single donation from an individual.

The Dick and Kathy Sweetman family is gifting $2 million toward the project, which will rename the facility the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium.

“Sioux Falls has been our home for more than 70 years. We’ve raised our family here, we’ve built lasting friendships here, and we’ve been fortunate to have been in business in this great city. We love Sioux Falls, and we’re honored to be able to give back in this special way to create something the entire community can enjoy for generations to come,” the Sweetman family said in a  statement.

While planetariums were first created to teach about stars, planets and constellation, thanks to technology, today they’re more immersive, using video projection and animation to bring the stars to life.

That technology will allow the CineDome to operate not only as a large-format film theater but also as a planetarium, available for students and adults.

“As we search for new and exciting ways to deliver on our mission, we are reimagining and repurposing some of our current spaces. To have the Sweetman family make such a significant investment in the Washington Pavilion is unprecedented, and we are so grateful they had the vision to help us create one of the most advanced planetariums in the United States,” said Darrin Smith, president and CEO of Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

The new technology will include a nearly 7K digital projector, a NanoSeam dome screen that makes seams invisible, an AstroFX Audio Advanced 5.1 surround system and new lighting.

“Currently, the closest planetariums to Sioux Falls are more than 90 miles away, and comparable systems are as far away as Chicago and Denver. This technology investment at the Washington Pavilion will create the most advanced planetarium system, among the best in the United States,” said Brandon Hanson, the Pavilion’s director of museums.

Construction will require some closures of the current Wells Fargo CineDome, and those closures will be announced in advance. The new facility is scheduled to open in summer 2023.

“We imagine stargazing date nights for the couple looking for a unique outing, live space launch viewings for the curious explorer at heart and thought-provoking discussions on our place in the universe,” said Madelyn Grogan, director of education. “Because of this incredible gift, tens of thousands of children and adults alike will learn about space and space exploration, creating an experience they will never forget.”

Allocated through their established fund at the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, the Sweetmans’ approximately $2 million donation also includes funds designated for the planetarium’s ongoing maintenance. The naming rights agreement and “Sweetman Planetarium” name are subject to City Council approval, in accordance with the process for naming city-owned facilities.