The Planetarium at The Bishop has a 50-foot dome and a
state-of-the-art projection system. This enables visitors to
experience a recreation of a dark sky natural environment.
The planetarium was updated again in 2013, and the full-dome planetarium theater
now features a projection system that is one of the most advanced in the world. Expect
to leave earth and fl y into the solar system, and even out of our galaxy to the very limits
of where modern astronomers can take us. It is considered to be the premier astronomy
facility on Florida’s west coast, utilizing the latest-generation software which provides for
amazing clarity to the celestial views, and allows for constant updating as new astronomical
discoveries are found. Many phenomena, such as December’s planet convergence, have
been broadcast live in on-air events as they happen. Entrance to The Planetarium at The
Bishop is included with the price of admission to the museum; there is no extra charge to
planet hop.
One of the most recent additions to The Bishop’s
permanent exhibits came in early 2018 when the new
North Education Center and Mosaic Backyard Universe
came into being. A wing was created that is dedicated
to learning experiences specifi cally for children, and the
building is used for annual learning events as well.
“The Backyard Experience is tailored for children ages 2
to 8, but others still enjoy it very much,” Gonzalez said.
The fi rst fl oor of the museum features fossil evidence of
Florida’s earliest animal inhabitants
and archaeological material
representing Paleo-Indian,
Archaic and pre-contact
cultures. You will fi nd
the Great Hall, Land of Change, Fabulous Florida
Seas, Archaic Peoples and the Tallant Gallery. The
fi rst fl oor is also the location of the underwater
viewing window, where you can see the
manatees in the rehabilitation facility.
The second fl oor of the museum contains
such exhibits as the Visible Storage Gallery,
where different portions of the museum’s vast
collection of artifacts and information are put
on display and rotated from time to time so
there is always something new.
48 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • March/April • 2021