The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson is planning for its next 50 years.
Officials at the Cosmosphere announced a five-year, $15 million plan Tuesday, with a goal of securing the institution’s future for the next 50 years.
The master plan includes significant changes to the Cosmosphere’s mission and exhibits without expanding beyond the existing building.
Currently, only about 8 percent of the Cosmosphere's 13,000 exhibits are on display. Cosmosphere President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Remar says the new plan includes more room for displays in existing space, adding exhibits in the lobby and possibly more displays in a new food-service area.
The plan also includes a major emphasis on informal STEM education initiatives (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), including two STEM labs.