The charles w. Brown planetarium will improve programming for visitors by upgrading its projection system

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Ball State University $554,538 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to upgrade the Charles W. Brown Planetarium's projection system and enhance visitor programming.

Ball State will replace two outdated projectors with state-of-the-art projectors that deliver improved brightness, contrast, and picture quality to enhance the immersive dome theater experience. Staff will receive training on the new system. The project team will evaluate audience engagement through attendance tracking and post-visit surveys. The planetarium will continue offering free and low-cost programs serving students, educators, young professionals, and families.

Performance takes place in Muncie, Indiana, with a period of performance ending August 31, 2027. The award is structured as a Project Grant under the Museums for America initiative, which supports project-based efforts in museums of all sizes to serve the public through exhibitions, educational programming, and collections stewardship aligned with institutional strategic goals and generating measurable results.

The planetarium will replace outdated projectors with two state-of-the-art projectors that will provide better brightness, contrast, and overall picture quality to improve the immersive theater experience that transforms a domed ceiling into a simulation of the universe. Staff members will participate in training on the new system, and the project team will evaluate audience engagement through attendance tracking and post-visit surveys. The project will ensure the continuation of the planetarium's free and low-cost programs benefiting a wide range of visitors including students, educators, young professionals, and families.