The Stamford Museum & Nature Center officially opened its new Planetarium & Astronomy Center, marking a significant milestone for the organization and the region. Community members, donors, city and state leaders, and project partners came together to celebrate a facility that will expand access to science education for students and families across Fairfield County. During the event, visitors also viewed Saturn and one of its moons through the center’s new telescope and rolling observatory roof, taking advantage of the clear night sky.
Opening the event, campaign co-chairs Michael & Carol Fedele reflected on the project's importance to the community and their own family. “Standing here today is a special moment for our family,” he said. “Imagine students sitting in the seats, looking up and realizing that what they thought was a distant sky is filled with endless possibilities. This center opens doors to imagination. For us, this is personal, but it's also a gift to the community.”
Mayor Caroline Simmons recognized the project as a significant investment in education and public access to STEM learning. “This is a big deal for our city,” she said. “This is the only planetarium and astronomy center in our region, and a major source of pride for Stamford. It provides extraordinary opportunities for students to learn about space, science, and the universe. I can’t thank you all enough for making this a reality.”
Congressman Jim Himes shared how early experiences in a planetarium shaped his own interest in science. “That experience transformed me,” he said. “Being exposed to what so many young people are going to see here is transformative. Thank you for creating a place that will open minds and inspire future generations.”
TSKP STUDIO Team Pictured Left to Right: Whit Iglehart (Project Director), Stephanie Beals (Director of Marketing), Abi Periyasamy (Interior Designer), Susan Pinckney (Interior Designer), Jesse Saylor (Project Manager)
Stamford Museum & Nature Center CEO Melissa Mulrooney highlighted the years of planning and partnership behind the project, acknowledging the donors, board members, staff, and project team who made the center possible. “I am filled with joy to see all of you celebrating this milestone,” she said. “Because of you, we have turned a vision into reality. Ideas have become experiences, and dreams have become opportunities that will inspire generations of learners and families.”
Mulrooney also recognized the project partners who helped deliver the new facility. “For the last 17 years, my true partner has been TSKP STUDIO,” she said. “Under the guidance of Project Director Whit Iglehart and Project Manager Jesse Saylor, we have built the first phases of our master plan and brought this building to fruition.”
She noted the immediate impact the center is already having. “In just the last six weeks, we have booked more than 3,100 students for programs beginning November 17,” she said. “There is tremendous interest in the science curriculum this center will provide.”
CASE STUDY: Astronomy Center and Planetarium - Stamford Museum & Nature Center
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