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Lowell Observatory’s Astronomy Discovery Center draws high visitation, wins national attention
Summary
Lowell Observatory’s new 40,000-square-foot Astronomy Discovery Center opened in November 2024 and has seen a sharp rise in visitation, won national awards and expanded accessibility and educational programs, staff told the Flagstaff City Council.
The City Council heard an update on May 27 from Amanda Bosch, executive director of Lowell Observatory, about the Astronomy Discovery Center, which opened Nov. 16, 2024 and has quickly become both a local amenity and an economic attractor.
Lowell officials told the council the 40,000‑square‑foot center offers indoor astronomy exhibits, a high‑resolution Universe Theater and programming for school groups and the public — and has won recent awards and increased visitation compared with last season.
“Amanda Bosch, executive director of Lowell Observatory, said the center opened to a crowd of roughly 1,600 on Nov. 16, 2024, and attendance has grown since: “Up through March, visitation increased by about a 50%,” she told the council. Bosch said the center’s exhibits include a children’s “Orbits Curiosity Zone,” exoplanet displays and hands‑on activities designed to reach families and school groups.
Bosch noted several recognitions the center has received since opening: the Newsweek Readers’ Choice Award for best science museum in the United States, inclusion on Time magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Places to Visit and a Flagstaff commission award for accessibility. She said Lowell has programs to expand access — joining the ACT 1 Culture Pass program and Museums for All, and offering reduced rates for school groups; donors also underwrite visits for students who cannot afford admission.
Heidi Hansen, the city’s economic vitality director, introduced Bosch and noted the center’s local economic role; council members described the facility as a long‑sought science amenity for Flagstaff and lauded the observatory’s outreach work. Council member Aslan said the project “should last into perpetuity” and called the center a major economic and cultural investment.
Bosch described campus amenities and near‑term plans: a rooftop “Skylight Terrace” that staff expect to use for sunset events, work on a liquor license for venue rentals, improved food options, rental venues and visitor services. She said Lowell is monitoring federal research funding volatility and is diversifying revenue through admissions, memberships, venue rentals and philanthropy.
For community access, Bosch said Lowell participates in reciprocal museum programs (ASTC) so Lowell members can visit other science centers and distributed free passes through a state library program. She said staff also operate the Native American Astronomy Outreach Program, which has run for 30 years.
Council members asked about school discounts, library passes and the center’s partnerships with local businesses. Bosch confirmed special school rates, an ACT 1 Culture Pass program presence in libraries, Museums for All reduced admission for eligible residents, and ASTC museum reciprocity. She invited council and the public to use the center and noted expanded conference and wedding rental options.
Lowell’s presentation highlighted the observatory’s role in Flagstaff’s night‑sky protection and tourism mix; city and observatory staff said they will continue to coordinate on access, venue permitting and tourism promotion.
