Seeing Stars in Downtown Spartanburg
Spartanburg County Public Libraries’ Planetarium Learning Center is now OPEN at the Downtown Headquarters branch (151 South Church St,) featuring a 135-seat domed theatre, rotating monthly shows, and the Kitty Black Perkins Maker Lab.
Located at a crucial intersection of Downtown Spartanburg’s pedestrian traffic, the Planetarium Learning Center is both connected to the existing Library Headquarters and adjacent to nearby Morgan Square, numerous local businesses and restaurants, and directly across from the future City-County Joint Government Complex.
Go behind-the-scenes with InTheBurg for exciting building features and upcoming events to anticipate in the dynamic new community amenity.
135-seat, 50-foot domed theatre— view of Spartanburg skyline, October 2025
Visitors to the Planetarium can enter through the spacious and modern lobby at the corner of South Church and East Broad Streets, or via the library’s parking lot and entrance, through the main second floor.
While in the lobby, check out the unique, physical wonder of the Foucault Pendulum! The 1851 invention of a ball and cable suspended from the ceiling demonstrates the Earth’s revolutions around its axis, completing a full circle in 42 hours.
The Planetarium Theatre will show a rotating selection of films each month, ranging from 20-45 minutes per show. Shows are FREE to attend, but advance registration is highly recommended, either online or in-person at the library. (Recommended ages 6+)
Show times may change in the future, but are currently:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11AM, 2PM, 6:30PM
Friday: 11AM, 2PM
Saturday: 11AM, 2PM, 3:30PM
Staff will begin the show with a skyline view of Spartanburg, constellation talks showcasing stars currently present in our own night sky, and a brief zoom through space. Total showtime: 30-50 minutes
Arrive 15 minutes early to find your seats once the Planetarium doors open, and don’t forget to use the bathroom beforehand! Visitors can leave the theatre mid-show if needed, but will not be allowed back in due to the immersive, dark setting.
Hearing aid loops are available by request.
Did you know that the original Black Barbie (introduced in 1980) has ties to Spartanburg? Spartanburg's own Louvenia "Kitty" Black Perkins grew up in the Highland neighborhood, graduated from Carver High School, and became Mattel's Chief Designer, creating the Shani doll.
SCPL’s creative workspace has a brand-new identity and location in the Planetarium Learning Center in her honor: the Kitty Black Perkins Maker Lab! The drop-in lab offers a wide variety of crafting equipment, guided workshops, one-on-one training appointments, and more.
Perkins is the new maker lab’s first “Maker in Residence,” leading several themed programs during her three-week stay. Additional residency applications will open for 2026 and beyond, with residency time-lengths ranging per artist.
Examples of community equipment available include 3D printers (FDM and resin,) Adobe Creative Suite and Canva Pro, a Cricut, sewing machines and AccuQuilt Pattern Cutter, Heatpresses and a ProSpangle, a multimedia industrial embroidery machine, xTool Laser Cutter, button maker, slides/ negatives to digital copies, and so much more!
Find the Maker Lab’s full website, upcoming workshops, available equipment list, and prices here.
The Maker Lab is geared for ages 12+. Younger creatives can visit the Maker Lab Jr. in the Children’s Department.
In addition to a state-of-the-art Digistar System in the Planetarium’s theatre, SCPL also plans to engage the wider community through science-based programming. Stay tuned for NASA speakers, monthly interactive events in the on-site classroom, and a coming partnership with Clemson University.
Visiting with children? Check out Kidding Around Spartanburg’s feature article on the new Planetarium as well!
Spartanburg County Public Libraries’ Downtown Headquarters is open seven days a week.
Monday - Thursday: 9AM - 8PM , Friday: 9AM - 6PM
Saturday: 10AM - 5PM , Sunday: 1PM - 5PM
The Planetarium lobby & Kitty Black Perkins Maker Lab are open during regular SCPL hours of operation. Planetarium shows are offered Tuesday through Saturday.