A new multimillion-dollar planetarium and maker space has opened at the Spartanburg County Public Library in downtown Spartanburg.The planetarium, which officials said is only the second in the country to be attached to a public library, features a 50-foot dome with 135 seats. Hundreds of families visited for the first time to experience its visuals. “I mean, it kind of hurt my brain to look. It was so beautiful, like, amazing. Like, I couldn’t see anything like it,” visitor Hudson Nieerach said.County Librarian Todd Stephens explained that they collaborated with NASA and other third parties to create the imagery inside the dome. “What you can do is project in real time, so we can pull up to the night sky and what it looks like,” he said. “We can pull up the day sky and show you what it looks like.”The project, costing $15 million, was funded through bonds, savings, and donations. “The planetarium is free. There may be times where we may have to charge based on what it is,” Stephens added.Gov. Henry McMaster attended the grand opening alongside city and county leaders and said he was impressed with the new facility.”It changes everything. It gives you a different perspective on life, on the world, on Earth,” McMaster said.”It kind of felt like you’re traveling on a spaceship and gave a little bit information every here and then,” Nieerach said. “It was really just like a fun learning experience.”A new maker lab, named after Spartanburg native Kitty Black Perkins, who created the first Black Barbie doll, includes 3-D printers, embroidery machines and more. “This is Spartanburg’s creative hub for the entire county, for the entire Upstate,” Director of Maker Spaces Amanda Glenn-Bradley said. “You’re able to come here and get lessons on any of our equipment. We help you learn. We help you grow. It’s truly the creative hub.”Spartanburg Mayor Jerome Rice believes the new spaces will allow children to express their creativity and innovation. Some said they want to return. “I wish I could come back here again. It’s really fun experience,” Nieerach said. The public library will host shows at the planetarium from Tuesday to Saturday, with reservations available online.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. —

A new multimillion-dollar planetarium and maker space has opened at the Spartanburg County Public Library in downtown Spartanburg.

The planetarium, which officials said is only the second in the country to be attached to a public library, features a 50-foot dome with 135 seats. Hundreds of families visited for the first time to experience its visuals.

“I mean, it kind of hurt my brain to look. It was so beautiful, like, amazing. Like, I couldn’t see anything like it,” visitor Hudson Nieerach said.

County Librarian Todd Stephens explained that they collaborated with NASA and other third parties to create the imagery inside the dome.

“What you can do is project in real time, so we can pull up to the night sky and what it looks like,” he said. “We can pull up the day sky and show you what it looks like.”

The project, costing $15 million, was funded through bonds, savings, and donations.

“The planetarium is free. There may be times where we may have to charge based on what it is,” Stephens added.

Gov. Henry McMaster attended the grand opening alongside city and county leaders and said he was impressed with the new facility.

“It changes everything. It gives you a different perspective on life, on the world, on Earth,” McMaster said.

“It kind of felt like you’re traveling on a spaceship and gave a little bit information every here and then,” Nieerach said. “It was really just like a fun learning experience.”

A new maker lab, named after Spartanburg native Kitty Black Perkins, who created the first Black Barbie doll, includes 3-D printers, embroidery machines and more.

“This is Spartanburg’s creative hub for the entire county, for the entire Upstate,” Director of Maker Spaces Amanda Glenn-Bradley said. “You’re able to come here and get lessons on any of our equipment. We help you learn. We help you grow. It’s truly the creative hub.”

Spartanburg Mayor Jerome Rice believes the new spaces will allow children to express their creativity and innovation. Some said they want to return.

“I wish I could come back here again. It’s really fun experience,” Nieerach said.

The public library will host shows at the planetarium from Tuesday to Saturday, with reservations available online.