Museum
The Fleet Science Center Celebrates 50 Years
Morning crowds wait to enter the Fleet Science Center
Since opening on March 10 , 1973 , the Fleet Science Center has served more than 26 million people and inspired three generations , connecting San Diegans to the power of science . Today , the Fleet continues to grow as a countywide organization with active partnerships and programs in communities from Escondido to San Ysidro .
What the Fleet ’ s flagship location in Balboa Park has in common with its engagement in neighborhoods is the same thing that made the world ’ s first tilted dome planetarium possible - moments of inspiration .
In 1965 the idea of creating a new science center in San Diego inspired a scientist , Dr . Edward Creutz , and an engineer , James Crooks Jr ., to come up with their revolutionary new concept for the Fleet ’ s planetarium . Preston “ Sandy ” Fleet , who was on the early planning committee , had an “ aha !” moment when he saw a demonstration by the fledgling IMAX Corporation for a new large-format , flat-screen film projector . His inspiration led to the development of the OMNIMAX projector for giant dome screens .
34 GBSAN . COM | APRIL 2023