The 41-seat planetarium at Brockton High School is open again after closing in 2014 for more than $150,000 in renovations and improvements, with the money coming from private and public sources.
“We are thrilled with the generosity of our donors and the chance for our students, staff, friends, and neighbors to reach beyond the stars,” school Superintendent Kathleen Smith said in a press release announcing the Jan. 3 reopening.
The 3M Co. provided $100,000, the city of Brockton gave $39,000 in Community Development Block Grant money, and Boston Scientific donated $12,000 for the $151,000 project.
The money was used to replace the planetarium projector with a new digital system, install a new sound system, repair and re-upholster chairs and carpeting, repair the heating system, improve handicapped access, paint the theater, and print and hang posters.
The planetarium opened in 1971 and is one of a handful of stargazing facilities located in Massachusetts public schools; the others on the list include Weymouth High School and the Plymouth Community Intermediate School.
Jonathan Shapiro, head of the science department at Brockton High School, said the planetarium was designed to inspire a “sense of wonder” and would be used by students and the public.
He said Brockton High School is planning a series of events for current and past employees and their families to celebrate the reopening.
Johanna Seltz can be reached at seltzjohanna@gmail.com.