Cosmosphere Map and Brochure (2021 – 2025)
Built around a spiraling, multi-level layout that mirrors the ascent of spaceflight itself, the Cosmosphere keeps visitors moving from Earth’s history to the edge of orbit and beyond. A Cosmosphere map helps ground that journey—tracing paths between exhibit bays, flight simulators, and theaters that loop back through tight stairwells and gallery junctions.
- Location
- Hutchinson, Kansas
- Years Active
- 1962 – Present
- Official Site
- Official Cosmosphere Site
It’s your guide to the café, the planetarium schedule, and the tram stop out front. Expect bottlenecks near the Apollo gallery when a school group lands. Think of it as Houston’s control board—only in Kansas.
Cosmosphere Map 2025
In 2025, the Cosmosphere reopened its fully renovated Hall of Space with refreshed, interactive displays. Midyear saw the introduction of new hands-on exhibits, including a Gemini docking simulator and pilot control experience. Summer programs expanded with the addition of the “Art of Science” camp featuring a retired astronaut guest.
The facility temporarily closed on August 27 for a private event and shortened hours on October 4 for STEAM Night.
Printable Cosmosphere Map PDF 2025
Cosmosphere Map 2023
Cosmosphere Map 2021
FAQ
Why is the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, KS?
The Cosmosphere is in Hutchinson, Kansas because local resident Patty Carey founded it there in 1962 as a planetarium to share her passion for astronomy with the community. Carey began by raising funds for a used planetarium projector and opened Hutchinson’s Theatre of the Skies in a fairgrounds poultry building, which later grew into an internationally recognized space museum through community support and key opportunities to acquire space artifacts. The museum remains in Hutchinson as a testament to its grassroots origins and the vision of its founder.
What is the definition of the Cosmosphere?
Cosmosphere is an international science education center and space museum located in Hutchinson, Kansas. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of U.S. and Russian spaceflight artifacts, and offers educational programs, interactive exhibits, and historic spacecraft displays. The museum is a Smithsonian affiliate and is dedicated to the history and education of space exploration.
How long does it take to go through the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas?
A typical visit to the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas takes at least 3 to 4 hours for most guests to see the exhibits and participate in key attractions. Visitors seeking the full experience with interactive features, films, and planetarium shows should plan for 4 to 6 hours or a full day at the museum. The minimum visit recommended is about 3 hours, but more time allows for a relaxed and complete experience.
Does the Cosmosphere have a space shuttle?
The Cosmosphere has a full-scale replica of the Space Shuttle Endeavour located in its Grand Lobby. It is not the actual space shuttle but a life-sized replica that visitors can see and interact with. The museum also houses many real flown U.S. spacecraft and space artifacts, but the shuttle displayed is a replica.
