At the Fleet Science Center, we know that inspiration can lead to innovation. Our building is a living example. 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 an exciting new concept for a tilted dome planetarium, which in 1965 was revolutionary.
Preston “Sandy” Fleet, who was on the early planning committee for the science center, also had an inspirational “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.
These innovations were seen by the public for the first time on Saturday, March 10, 1973, when the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center opened, influencing a generation of new science centers across the nation.
Created by the community and born from imagination, inspiration and innovation, the Fleet Science Center is where moments of inspiration happen every day. Our staff and volunteers see it in the expressions of adults and kids alike—the collective “whoa!” from a class of fourth graders watching Hubble on the giant dome screen, the screams of “Hey, look at this!” when a child figures out an exhibit, adults cheering each other on as they balance discs on the turntable.
Since opening almost 50 years ago, the Fleet Science Center has served more than 26 million people.
We have heard thousands of stories from the three generations of people who have had inspirational moments at the Fleet—a scientist who credits her career choice to a Fleet education program, a Fleet supporter who remembers being profoundly influenced as young person, a woman who was inspired to stick with her childhood dream and flew to space in June of 2022.
The Fleet Science Center’s mission—to realize a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science—also inspired us to go beyond the walls of our building in Balboa Park to partner with parents, teachers, STEM professionals, schools, nonprofits, government and business to create moments of inspiration and motivation in communities throughout San Diego County.
Since 1973 the work of the Fleet has been exciting, innovative and at times, radical. As we celebrate the Fleet Science Center’s 50th anniversary on March 10 and throughout the year ahead, we will highlight this work and the Fleet’s commitment to the future of San Diego.
The Fleet Science Center is turning 50 and we are very grateful to you, our community for your support. Now let us inspire you, again.
