American Museum of Natural History Planetarium Authority

Overview

The American Museum of Natural History Planetarium Authority is a nonprofit organization established to maintain and operate a planetarium adjacent to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. It was chartered in 1933 as a public benefit corporation under a special act of the New York State Legislature.

Mission

The Planetarium Authority's mission is to establish and maintain a planetarium for the purpose of encouraging and developing the study of astronomical science and advancing general knowledge of related subjects. This includes providing popular instruction to the public.

Structure and Governance

Initially, the Planetarium Authority shared trustees with the American Museum of Natural History. However, in 2009, the New York State Legislature revised the laws governing public benefit corporations, leading to a separation of governance. The Planetarium Authority's board now consists of three to five directors appointed by the Museum's Board, ensuring independence as defined by the New York State Public Authorities Law.

Operations

The Planetarium Authority operates under an agreement with the American Museum of Natural History, which leases and operates the planetarium building. The Museum is responsible for the costs of operation, maintenance, insurance, and reasonable repair of the facility. The planetarium and its exhibitions are a key part of the Museum's educational and scientific programs.

Financial Status

The Planetarium Authority relies on contributions for its operations and holds significant assets. It does not generate revenue from program services, investment income, or other typical nonprofit revenue streams.

Facilities

The planetarium is part of the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which includes the Hayden Planetarium. This facility is renowned for its advanced digital projection technology and offers exhibitions on topics such as black holes and the Big Bang. It also houses the Museum's astrophysics department, which provides scientific guidance for the planetarium's programs.

Tax Status

The American Museum of Natural History Planetarium Authority is a 501(c)(3) organization, making donations to it tax-deductible. It falls under the category of arts, culture, and humanities, specifically museum activities.

Recent Activities

In recent years, the Planetarium Authority's facilities have supported educational and scientific programs, with the Hayden Planetarium attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The planetarium space shows and related educational initiatives are an integral part of the broader mission of the American Museum of Natural History.