JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – One main attraction in the City of Jackson is getting some much-needed attention. The Russell C. Davis Planetarium is preparing to make a comeback.

“It closed because it frankly was just sort of getting old and tired. But then, there was a storm that took the roof off, and so the roof had to be replaced,” said former Jackson Mayor Kane Ditto.

He played a vital role in helping raise funds for the more than $20 million project. Chris Myers, an architect, received a call in 2019, and the rest is space history.

“It’s a 50-year-old building. So, it’s, you know, the same kind of things you run into any time. It was originally built over the Town Creek, so there are some issues there, but we were aware of those,” said Myers.

There will be much to see at the planetarium, including immersive experience features and interactive learning. The economic impact for the metro is expected to be out of this world.

“Generations of kids and tourists have come to the planetarium. It’s been a destination for learners and students statewide from every corner of the state. Everybody gets a field trip to the planetarium. And so, it’s an icon of the downtown landscape. And as such, it deserved this kind of treatment,” said Mike Williams, deputy director of Human and Cultural Services.

The planetarium is expected to be completed by Summer 2025.