Grand Rapids Public Museum Debuts New Accesibility Technology in the Chaffee Planetarium

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is excited to announce the installation of a hearing loop system in the Museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. Hearing loops provide a highly effective way of broadcasting information to visitors for those that are hard of hearing.  

Visitors who are hard of hearing that visit the Chaffee Planetarium will have access to the audio from all shows, concerts and other planetarium programming beginning Saturday, December 4. Loop systems connect with an individuals’ personal hearing device, utilizing the T-coil system, to receive clear, crisp audio without the need for any other device. Additionally, the Museum will have 2 loop receivers with headphones for individuals requiring hearing assistance who do not have T-coil equipped hearing devices that will be available upon request.

“The Grand Rapids Public Museum is proud to continue to expand access to the Museum and Planetarium for members of the community who are hard of hearing,” said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, Vice President of Science and Education at the GRPM. “By installing the loop system in the Chaffee Planetarium, the Museum is reducing another barrier to access, continuing to ensure the Museum is as accessible and inclusive to the broadest population.” 

The Chaffee Planetarium will be closed Monday, November 29 through Friday, December 3 to install the loop system. 

The loop system was made possible through support from the Baldwin Foundation. 

Visitors to the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium can relax, recline and visit the galaxy, constellations, far away planets, learn about asteroids and much more! All of the shows feature the latest Digistar projection technology and immersive surround sound for an unbelievably rich and realistic experience. The Chaffee Planetarium hosts a variety of science, space and music shows, including the holiday favorite Let it Snow, beginning November 26, 2021. For a full schedule of shows and to purchase tickets, visit grpm.org/planetarium.