Step back in time: Experience the Seven Wonders at Marietta College's Anderson Hancock Planetarium
Marietta, OH (09/15/2025) — Marietta College invites the community to experience the world's seven wonders as they appeared thousands of years ago. From the legendary Great Pyramid to the towering Colossus of Rhodes, step back in time and explore the lost wonders of the ancient world during a free public showing at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, in the Anderson Hancock Planetarium.
"Seven Wonders" brings history to life by transporting audiences to the ancient world, offering a rare chance to visualize marvels that no longer exist. In this program, guests will be able to examine comparisons of ancient marvels to some of today's most popular landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty in New York City and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, before finishing with a glimpse into some of the universe's greatest wonders.
"What I really like about 'Seven Wonders' is how it incorporates more than astronomy. It's appealing to people with various interests," said Dr. Ann Bragg, director of the Anderson Hancock Planetarium. "This show helps connect ancient history with the modern world, as well as reminds us of our special place in the universe."
Bragg added that she hopes audience members walk away with both a new appreciation for the Seven Wonders of the World and a deeper perspective of Earth's special role in the universe.
The Anderson Hancock Planetarium is a unique experience in itself. Marietta College is one of a handful of institutions nationwide to feature a hybrid projection system, combining an analog star projector with an immersive full-dome digital video projector. Bragg explained that this technology provides a sharper, more authentic view of the sky while also allowing audiences to enjoy state-of-the-art visual storytelling. In addition, the offering of Q&A sessions after each show allows for further education.
Bragg noted that offering free shows is part of Marietta College's commitment to community outreach and education. "I believe that outreach and education in general are very important for the sciences," Bragg said. "It is important to communicate to the public so they can learn what scientists are learning. Having a facility like this is a great opportunity to provide something educational and engaging for the community to enjoy."
The planetarium typically holds a show each month, as well as a holiday program every December. Each public show includes a live presentation about the current night sky, followed by the full-dome planetarium video and a Q&A session. Educational shows are free and open to the public, with donations welcome to support future programming. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Anderson Hancock Planetarium is located on Marietta College's historic campus, adjoining the Rickey Science Center at the corner of Fourth and Butler streets. The 4,400-square-foot facility features theater-style seating for 102 guests and is handicapped accessible.
For more information, email planetarium@marietta.edu or visit during weekday lobby hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., to view displays and NASA programming.
About Marietta College
Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college. Chartered in 1835, today Marietta College serves a body of 1,100 full-time graduate and undergraduate students, offering more than 90 majors, minors and concentrations. The College is consistently ranked as one of the top regional comprehensive colleges by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes.com, Wall Street Journal/College Pulse and other rankings. https://www.marietta.edu/rankings-success
Media Attachments
Seven Wonders poster