The Bell Museum’s new planetarium film, A Dance of Seasons, takes viewers through a year of change across Minnesota’s ecosystems. Inspired by the photography of the late wildlife photographer Jim Brandenburg, the feature-length production uses fulldome cinematography, time-lapse and close-up imagery to bring the state’s landscapes and wildlife to life. It premieres Nov. 14, alongside a weekend of Minnesota-themed activities.
A Full Year of Minnesota Unfolds Under the Planetarium Dome
Instead of traveling to one place, the film follows the Sun through a year of change across Minnesota. Its landscapes shift from the frozen waters and forests of winter to prairie in summer, revealing the state’s distinct ecosystems and plant and animal life along the way. The feature-length production offers a broad look at how familiar places change with the seasons, from frost-covered scenes to warmer, brighter fields.
Jim Brandenburg’s Photography Helps Shape the Film’s Visual Style
The film grew from the work and ideas of the late Minnesota wildlife photographer Jim Brandenburg, whose images helped inspire the project and its choice of locations. Its visuals use fulldome cinematography, macro and micro photography, and time-lapse to bring small details and sweeping landscapes into view across the planetarium’s curved screen. The production team filmed at sites around the state, including the Landscape Arboretum, Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Blue Mounds State Park and Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.
Bell Museum and Ravenwood Studios Bring the Production to the Dome
A Dance of Seasons is the second collaboration between the Bell Museum and Ravenwood Studios UK, led by director Neil Lucas. The planetarium film is narrated by Peter Smerud, former executive director of Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. Its original score, by Ben Salisbury and Suvi-Eeva Äikäs, blends instruments such as cello, flute, saxophone and piano with environmental sounds recorded in Minnesota. In the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium, images and music are designed to surround the audience as the seasons move across the dome.
Opening Weekend Adds Activities for Visitors
The film’s public premiere is part of a Bell Museum celebration on Nov. 14 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visitors can make a diorama inspired by Minnesota landscapes, pick up an activity booklet and begin a scavenger hunt in the Minnesota Journeys galleries, meet Minnesota Master Naturalists and take a Minnesota-themed photo. Saturday’s program also includes a story time featuring North Woods Girl by Aimée Bissonette and a display from the Creating Art, Thinking Science student art contest. Planetarium show tickets are purchased separately.
