In 2003 a group of Orange residents had a vision to create an educational and tourist facility that would complement and enhance the astronomical heritage of the Central West. Although they came from a diverse range of backgrounds they all had a common interest of advancing community understanding of science. To that end they formed the not-for-profit organisation Orange Planetarium Incorporated and proposed the establishment of a public and educational science facility within the town.

 
Since the original idea was discussed the project has gone through a number of changes. Rather than the original idea of a stand-alone planetarium facility, the latest configuration has settled on a joint facility between the Orange Regional Conservatorium of Music and the Planetarium. The planetarium aspect of the facility incorporates an 11 metre diameter dome, a state-of-the-art digital projection system and an exhibition area.