Union Station Kansas City
Patrick Hess is an experienced professional in astronomy education and programming, currently serving as the Planetarium Manager at Union Station Kansas City since October 2012. In this role, Patrick maintains and updates the technology of a 60-foot digital planetarium and has successfully doubled annual attendance and tripled revenue over five years through enhancements and innovative programming. Additionally, Patrick operates as a freelance astronomy education presenter for KC Skyentist, delivering interactive programs and providing technical support for telescope viewings. Previous experience includes working as an Exhibit and Operations Technician at Wonderscope Children's Museum, where Patrick contributed to the design and documentation of exhibits, and serving as a Student Advisor at Truman State University, where guidance was provided to students in navigating academic life. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Mathematics and Statistical Methods from Truman State University, complemented by coursework in Astronomy and Museum Studies.
Union Station Kansas City
Architectural Masterpiece. Living History. A place for great adventure. Where Kansas City Connects. All of these phrases and more are regularly used to describe Union Station. Visitors of all ages, from all places and for all reasons tie Union Station to special and magical moments from their lives. Union Station draws tourists from all over the world who marvel at her Grand Hall's 95-foot ceiling, three 3,500-pound chandeliers and the six-foot wide clock hanging in her central arch. She wakes up early and stays up late to host business meetings, civic events, weddings and celebrations of all sorts. And that’s just the beginning. Just as you could 100 years ago, you can still catch the train at Union Station's AMTRAK stop and head out across the country. You'll also find traveling exhibits produced by the Smithsonian, National Geographic and other international organizations, a Planetarium, an interactive science center Science City, and a vibrant Theater District featuring the region's biggest movie screen, live theatre, and so much more. The Station is also home to two of KC's finest restaurants, Harvey's and Pierponts, as well as Parisi Artisan Coffee, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, the Kansas City Store, and Science City Store. Make a day of it at the Station! There's so much for the entire family to SEE and DO!