Frequently Asked Questions

We strongly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance, especially for weekends, holidays, and special celestial events. Walk-up tickets are available based on availability, but popular shows often sell out.

Tickets may be rescheduled up to 24 hours before your visit at no charge. Refunds are available for cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance. For cancellations within 48 hours, we offer credit toward a future visit valid for one year.

Yes! We offer discounts for seniors (65+), students with valid ID, military personnel, and children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more. Members enjoy free admission and guest discounts.

General admission includes access to all exhibits. Planetarium shows and telescope viewing sessions require additional timed-entry tickets. We recommend purchasing combination packages for the best value.

We offer a variety of shows including "Cosmic Voyage" (our signature tour of the universe), "Solar System Safari" (family-friendly), "Black Holes: Journey to the Unknown", live sky tours, and special laser shows on Friday nights. Visit our Shows page for the full schedule.

Most planetarium shows are 45-60 minutes long. Family shows are typically 30-40 minutes. Laser shows run approximately 50 minutes. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early as late entry is not permitted once the show begins.

Yes! Our historic Zeiss telescope is available for public viewing sessions every clear evening. Daytime solar viewing is also available using special filtered telescopes. Reservations are recommended as sessions are limited to maintain an intimate experience.

We have shows designed for all ages! "Solar System Safari" and "Twinkle Stars" are perfect for children ages 3-7. The planetarium environment is dark and immersive, which some very young children may find overwhelming. We recommend age 3+ for most shows.

Yes! We are fully ADA accessible. All exhibit areas, the planetarium, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Elevators provide access to all floors. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available near the main entrance.

Yes, assistive listening devices are available free of charge for all planetarium shows. Please request them at the information desk. We also offer audio descriptions for select shows and can arrange ASL interpretation with advance notice.

Service animals are welcome throughout the observatory, including in the planetarium. Please note that the dark, immersive environment of shows may affect some animals. Water bowls are available upon request.