Currently Showing
These public shows are included with your general admission tickets.
Planetarium Rules and Tips
Rules for Shows
- No food or drinks
- No cell phone usage or recordings
- No late entry or reentry once doors close
Tips for Shows
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early to get your preferred seating, especially on busy days
Matinee Laser Light Shows are a new, special programming option in the Caryl D. Phillips Space Theater! These are 30-minute-long shows that combine some of your favorite family-friendly music with cool laser technology. These shows are recommended for ages 8 and up.
Laser Light Nights are an after hours event at the museum. During these evening shows, the museum is open for exploration, the Eco Eatery is open for drinks and snacks, and some shows may have themed snacks and drinks!
*Ticket prices for Laser Light Shows will differ depending on if they are matinee or evening. Click the link below to learn more!
Programs & Experiences
Field Trips
Groups within 10-30 people (adults and children) can access our public planetarium shows for no additional cost as part of their general admission. Our capacity to host your group during a public show depends on the amount of interest from other museum visitors. Seating is first come, first serve.
Large groups (30+ people) are required to reserve the planetarium at least three (3) weeks in advance of your visit. If you would like to book the planetarium for a private show, you can do so for $3/student! Ask us about our Space Science add-ons!
Universe to You
Explore the wonders of the night sky and pique students’ interest in astronomy by bringing StarLab to your school or community center. Help your students enhance the observational and exploratory skills deemed necessary for today’s students to create tomorrow’s work force by the Ohio Revised Science Content standards.
Birthday Party Add-Ons
Elevate your birthday party with a planetarium show add-on!
Planetarium History
Construction on the original planetarium began in 1959, marking the start of a new era of astronomy education and public exploration of the night sky. The first planetarium officially opened on September 16, 1960, and quickly became a beloved destination for students, families, and space enthusiasts.
Over the next three decades, the “Old” planetarium inspired generations of visitors with its educational programs and celestial presentations. On July 31, 1991, the facility welcomed its one millionth visitor—an important milestone in its history. Just days later, on August 4, 1991, the original planetarium presented its final show.
A new chapter began on October 5, 1991, with the opening of the new planetarium. Its debut presentation, A Stroll Through the Cosmos, introduced audiences to a state-of-the-art astronomy experience in the newly opened Caryl D. Philips Space Theater.
The Caryl D. Philips Space Theater featured a 50-foot geodesic dome with seating for 170 guests. Advanced technology included a Digistar computerized star projector capable of creating dynamic star displays across the dome and simulating the movement of stars through time. The theater also incorporated a Lasersphere projector and a powerful 2,400-watt sound system, providing visitors with an immersive journey through space.
The most recent updates to the planetarium include the change from Digistar to Digitalis planetarium software. Also adding Laser Fantasy laser projection systems to upgrade our laser shows!
Today, the planetarium continues its mission of inspiring curiosity and discovery about the universe.