The Manfred Olson Planetarium is located inside the UW-Milwaukee Physics building:
Physics Building Room 139 1900 E Kenwood Blvd Milwaukee, WI, 53211
We recommend that you enter the building either through the wheelchair accessible entrance via the path between the Physics building and EMS building off Cramer St or through the front entrance on 1900 E Kenwood.
Accessibility
There is one wheelchair-accessible entrance via the path between the Physics building and EMS building off Cramer St. (MAP)
Parking
There is no free parking on campus. Please allow extra time to park when you visit.
Parking permit booth
Visitors are advised to park in the Cunningham Lot just North of the Physics building. The Sciences Lot to the west of the Physics building is closed due to construction. Free and metered one- and two-hour street parking may also be available. Be sure to read the street signs for restrictions. (See graphic above.)
The entrance to the Cunningham Lot is at the corner of Cramer and Hartford, one block north of the Physics building. Purchase a parking ticket from one of the booths by entering your license plate number and the amount of time you will be parked. The booth accepts cash, Visa, and Mastercard. You can also pay using the Parkmobile smartphone app. For more information about parking on the UWM campus, visit Transportation Services.
Transportation
The Green Line and 66 bus routes have stops near the Physics building. Other nearby routes with on-campus stops are the Red Line, Gold Line, and 30. For more info see the MCTS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you open to the public? What kinds of shows do you do?
Our live public events are open to everyone! We offer a range of planetarium shows, stargazing with telescopes on select dates, and more. For a full list of events see our Calendar. We also book private reservations for schools and other groups.
Most of our planetarium shows, which include stargazing and questions, last approximately 60 minutes. We also have other events with shorter 15- to 30-minute planetarium shows. For a full list of events see our Calendar.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
For ticketed events, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance as our shows often sell out. We also sell tickets at the door starting 30 minutes before the stated start time. If tickets are sold out, you can have your name added to a waitlist at the door. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee admission to waitlist attendees.
Free planetarium shows are first come first serve. Check in at the ticket table in the hallway outside of the Planetarium starting as early as 30 minutes before the show start time to reserve your free spot.
How much do your shows cost?
Ticketed events are usually $6 general admission and $5 for UWM students. Other events are free.
Where do I park?
Parking instructions and maps are available on our Plan Your Visit page.
Are your programs appropriate for children?
Yes! We recommend that your child is 4 years or older and comfortable to sit in their own chair in the dark.
Is the planetarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes! There is one wheelchair-accessible entrance via the path between the Physics building and EMS building off Cramer St. There is room for up to three wheelchairs in the planetarium theater. Visit the Plan Your Visit page to see maps and more information.
You can purchase a membership online, by mail (PDF), or in person before a public show.
What is the seating capacity of your planetarium?
We can seat 63 people.
Where is stargazing with your telescope held?
Stargazing with our telescope is held on the 5th-floor observing deck of the UWM Physics building on select dates, weather permitting. For the schedule of dates, see Stargazing.
We ask that you stay seated until the end of the show because opening the door will ruin the beautiful dark sky for the rest of the visitors. Visitors are encouraged to use the restroom in advance.
What should I wear?
Our planetarium is indoors. We suggest that you dress in layers because sometimes the theater can be too warm or too cold. We also ask that you avoid light-up shoes.
