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.
We do not have set open hours. We are only open during public events and by private reservation.
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.
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.
Ticketed events are usually $6 general admission and $5 for UWM students. Other events are free.
Parking instructions and maps are available on our Plan Your Visit page.
Yes! We recommend that your child is 4 years or older and comfortable to sit in their own chair in the dark.
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.
We accept checks, cash, and credit cards.
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We can seat 63 people.
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.
For general inquiries, email us at planetarium@uwm.edu. Visit Contact Us for other ways to reach us.
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.
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.