Audience

Our public events are open to everyone, both on and off-campus. Our programs have affordable admission prices or are free. Although most of our public events are in-person, we are offering some virtual programs. 

Ticketed Events

For ticketed events, we recommend that you buy tickets in advance.


Free Events

For free events, we recommend that you arrive early to secure a seat.


Outdoor Stargazing

Although we offer a lot of indoor stargazing in the Planetarium you might wish to join us on the rooftop at the UWM Physics building for free outdoor stargazing on select dates. Gaze through telescopes at the night sky and view the Moon, planets, star clusters, and other astronomical objects!. However, this program is dependent on weather conditions. Please check the website for updates on the day of your visit.


On-Demand Shows

From Shooting Stars to Moving to Mars, many of our programs are recorded and available for free to watch on demand.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are you open to the public? What kinds of shows do you do?

Yes! Our live, public events are open to everyone. For a full list of events see our Calendar. We also book private reservations for schools and other groups.

What are your hours?

We do not have set opening hours. We are open during public events and by private reservation.

How long is a show?

Our live programs, which include stargazing and questions, typically run approximately 60 minutes.

Where do I park?

Please click here for parking instructions and map or visit Plan Your Visit for more information.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept checks, cash, and credit cards.

How do I purchase a membership?

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 75 people.

Are your programs appropriate for children?

Yes! We recommend that your child is four years or older and comfortable to sit in their own chair in the dark.

Is the planetarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes! Visit the Plan Your Visit page to see maps and more information.

Where is stargazing held?

On a clear night, stargazing is held on the 5th-floor observing deck of the UWM Physics building. For the schedule of dates and more information, see Stargazing.

How do I contact you?

For general inquiries, email us at planetarium@uwm.edu. Visit Contact Us for other ways to reach us.

Can I leave in the middle of a show?

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.