Thank You for Submitting Your Reservation Request!

We will check our calendar and get back to you by email within 3 business days.

In the meantime, check out our astronomy resources, directions and parking, FAQs, and more to prepare for your visit. We look forward to hosting you!

Location & Directions

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 ticket booth
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, 22, 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?

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.