Planetarium

Shows at 11:00 a.m, 1:00 p.m, and 3:00 p.m.

Exhibit

Planetarium Pilots: Free; Shows: $5 + Admission

Planetarium: Located in the center of the building. From the Lobby walk past the Discovery Store and the Young Explorers Area to arrive at the Planetarium.

Explore the solar system and beyond in our Planetarium! Join us for our live interactive shows for guided exploration of topics like constellations, missions to other planets, and more. Or drop in between shows for Planetarium Pilots, a self-guided experience where you control the dome and choose where to explore! Appropriate for all ages! (Some small children may not yet be confident about sitting in a very dark space.)

Our Planetarium can get uncomfortably hot during warm days. Please note that shows are subject to cancellation due to heat. Maintenance is scheduled from August 19–September 13 to resolve the issue.

Planetarium Shows

Traditions of the Summer Sky – 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.

30-minute planetarium show

$5 + Admission

Throughout history, different cultures have had varying traditions around the night sky. Explore what you can see in the summer sky as the planet rotates, bringing new sights into view! Follow your star map and explore Viking, Roman, Chinese, and other traditions around celestial objects in our solar system and beyond.

Earth

Diving Into the Blue Planet – 1 p.m.

30-minute planetarium show

$5 + Admission

Did you know that over 70% of Earth’s surface is water?! Join us for an exploration of our planet’s ocean! This interactive program will tour fascinating geological features and habitats overflowing with life in the deep. Discover how the ocean responds to a changing climate.

Traditions of the Summer Sky – 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.

$5 + Admission

Have you ever wondered about how different cultures thought about the celestial bodies in our solar system? Discover what you can see in the night sky this spring in our updated seasonal show! Follow your star map and explore Chinese, Mediterranean, and Mesoamerican traditions around the Sun, Moon, and planets.

Planetarium Pilots

Planetarium Pilots – 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Included with Admission

Go on a self-guided tour of the universe in this all-new Planetarium experience! Drop in to control the dome and choose which planets, moons, and more to explore. Learn all about space from Planetarium voice overs as you fly around the universe!

About The Planetarium

space shuttle icon

You’re Part of the Show

All of our programs are live and interactive, packed with exploration, activities, and questions.

Access + Comfort

  • 44-person capacity
  • Reclined-back seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible

Immersive Technology

This innovative audiovisual experience is brought to you by our uniquely-sourced components.

Our programming is active in 220+ planetariums worldwide

View our open access materials for planets, moons, and prehistoric monuments from our Planetarium Activities for Successful Shows

The First of Its Kind

Built in 1973, ours was the very first participatory planetarium. Instead of a lecture-style experience, visitors are invited to engage and actively explore the cosmos.

50: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Lawrence Planetarium

Plan Your Visit

Admission

General

Age 3+: $20

Kids under 2: FREE

Members: FREE

Learn More >

3D Theater

$5 + Admission

Planetarium

$5 + Admission

See What’s Happening Today

calendar icon

Today’s Schedule >

Discover

Search the Sky

Videos brought to you by The Lawrence Planetarium at UC Berkeley, hosted by John Erickson, the Director of the Planetarium.

We are installing new state-of-the-art space visualization software and projectors in our planetarium. We will offer space shows once this is complete later in January. In the meantime, we are using the dome for a Biotech Adventure!