Morrison Planetarium at California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

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Morrison Planetarium
— Journey to the Stars

Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

"Journey to the Stars"
"Journey to the Stars" (Morrison Planetarium's NEW second show) started September 26, 2009. "Fragile Planet" will continue to be shown at the Academy's weekly Nightlife events.

WOW — what an incredible experience! Ever wondered what it feels like to travel into space and explore the universe? Take a journey to the stars and get an astronaut's view of Planet Earth... and beyond. Witness brilliant supernova explosions, dive into the heart of the fiery Sun, and watch it transform into a red giant five billion years in the future.

Enjoy a FUN Family Day outing at the museum — the Planetarium alone is worth the price of admission!

Planetarium Show Times
Shows take place every 45 minutes, starting at 10am.

Morrison Planetarium - The Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park

The Morrison Planetarium is located on Level 1, near Tusher African Center (African Hall ), just off the main Piazza. You can't miss the huge 90-foot dome structure — its outer shell looks like a giant white sphere.

Alana standing outside the Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

The Living Roof at night at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

During a recent "Nightlife" event, following the Planetarium Show after dark, we went up to the Living Roof to stargaze through giant telescopes set up to see Venus. It was incredible!

Stargazing on the Living Roof (looking at Venus) following a "Nightlife" Planetarium Show at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

Venus - Stargazing after Planetarium Show on the Living Roof at the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA

Note: Telescopes, stargazing and other activities vary week-to-week during "Nightlife" events. Depending on the weather, solar telescopes may be available during the day on the Living Roof for sky-gazing. Contact the California Academy of Sciences for more information.

By the way, if you plan on seeing the Planetarium Show during "Nightlife" Thursdays, be sure to get your tickets early. It's very popular and the lines get longer as the evening progresses. FYI... the first show of the evening (6:30pm) is usually the lightest.

Close up view of outside the Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Host Special Events
415-379-5497
Host a FUN Corporate Event or Private Party at the California Academy of Sciences — arrange for a Private Planetarium Viewing and make your event a memorable one.

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View of Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

One of the World's Largest Planetariums
Get a unique wrap-around visual experience of outer space inside one of the world's largest planetariums.

Inside the Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

The Morrison Planetarium features a 75-foot-wide 180° screen and state-of-the-art digital projection system, allowing visitors to visit the Moon and Mars... and see our solar system like never before!

Mars at the Morrison Planetarium - The Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park

Planetarium Show Times
— Tickets Required
Planetarium shows air every hour on the half-hour.

Tickets are required* — visit the kiosk at the Planetarium entrance to select your show times.

Expect to wait in line during peak times, weekends and holidays. Lines start near the swinging Pendulum and wrap around the walkway along the Planetarium's outer sphere.

Lines along the Planetarium's outer sphere at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Typically, the first show of the day is the one to catch if you don't want to wait too long in line. The shows are extremely popular — we recommend that you get your ticket when you arrive at the museum before they sell out.

Seating inside the Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

Inside the Planetarium, every seat is a good seat. However, for the best view and sound, make your way to the middle center seating. Sit back... relax... and enjoy the show!

Seating inside the Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

The show runs for about 35-minutes and it's over before you know it. Fun — and educational — for kids and big kids too!

* General Admission
Note: Admission includes access to all Museum and Aquarium Exhibits, the Rainforest, the Living Roof, Planetarium Shows and daily regularly scheduled events.

Academy Hours
Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm
Sun 11am-5pm

Closed Thanksgiving
and Christmas Day

Free Wednesdays
Enjoy - Free General Admission to the Academy on the third Wednesday of every month.

Nightlife Thursdays
Nightlife Thursdays
Feb thru' Oct 2009
6-10pm

More Info
California Academy of Sciences
415-379-8000

Tour Group Info
415-379-5210

Back to main California Academy of Sciences page

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