The Complete List of Planetariums in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a proud tradition of public astronomy programs, from university-run theaters to museum and school planetariums. Whether you’re planning a family outing, an education visit, or just curious about local star shows, the state’s facilities offer a range of experiences across urban and rural communities.

There are 24 Planetariums in Pennsylvania, ranging from Andruss Planetarium to Yahn Planetarium. For each, you’ll find below City, Address, Dome diameter (m).

How do I check show times and whether a planetarium is open to the public?

Most planetariums post schedules and ticketing info on their official websites or social media; if details are sparse, call the venue or the hosting institution (museum, university, or school). Some operate seasonally or require group reservations, so verifying before you go will save time.

Does dome diameter tell me how immersive a planetarium experience will be?

Dome diameter gives a quick sense of scale—larger domes typically allow for fuller visuals and more seating—but it doesn’t guarantee equipment quality or program type; check the venue’s description for projection technology, seating layout, and whether they offer live or recorded shows.

Planetariums in Pennsylvania

Images and Descriptions

Fels Planetarium

Located at The Franklin Institute, this historic planetarium offers immersive shows on astronomy and space exploration. A must-see for families and science lovers, tickets are included with general museum admission. The theater is wheelchair accessible and offers assistive listening devices.

Buhl Planetarium & Observatory

A key attraction at the Carnegie Science Center, the Buhl Planetarium features stunning digital projections and live shows like “Stars Over Pittsburgh.” Perfect for all ages, access is included with general admission. The venue is fully accessible for all visitors.

The Planetarium at The State Museum

Explore the cosmos in downtown Harrisburg. This planetarium offers a variety of fulldome shows covering topics from black holes to seasonal night skies. It’s great for school groups and families. A separate ticket is required in addition to museum admission.

Yahn Planetarium

Situated at Penn State Behrend, the Yahn Planetarium presents engaging public shows, private events, and educational programs. Its state-of-the-art system brings the universe to life for audiences of all ages. Check their website for public show schedules and ticket prices.

SciDome Theater

The North Museum of Nature and Science features a 4K digital SciDome. It offers a diverse lineup of shows about space, Earth science, and biology. It’s an excellent educational stop for families. Planetarium shows require a separate ticket from museum admission.

Neag Planetarium

Part of the Reading Public Museum, the Neag Planetarium uses a cutting-edge digital system to transport visitors across the galaxy. It offers public shows on weekends that are perfect for families. A separate ticket purchase is required for planetarium access.

Mather Planetarium

Located at West Chester University, the Mather Planetarium offers free public shows during the academic year. It’s a fantastic community resource featuring live tours of the night sky and fulldome movies. Seating is first-come, first-served and the facility is accessible.

Detwiler Planetarium

This planetarium, part of the Williamsport Area School District, regularly hosts public shows. It’s a community gem offering educational and entertaining programs about astronomy. Check their schedule online as showtimes vary. A small admission fee is usually charged.

Meade Planetarium

At Edinboro University, the Meade Planetarium serves both students and the public. It hosts free public shows on select evenings during the semester, making astronomy accessible to the local community. Donations are often welcomed to support the programs.

IUP Planetarium

Located in Weyandt Hall at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, this planetarium offers free public shows during the academic year. It’s a great educational resource for learning about constellations and celestial events. Check the university’s physics department for the current schedule.

Kutztown University Planetarium

Found in the Grim Science Building, this university planetarium holds free public shows on various astronomical topics throughout the school year. It’s an excellent way for the community to engage with science. Seating is limited and on a first-come basis.

Millersville University Planetarium

Housed in the SciDome at Caputo Hall, this Millersville University planetarium offers public programs that explore the universe. Using advanced projection, it’s a great venue for all ages to learn about astronomy. Check online for their event schedule and ticketing information.

Donald D. Peirce Planetarium

Located at Clarion University, this planetarium offers free shows to the public during the academic year. It’s a wonderful resource for local families and students interested in exploring the night sky and beyond. Find the schedule on the university website.

Bucknell University Planetarium

As part of the O’Leary Observatory, this planetarium at Bucknell University hosts free public events, including star shows. It’s an intimate setting perfect for learning about constellations and current astronomical discoveries. See their physics department website for schedules.

Dibert Planetarium

Located on the Shippensburg University campus, the Dibert Planetarium presents free public shows during the academic year. It’s a great opportunity for the community to enjoy immersive programs about space science. Check the university’s website for themes and dates.

McMunn Planetarium

Part of East Stroudsburg University, the McMunn Planetarium offers free shows to the public during the academic year. It’s a fantastic educational outing for anyone in the Poconos region interested in astronomy. Check their schedule online for details on upcoming presentations.

Andruss Planetarium

Situated at Bloomsburg University, the Andruss Planetarium hosts public shows throughout the school year. These events are typically free and cover a range of astronomical topics, making it a valuable learning resource for the surrounding community. Seating is often limited.

Ulmer Planetarium

Located in Ulmer Hall at Lock Haven University, this planetarium provides public presentations during the fall and spring semesters. The shows are free and offer a fantastic glimpse into the cosmos for residents and visitors alike. Schedules are posted online.

Newton-Treu-Haas Planetarium

This small planetarium at Allegheny College occasionally opens for public shows. It offers an intimate and educational look at the stars, constellations, and planets. Check the physics department’s website for their limited public schedule, as shows are not regularly scheduled.

Boyertown Planetarium

Operated by the Boyertown Area School District, this planetarium presents engaging shows for the public on select dates. It’s a wonderful local resource for families and aspiring astronomers. Check their website for the public show schedule and modest ticket prices.

Parkland Planetarium

Housed at Parkland High School, this large planetarium offers excellent public programs throughout the year, providing immersive experiences for all ages. Visit the school district’s website for show titles, dates, and information on purchasing tickets in advance.

Sloan Planetarium

Located at Council Rock High School North, the Sloan Planetarium opens its doors to the public for special shows. It’s a great community asset for space education. Check the school district’s community school offerings for their schedule and registration details.

State College High School Planetarium

This modern planetarium within the local high school offers periodic public shows, providing a window to the universe for the State College community. Shows are often free or low-cost. Check the school district’s community education page for upcoming event listings.

Dallastown Planetarium

The Dallastown Area High School Planetarium is a fantastic community resource, offering public shows on various astronomy topics. It’s a great affordable outing for families. Check the school district’s website for the public show schedule, themes, and ticket prices.