McDonnell Planetarium at Dusk
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James S. McDonnell Planetarium

4.6
·30 reviews·St. Louis, United States

Experience dazzling Laser Shows and cosmic Star Shows under a massive dome, plus a free Doctor Who exhibit. A stellar journey awaits!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings during Laser Shows

Immersive light and music experience

CrowdHigh
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McDonnell Planetarium at Dusk

James S. McDonnell Planetarium

Best Time

Evenings during Laser Shows

Immersive light and music experience

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience dazzling Laser Shows and cosmic Star Shows under a massive dome, plus a free Doctor Who exhibit. A stellar journey awaits!

4.6
(30 reviews)

"Most amazing experience. Definitely will be seeing other lazer shows in the future. We are huge fans now. Loved it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Lay on the Mats! :sleeping_accommodation:

For the ultimate sky dome experience, use the provided mats and lie down. Bring a pillow if you can!

Book Laser Shows Early 🎟️

These popular shows sell out fast. Secure your spot in advance to avoid missing out.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 30 reviews

Type

Planetarium

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Laser Shows

Iconic Laser Shows

Planetarium Dome

Experience dazzling light shows set to legendary music like Pink Floyd and Prince. A truly immersive audio-visual spectacle.

Instagram
Star Shows

Star Shows

Planetarium Dome

Journey through the cosmos with educational and awe-inspiring presentations of the night sky. Learn about constellations and celestial wonders.

TikTok
Doctor Who Exhibit

Doctor Who Exhibit

Tunnel to Planetarium

Explore a free exhibit featuring iconic Doctor Who memorabilia, including a screen-used TARDIS. A must-see for sci-fi fans.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Laser Shows in Advance

The iconic Laser Shows, featuring artists like Prince and Pink Floyd, are a major draw. These popular events often sell out, so booking your tickets ahead of time is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram

Comfort is Key for Sky Domes

While traditional seating is available, many visitors rave about using the provided mats to lie down for a more immersive experience under the dome. Consider bringing a pillow for extra comfort during shows. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Evenings during Laser Shows
Why
Immersive light and music experience
Crowd
High
When
Weekend Star Shows
Why
Educational and family-friendly
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you been to Fresno's Planetarium? 💫 The Downing Planetarium at Fresno State is open to the public one weekend per month. (Next shows coming up Aug 22-23!) Watch an educational show projected on the 30-foot dome. After the show, learn how to find constellations as the night sky projected above you via the Minolta MS10 star projector. Then, go outside and find the stars using a real telescope. ...
@cassiescompass
33.2K likes • 323.5K views

Lay on the Mats! :sleeping_accommodation:

For the ultimate sky dome experience, use the provided mats and lie down. Bring a pillow if you can! TikTokReddit

Book Laser Shows Early 🎟️

These popular shows sell out fast. Secure your spot in advance to avoid missing out. TikTokInstagram

📍Planetarium Praha - make sure to book tickets in advance #kamvpraze #praguelife #praguetips #prague #planetariumpraha
@lozinska.a
17.7K likes • 134.2K views
SPONSORED -- The James S. McDonnell Planetarium at the @stlsciencecenter is turning up the volume—and the nostalgia—with the return of its iconic Laser Shows, dazzling audiences now through August 10. Sponsored content disclaimer: The information and advice displayed in this story are those of individual sponsors or guests and not Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
insidestudiostl
1 likes • 91 views

Check for Special Events 📅

The planetarium hosts various events, including themed shows and astronomy nights. TikTok

Combine with Science Center :mag:

While shows have a fee, the attached science museum offers more to explore, though some displays may be non-functioning. Reddit

Whovians, rejoice! 🌌 The @stlsciencecenter has a free 'Doctor Who' exhibit nestled in the tunnel to the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. Spot iconic pieces like the Doctor's sonic screwdrivers and North America's only screen-used TARDIS! Details at www.slsc.org. #DoctorWho #stl #sciencefiction
hec_tv
4 likes • 339 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Lay on the Mats! :sleeping_accommodation:

For the ultimate sky dome experience, use the provided mats and lie down. Bring a pillow if you can! TikTokReddit

Book Laser Shows Early 🎟️

These popular shows sell out fast. Secure your spot in advance to avoid missing out. TikTokInstagram

Check for Special Events 📅

The planetarium hosts various events, including themed shows and astronomy nights. TikTok

Combine with Science Center :mag:

While shows have a fee, the attached science museum offers more to explore, though some displays may be non-functioning. Reddit

Budget for Snacks :moneybag:

Concessions can be pricey; consider this if planning a full day with family. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(30 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the immersive Laser Shows and educational Star Shows, with many recommending the unique experience of lying on mats for optimal viewing. While the planetarium itself is a highlight, some reviews note that other attractions within the attached Science Center may have non-functioning displays and that concession prices are high.

"We attended a star show over the weekend and it was great! Loved the option to lay on a provided mat to really get a full experience seeing the sky dome! There isn't much to do outside of the star shows though, if you don't count the attached science museum which unfortunately had a lot of broken/non-functioning displays which hurt the experience."

Caleb Biser

"Attended the Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Lazer show. Most amazing experience. Definitely will be seeing other lazer shows in the future. We are huge fans now. Loved it!"

L M

"We were there for a Lazer Light show and it was a great experience. I definitely recommend using the mats and laying down for the show. I saw someone with a pillow and wish I would have thought about that. Call ahead to see if you can bring comfort items."

Julia Hampton

What People Like

Amazing Laser Shows
Immersive Star Shows
Unique mat viewing option

What People Dislike

Broken Science Center displays
Expensive concessions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The planetarium is part of the Saint Louis Science Center. Public transportation options are available, and driving directions can be found on the Science Center's website. Parking is typically available on-site. Instagram

Yes, the Saint Louis Science Center, which includes the planetarium, offers parking facilities for visitors. Fees may apply. Instagram

The Saint Louis Science Center is accessible via public transit. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. Instagram

The Science Center and its planetarium are generally accessible. It's advisable to check with the venue directly for specific accessibility details. Instagram

Operating hours can vary, especially for special shows. It's best to check the official Saint Louis Science Center website for the most current schedule for both the planetarium and any associated exhibits. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, while entry to the Science Center might be free or have a general admission fee, specific shows like the Laser Shows and Star Shows at the planetarium require separate tickets. TikTok+1

Show prices can vary. Laser shows and special presentations may have different pricing than standard star shows. Check the Science Center's website for current ticket costs. TikTokReddit

It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular Laser Shows, as they can sell out quickly. TikTokInstagram

Discounts may be available for certain groups or during special promotions. It's worth checking the Science Center's ticketing page for any available offers. TikTok

Refund policies can vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the Saint Louis Science Center directly for information on refunds or exchanges. TikTok

🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience

Many visitors recommend using the provided mats to lie down on the floor for a more immersive view of the entire dome. Bringing a pillow can enhance comfort. TikTokReddit

The planetarium is part of the Saint Louis Science Center, which features various exhibits. There's also a free 'Doctor Who' exhibit in the tunnel leading to the planetarium. Instagram

The planetarium offers a variety of shows, including educational star shows about the cosmos and popular Laser Shows set to music by artists like Pink Floyd and Prince. TikTokInstagram

Photography and videography policies can vary by show. Flash photography is usually prohibited. It's best to check signage or ask staff for specific guidelines. TikTok

Yes, the star shows are educational and engaging for children. Laser shows might be more suitable for older children and adults due to music content. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍕 Food & Dining

Food and beverage options are typically available at the attached Saint Louis Science Center. However, be aware that concessions can be on the pricier side. Reddit

Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the planetarium or Science Center. It's best to confirm their specific policy. Reddit

Prices for snacks and meals can be relatively high, with items like a 24oz soda costing nearly $6. Consider this if you're on a budget. Reddit

The planetarium is located within the Saint Louis Science Center, which has dining facilities. For more options, you'll find various restaurants in the surrounding St. Louis area. Reddit

The Science Center's dining facilities usually cater to a wide audience, so kid-friendly options are likely available. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior architecture of the planetarium is quite striking and makes for great photos. Inside, the dome itself is impressive, though photography during shows is restricted. Instagram

Generally, flash photography is prohibited during shows to avoid disturbing other guests and the projection. Non-flash photography might be allowed, but it's best to check with staff. TikTok

The 'Doctor Who' exhibit in the tunnel offers a unique photo opportunity with a screen-used TARDIS. Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for exterior shots. For interior shots (if allowed), a camera with good low-light performance would be beneficial. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around public attractions. It's advisable to check local regulations and venue policies before attempting to fly a drone. Instagram

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