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Department of State

New Jersey State Museum

The Hon. Tahesha Way, Secretary of State
Museum Updates:

The State of New Jersey does not currently require indoor masking for visitors and staff in state buildings.

Astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin

Explore The Museum

Planetarium - Public Programs

Soar into space in the New Jersey State Museum’s Planetarium. Fully upgraded with an Ultra-High Resolution 8K projection system, so your experience is sure to be out of this world! The Planetarium’s spacious, specially designed reclining seats accommodate groups of up to 140, while dynamic and knowledgeable show presenters take the visitor zooming through the solar system with customized star talks.

Public Admission: $10 adult; $5 child (12 years & under) Groups of 15 or more: $5 per person. Advanced ticket sales are not available; box office opens 30 minutes before the first show. Show times are 12:00, 1:00. 2:00 & 3:00 Saturday and Sunday. The public show schedule changes every two months; the current shows are listed in our Calendar of Events.

Current Show Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: Planetarium shows are offered to the public Saturday and Sunday only from September-June. Weekday shows are held for school or community groups with advanced reservations. During the summer months, winter break, and spring break, weekday shows are available to the public. Please check the Events/Calendar page for the most current detailed public shows and times.

School/Group Visits:
To schedule a school or community group visit to the Planetarium, call (609) 292-1382 or email njsm.reservations@sos.nj.gov

Happy Birthday from the New Jersey State Museum!
Bring your child to the Planetarium for their birthday and receive a free gift! Just tell the box office when buying tickets and give them the birthday child’s first name. They will give your child the free gift and the Planetarium will announce the birthday before the show! If you call three or more business days in advance, the Planetarium will also add a banner to the dome to celebrate! To add the banner, contact William Murray at 609-826-3940 or William.murray@sos.nj.gov

Book a Private Show
Engagement? Birthday? Corporate team building? The Planetarium is available to be rented for private shows. Reservations must be made 3 weeks in advance and payment due two weeks in advance. Contact Reservations at (609) 292-1382 or email njsm.reservations@sos.nj.gov.

Private showing includes:

  • Show of your choice
  • Star talk before the show
  • Digital banner to celebrate your special occasion displayed on screen before the show
  • Seating for up to 140 with no minimum

We offer two options:
During regular Museum operation hours: $200 up to 20 people and $5 per person for each additional person up to 140. Private shows are only available on these days and times:

  • 9:30am and 10:30am Saturday and Sunday
  • Between 9:30am and 3:30pm Tuesday-Friday depending on availability

After Hours for an additional fee: $500 up to 20 people and $5 per person for each additional person up to 140. After Hours private shows are available on these days and times:

  • Between 4:00pm and 8:00pm Tuesday-Sunday

*Please note: This option is for one show only. If your group requires event planning including food, presentation stage, sound system or other special considerations you must contact NJSM.rentals@sos.nj.gov to secure a rental contract for use of space.

Virtual Planetarium Sky Views Talk of the Month

Planetarium
December Sky Views

Planetarium Programs

Season of Light

12:00 pm
Season of Light

Suitable for general audiences.

Season of Light is an exploration of the astronomical meanings behind seasonal traditions, including the "Star over Bethlehem". It looks at the reasons humans are so fascinated with lighting up our lives during the December holiday season.

 

1 pm
One World, One Sky

Recommended for ages 3-6 with adults.

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend, Hu Hu Zhu, visits from China. Big Bird, Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu take viewers on an exciting discovery of the Sun, Moon, and stars. They also learn about the Big Dipper and the North Star. Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu then take an imaginary trip to the Moon where they learn that the moon is a very different place from the Earth. They even pick the North Star as their friendship star to always remind them of their shared joy of looking up at the sky together.

Teacher Guide: One World, One Sky

 

2 pm
Laser Holiday Magic!

Enjoy a dazzling laser light show set to traditional holiday music favorites.

 

3 pm
Touch the Stars

“Touch the Stars” dramatically showcases the robotic spacecraft used in the exploration of our solar system and the galaxy beyond. The film traces the path to space through the history of NASA’s probes, orbiters, and landers—from the heart of our solar system and the surface of its planets and moons to the grand tour of the Voyager spacecraft through the outer planets and beyond. Created with the cooperation of NASA and Lockheed Martin, and using the latest high definition imagery and scientific data, fulldome show “Touch the Stars” engages audiences through the use of real footage and 3-dimensional vistas, transporting us to planets and distant stars alongside these heroic robot explorers for an unforgettable voyage.

 

 

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Astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, a native of Montclair, New Jersey, was the second man to stand on the surface of the moon. The visor in his helmet shows a reflection of Astronaut Neil Armstrong (first man on the moon) taking this picture, as well as one footpad of the Lunar Module Eagle and the United States flag planted next to it.

 

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