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Department of State

New Jersey State Museum

The Hon. Tahesha Way, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State
Astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin

Explore The Museum

Planetarium - Public Programs

Soar into space in the New Jersey State Museum’s Planetarium! With our Ultra-High Resolution 8K projection system and our 140 spacious, specially-designed reclined seats, your experience is sure to be comfortable and out of this world! Our dynamic and knowledgeable planetarium presenters will take you on tours of New Jersey’s skies and beyond.

Public Show Times:
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00, 1:00. 2:00 & 3:00
Tuesday – Friday: 2:30

Public shows are roughly 50 minutes total, with full-dome planetarium films preceded by live star talks presented by planetarium staff. Shows for our visitors 8 and younger are roughly 30 minutes long with no pre-show star talk.

The Public Show Schedule changes monthly and is listed in our Calendar of Events. Also see our Calendar of Events to find out about our special public programming!

Once a month, typically on the fourth Saturday of each month, Spanish language shows are available at 10 AM and 11 AM.

Ticket Information:
Children 2 and under    -------------------------Free
Children 3 to 12    --------------------------------$5
Ages 13+    ------------------------------------------$10
Veterans/Seniors/Students    --------------$9
Groups of 15 or more    -----------------------$5 per person.
Families First Card or eWIC Card    ------Up to 4 Tickets Free

Advanced ticket sales are not available; box office opens 30 minutes before the first show

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*

Experience our Ultra-High Resolution 8K projection system in an exclusive private show for you and your friends, family or community group. Reservations must be made three weeks in advance. Final head count and full payment is due two weeks in advance with no exceptions. Contact Reservations at (609) 292-1382 or email njsm.reservations@sos.nj.gov.

Private shows includes:

  • Show of your choice
  • Star talk before the show
  • Digital banner to celebrate your special occasion displayed on dome before the show
  • No minimum for group size

We offer two options:
1. During regular Museum operation hours: $300 for up to 40 people and $5 per person for each additional person up to 140. These private shows are only available on these days and times:

  • Saturday and Sunday: 9:30am and 10:30am
  • Tuesday-Friday: From 9:30am to 2:30pm, depending on availability

2. After-hours for an additional fee: $500 for up to 40 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. This is not a space rental. If your group requires planning for a business event 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. Birthday parties cannot make private use of the public spaces in the building.

Planetarium Programs - Weekends in March

12:00 pm
To Space and Back

Grades: 4 - 12

Join us as we take an incredible journey from the far reaches of our known universe to our own planet. It is an extraordinary story of human ingenuity and incredible engineering, describing how the technology that transports us through space is paving the way for the devices and apps we use every day. Discover how space exploration is shaping your world in this new fully immersive show.

 

1:00 pm
The Moon

The Moon teaches young children about the Earth and the Moon, and how observations can help us better understand the world around us.

 

2:00 pm
Áróra

Áróra is an immersive full-dome show that transports audiences to Iceland to learn the story of the aurora, the northern and southern lights. Voyage through time and space to find out how auroras are caused by the Sun, how Earth’s auroras have siblings across the solar system, and how different cultures have explained this majestic and mysterious phenomenon.

 

3:00 pm
Dinosaurs of Antarctica

NEW- Dinosaurs of Antarctica – Follow along as an expedition of scientists uncover Antarctica’s past through the discovery of ancient animal and plant fossils. Computer-generated imagery brings the story of Antarctica’s geological and ecological history to life, focusing on the Permian and Triassic extinction and Antarctica’s climate transition from Icehouse to Greenhouse. Experience these past eras of Antarctica’s history in the planetarium!

 

 

 

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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