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W.A. Gayle Planetarium: Montgomery's Gateway to the Cosmos

Explore the universe at Montgomery's W.A. Gayle Planetarium: Shows, exhibits, and a digital dome for a cosmic journey in Oak Park.

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The W.A. Gayle Planetarium in Montgomery's Oak Park offers immersive journeys through space with its state-of-the-art digital projection system, exhibits, and shows suitable for all ages. It's a place to explore astronomy, planetary science, and the wonders of the universe.

A brief summary to W.A. Gayle Planetarium

  • Saturday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Check the planetarium's schedule in advance, as showtimes vary and are primarily on Saturdays.
  • Arrive 15-20 minutes early to purchase tickets at the gift shop, especially for popular shows.
  • Consider booking a group reservation for weekday visits, available for groups of 10 or more.
  • Explore Oak Park, where the planetarium is located, for gardens, walking trails, and picnic spots.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Montgomery, head east on I-85 S. Take exit 3 for Ann St toward US-231/US-82/Eastern Bypass. Turn left onto Ann St, continue onto Norman Bridge Rd, then turn right onto Forest Ave. The W.A. Gayle Planetarium is located within Oak Park on the right. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    The Montgomery Area Transit System (The M) provides bus service near Oak Park. Check The M's website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules to stops near Oak Park. From the nearest bus stop, it's a short walk to the planetarium within Oak Park. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown Montgomery to the W.A. Gayle Planetarium is a convenient option. The ride typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $12-$18 for the trip.

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Discover more about W.A. Gayle Planetarium

The W.A. Gayle Planetarium, a fixture in Montgomery's Oak Park since 1968, has been inspiring visitors with the wonders of the cosmos. Named after former Montgomery Mayor William Armistead Gayle, the planetarium provides educational and entertaining experiences for all ages. The planetarium boasts a 159-seat theater equipped with a Super MediaGlobe II digital projection system, installed in 2014. This cutting-edge technology allows for stunning simulations of stars, planets, constellations, and even natural sky phenomena like lightning and auroras. Visitors can journey to the edge of the known universe through immersive full-dome movies and interactive presentations. Beyond the theater, the planetarium offers exhibits that enhance the visitor experience. These include a one-fifth scale model of the Hubble Space Telescope and a black-light hallway depicting the history of astronomy. Images of celestial objects adorn the walls, providing a visual feast of the universe's beauty. The W.A. Gayle Planetarium is operated by the Montgomery Zoo for the City of Montgomery. It reopened in January 2024 after a period of closure, and now offers public shows on Saturdays. Group reservations are available Tuesdays through Fridays.

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