Morrison Planetarium: A Window to the Cosmos

The Morrison Planetarium, nestled within the California Academy of Sciences, offers an unparalleled voyage through the cosmos. As one of the largest all-digital planetariums in the world, its 75-foot dome envelops visitors in a hyper-realistic virtual environment, showcasing the latest astronomical discoveries and theories. Originally opened in 1952, the Morrison Planetarium was the first major planetarium projector built in the United States. In its early days, the planetarium staff and volunteers designed and constructed the 'Academy Projector'. During World War II, the Academy had a special role, and one of the exhibit halls was converted into an optical repair shop. The planetarium was renovated in 2008, transforming it into a state-of-the-art, all-digital dome. The Morrison Planetarium continues to be a leader in astronomical education and entertainment. Today, the Morrison Planetarium utilizes cutting-edge scientific data to create stunning visualizations of the universe. Every star, planet, spacecraft, or galaxy precisely mirrors a real-world counterpart, offering a uniquely immersive experience. The planetarium offers a variety of shows appealing to different interests and age groups. From exploring the solar system to cultural and indigenous astronomy perspectives, there's always something new to discover. Free reservations are required for all shows and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.