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Morrison Planetarium: A Window to the Cosmos

Journey through the cosmos at Morrison Planetarium, a state-of-the-art digital dome offering immersive astronomical experiences in Golden Gate Park.

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Located within the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, the Morrison Planetarium is one of the world's largest all-digital planetariums, offering immersive shows that explore the universe. With its state-of-the-art technology and stunning visuals, the planetarium provides an unforgettable journey through space and time.

A brief summary to Morrison Planetarium

  • Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Reservations for planetarium shows are required and can be made upon arrival at the Academy. Check for QR codes in the lobby.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the California Academy of Sciences and Golden Gate Park can get very crowded.
  • Take public transportation to save $3 on daytime admission and avoid parking challenges.
  • Check the Academy's Daily Calendar for the planetarium show schedule and showtimes.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, several MUNI lines provide access to the California Academy of Sciences. The 44 O'Shaughnessy bus stops directly in front of the Academy. Alternatively, take the N Judah Metro to 9th Ave/Irving St. and walk north through Golden Gate Park. A single MUNI fare is $3.00.

  • Driving

    From most parts of San Francisco, head towards Golden Gate Park. Enter the park and follow signs to the California Academy of Sciences. Limited street parking is available on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Nancy Pelosi Drive. The Music Concourse Garage offers underground parking for $5.00 per hour on weekdays and $6.00 per hour on weekends.

  • Walking

    From the Japanese Tea Garden, walk west along the John F. Kennedy Drive, turn left at the Park Presidio Bypass Trail, then turn right onto Music Concourse Drive. The California Academy of Science will be on your left. This is approximately a 10-minute walk.

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Discover more about Morrison Planetarium

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.

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