Experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere
Star Shows in the Orthwein Starbay Theater are your gateway to the stars and beyond. Let the beauty of a clear, dark sky be your window into the universe as one of our skilled Planetarium Presenters leads each audience on a live exploration of the cosmos.
Shows are offered on a variety of topics and include a 40-45 minute live Planetarium program powered by our world-class ZEISS Universarium Mark IX star projector underneath our 80-foot dome.
After each show, explore the exhibit galleries on the 2nd and 3rd levels of the McDonnell Planetarium available only to guests who attend a Star Show.
Live. Current. Unforgettable.
Members can get their free tickets to the Planetarium by logging in online.
Now Showing at the McDonnell Planetarium
Science of the Zodiac – NEW
The 12 constellations of the zodiac hold a special place in our popular culture, but what makes these patterns different than any of the others found among the stars?
Explore how to observe these constellations and how they have shaped humanity’s scientific understanding of the sky in Science of the Zodiac!
Pricing
- Free for Members
- $6.00 Non-member adults
- $5.00 children/seniors
- $4.00 military
Members can get their free tickets to the Planetarium by logging in online.
Gateway to the Solar System
Exploring the solar system – and worlds beyond our own – is not science fiction. Gateway to the Solar System empowers audience members to discover planets, moons, and more by simply looking up.
Pricing
- Free for Members
- $6.00 Non-member adults
- $5.00 children/seniors
- $4.00 military
Members can get their free tickets to the Planetarium by logging in online.
Live Sky Tonight
Relax under the clearest night sky in St. Louis as our skilled presenters lead you on tour of the best the night has to offer. This live show is different every time, so stop back again to discover the changing stars, planets, and other celestial events visible from your own backyard.
Pricing
- Free for Members
- $6.00 Non-member adults
- $5.00 children/seniors
- $4.00 military
Members can get their free tickets to the Planetarium by logging in online.
The Little Star that Could
A tradition in St. Louis for over 30 years! Developed for our youngest stargazers, experience the timeless story of an “average” star in search of what makes him special. Along his journey, we will discover the differences of stars, planets, and galaxies in the night sky.
Note: Not a live performance
Pricing
- Free for Members
- $6.00 Non-member adults
- $5.00 children/seniors
- $4.00 military
Members can get their free tickets to the Planetarium by logging in online.
Current Star Show Schedule
Monday, October 18
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Thursday, October 21
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Friday, October 22
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Saturday, October 23
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Sunday, October 24
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Monday, October 25
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Thursday, October 28
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Friday, October 29
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Saturday, October 30
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Sunday, October 31
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Monday, November 01
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Thursday, November 04
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Friday, November 05
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Saturday, November 06
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Sunday, November 07
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Monday, November 08
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Thursday, November 11
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Friday, November 12
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Saturday, November 13
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Sunday, November 14
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Monday, November 15
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Thursday, November 18
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Friday, November 19
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Saturday, November 20
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Sunday, November 21
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Monday, November 22
Planetarium: Live Sky Tonight
Planetarium: The Little Star That Could
Planetarium: Gateway to the Solar System
Planetarium: Science of the Zodiac
Membership
Members stargaze for free.
Love the Planetarium? Become a Science Center member and watch star shows for free with every visit, as well as get a full year of additional members-only benefits.
Plus, members help support the Science Center and our mission to make science learning open to everyone.
Accessibility
Elevators and ramps serve all public areas of the McDonnell Planetarium.
We also offer hearing assist devices for Planetarium star shows. When ordering tickets, please let your reservationist know you’re interested in a hearing assist device, or speak with a Planetarium team member before your program begins.