The Morrison Planetarium transforms you into space explorers without leaving Earth. Located within the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, this astronomical wonder combines cutting-edge technology with scientific discovery to create an experience that captivates audiences of all ages. Whether you're planning a family outing or seeking an educational adventure, the Morrison Planetarium offers an extraordinary journey through the cosmos that ranks among the best planetarium experiences in the United States.
What Makes the Morrison Planetarium Unique?
The Morrison Planetarium sets itself apart through revolutionary technology and scientific precision. The facility features the largest all-digital dome in the world, creating an unparalleled view of the universe through state-of-the-art projection systems. This massive dome spans 90 feet in diameter, enveloping you in a 360-degree visual experience that makes you feel like you're floating through space.
The planetarium's NanoSeam projection screen creates seamless imagery. This innovative technology eliminates the visible lines that typically appear on traditional dome screens, resulting in a realistic recreation of space that immerses you completely in each presentation. The advanced digital projectors work together to display over 16 million pixels of resolution, bringing distant galaxies, nebulae, and planetary surfaces to vivid life.
Beyond the impressive hardware, the Morrison Planetarium delivers immersive 3D journeys through space using fulldome imagery and real scientific data. The planetarium's shows transport you through the solar system, into distant star clusters, and across billions of light-years to explore the far reaches of the universe. Each presentation uses authentic astronomical observations vetted by Academy scientists, ensuring that your cosmic adventure remains grounded in scientific accuracy.
Must-See Shows at the Planetarium
The Morrison Planetarium offers diverse programming that appeals to space enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Recent offerings include "Life: A Cosmic Story," which takes you on an epic journey from the Big Bang to Earth's incredible biodiversity today, narrated by acclaimed actress Jodie Foster. This high-speed tour reveals how cosmic events shaped the conditions that allowed life to flourish on our planet.
"Incoming!" offers a thrilling close-up encounter with asteroids and comets, perfectly timed for the Academy's Dino Days celebration. Narrated by Star Trek legend George Takei, this original planetarium production explores these fascinating celestial objects and their role in shaping planetary history.
"One Sky" presents a unique cultural perspective on astronomy through five short films that explore how different cultures and indigenous communities around the world view the night sky. This thoughtful presentation demonstrates how astronomy connects all of humanity while celebrating diverse ways of understanding our place in the universe.
Planetarium shows come with your general admission to the California Academy of Sciences. However, seating is limited and shows fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays.
To secure your preferred showtimes, reserve your seats in advance through the Academy's website or mobile app. Arrive at the planetarium entrance at least 15 minutes before your selected show begins. Popular time slots, particularly afternoon presentations, tend to book first, so morning shows often offer better availability for last-minute visitors.
Space Science for All Ages
Family-Friendly Interactive Exhibits
The planetarium area includes hands-on exhibits that complement the dome presentations. Interactive displays let you manipulate digital models of planets, explore the scale of the solar system, and learn about the physics of space travel. Touch-screen stations provide detailed information about current space missions, allowing you to dive deeper into topics that captured your interest during the shows.
The Academy's Visualization Studio produces content specifically designed to engage different age groups. Younger children enjoy colorful presentations about our solar system, while teenagers and adults appreciate more complex explorations of black holes, galaxy formation, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
Tips for Engaging Kids and Teens
Make the most of your planetarium visit by preparing younger visitors for the unique experience. Explain that the dome will darken completely during shows, which some children might find overwhelming at first. Encourage kids to look up at the curved ceiling and point out interesting objects they spot during presentations.
For teenagers, connect the planetarium experience to current events in space exploration. Discuss recent Mars discoveries, upcoming moon missions, or the search for potentially habitable exoplanets. The Morrison Planetarium's scientific accuracy makes it an excellent resource for students studying astronomy or physics.
Consider timing your visit around your family's energy levels. Morning shows often work better for younger children who might become restless during afternoon presentations. The planetarium's reclining seats accommodate comfortable viewing, but active toddlers may need breaks between longer shows.
Morrison Planetarium Photos
Step into a visual journey that captures the magic and wonder of the Morrison Planetarium experience. These images showcase the impressive dome architecture, the mesmerizing projections that transport you across the cosmos, and the awe-inspiring moments that make this San Francisco attraction truly special. From the sleek interior design to the stunning celestial displays, these photos offer a glimpse into what awaits during your visit to one of the world's most advanced planetariums.
Why CityPASS® Tickets Are the Smart Way To Explore San Francisco
Experience the Morrison Planetarium and other top San Francisco attractions while saving significantly on admission costs. San Francisco CityPASS® tickets include admission to the California Academy of Sciences, giving you access to the planetarium along with the aquarium, rainforest dome, and natural history museum, all in one convenient package.
For visitors planning a shorter San Francisco stay, San Francisco C3 tickets offer admission to three must-see attractions. This option provides excellent value for travelers who want to experience the city's highlights while maintaining schedule flexibility.
San Francisco CityPASS® tickets simplify your visit planning, allowing you to focus on experiencing the wonders of the Morrison Planetarium and other world-class San Francisco attractions without worrying about individual admission fees or complicated booking processes.
San Francisco Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in San Francisco, we recommend finding lodging near San Francisco's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Header Image ©Tim Griffith, Courtesy of California Academy of Sciences