Samuel Oschin Planetarium
With a new dome, star projector, laser digital projection system, seats, sound system, and theatrical lighting, the 300-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium theater is the finest planetarium in the world. The opening show - Centered in the Universe - takes visitors on a cosmic journey of exploration and discovery. Live presentations of the program are scheduled every 60-90 minutes each day the Observatory is open.
Show Schedule
There are eight shows each weekday and ten shows each weekend day. The schedule for shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium is:
Tuesday-Friday: 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m.
Closed Mondays
To the extent possible, shows will be presented on the posted schedule. However, it is possible that technical difficulties or required maintenance will cause the cancellation of one or more shows. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.
How to Buy Tickets
Show tickets may be purchased ONLY at the Observatory, only for that day's shows. Tickets are available at the Ticket Counter inside the W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda or at the automated ticket machines around the building.
Tickets are sold in blocks of 2-3 shows at a time during the course of each day, on a first-come, first-served basis. While there is no way to ensure the ability to purchase a ticket, visiting on weekdays will improve your chances.
Tickets for each show are sold until 10 minutes before the start of that show, unless tickets have been sold out prior to that time. For example, tickets for the 1:45 p.m. planetarium show will be taken off sale at 1:35 p.m.
There is a limit of 8 planetarium tickets per transaction. Coming on a tour or other group bus does NOT entitle you to purchase blocks of planetarium tickets.
Once you have purchased planetarium tickets, there will be NO refunds (unless the show is canceled).
Ticket Prices
Tickets for shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium are priced as follows:
| Adults and Children 13 years and older | $7.00 |
| FOTO members | $5.00 |
| Children 5-12 years | $3.00 |
| Seniors (60 years and older) | $5.00 |
| Small children (under 5 years) | FREE (but must sit on the lap of a parent or guardian |
Planetarium show is not appropriate for children under five years of age
The content, visuals, and sound of the program in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium are likely to be disorienting and/or disturbing for such children. To ensure a satisfying experience for all our visitors, children under 5 years old will ONLY be admitted to the following shows each day:
Tuesday-Friday 12:45 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 10:45 a.m.
Children under five will be admitted free of charge to these shows, but they MUST sit on the lap of a parent or guardian.
Once You Have Your Ticket
Please make sure you are in line for your show at least 10 minutes before the show time printed on your ticket. There will be building announcements as a reminder before each show, but you are ultimately responsible for being on time.
There will be absolutely no late admission to the theater. Once the doors have closed, the show is underway and must not be interrupted.
Hearing assist receivers are available upon request. With 72-hour advance notice, we can also make provision for sign-language interpretation.
For More Information
If you have other questions about seeing the program in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, please call the Observatory's General Information Line at: 1-213-473-0800 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
For more information about the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, please click here.
