The Hayden Planetarium is located inside the American Museum of Natural History in New York City

The Hayden Planetarium is a public planetarium housed within the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It sits at Central Park West and 79th Street in New York City. The planetarium opened in its current form in 2000 after a major renovation and features a 429-seat theater with a digital projection system that displays the night sky and space-related content.

The planetarium is not a separate building — you enter it as part of your visit to the museum itself. This means you need a museum ticket to access the planetarium, and planetarium shows are separate ticketed experiences on top of general museum admission. The shows run throughout the day on a set schedule, and seats fill up, especially on weekends and school holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • You must buy a ticket to the American Museum of Natural History first, then purchase separate planetarium show tickets at the museum.
  • The planetarium offers multiple shows daily, ranging from 20 to 40 minutes, with different content aimed at different ages and interests.
  • Ticket prices and show schedules vary by season, and popular shows often sell out on weekends, so arriving early or buying tickets in advance is practical.
  • The planetarium is wheelchair accessible, and the museum offers accommodations for visitors with disabilities, though you should contact them ahead of time for specific needs.

What shows are currently running and how long they last

The Hayden Planetarium rotates its programming throughout the year. Shows typically last between 20 and 40 minutes and cover topics like the solar system, deep space exploration, the history of astronomy, and seasonal night sky viewing. Some shows are designed for young children, while others target older audiences or adults with more technical interest in astronomy.

The museum's website lists the current show lineup, showtimes, and which shows are recommended for which age groups. Because the theater has a fixed number of seats and shows run on a schedule, you cannot straightforward walk in whenever you want — you must choose a specific showtime when you buy your ticket. On busy days, afternoon and early evening shows often fill up first.

How to buy tickets and what the costs are

Tickets work in two layers. First, you need general admission to the American Museum of Natural History itself. The museum charges a suggested admission price, but New York State residents and students can pay a lower amount if they choose. Exact prices change seasonally and by visitor category (adult, child, senior, student).

Planetarium show tickets are sold separately, either at the museum's ticket desk or online through the museum's website before your visit. Show tickets cost more than general admission alone. The museum's website displays current pricing and allows you to reserve specific showtimes in advance. Buying online ahead of time reduces the risk of arriving and finding your preferred show sold out.

Accessibility and accommodations for visitors with disabilities

The planetarium theater and surrounding museum spaces are wheelchair accessible. The American Museum of Natural History provides accessible parking, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout the building. Seating in the planetarium theater includes spaces for wheelchair users.

If you have specific accessibility needs — such as a need for a sign language interpreter, audio description, or other accommodations — contact the museum's accessibility office before your visit. The museum can arrange these services with advance notice. The museum's main phone line and website both provide contact information for accessibility inquiries.

What to bring and how to prepare for your visit

Bring your ticket confirmation (digital or printed), a valid ID if you are claiming a discount, and comfortable clothing. The planetarium theater is climate-controlled but can feel cool, so a light layer is practical. The museum itself is large, so wear comfortable walking shoes.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled show to locate the planetarium entrance, use the restroom, and settle into your seat. The museum can be crowded, especially on weekends, so plan extra time to navigate from the main entrance to the planetarium. If you are visiting with children, review the age recommendations for your chosen show beforehand — some shows include content or pacing better suited to older children.

Nearby parking, transit, and museum hours

The American Museum of Natural History is accessible by subway via the 81st Street station on the A and C lines, or the 79th Street station on the B and C lines. Street parking in the Upper West Side is limited and often requires a permit. Several paid parking garages operate within a few blocks of the museum.

Museum hours vary by season and day of the week. The museum is typically open daily, but hours are longer on weekends and shorter on some weekdays. Check the museum's website for current hours before you visit, as hours change for holidays and special events. The planetarium operates during regular museum hours, so you cannot visit the planetarium outside those times.

What happens if you arrive late or need to reschedule

If you arrive after your scheduled showtime has begun, you will not be admitted to that show. The theater doors close once the show starts to avoid disrupting the presentation. If you miss your show, you can purchase a ticket for a later showtime if seats are available, but this costs additional money.

If you need to reschedule your visit, check the museum's website for its cancellation and rescheduling policy. Policies vary depending on how far in advance you booked and whether you purchased tickets online or at the museum. Contact the museum directly if you have questions about changing your reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring children under a certain age into the planetarium?

There is no strict age cutoff, but the museum recommends specific shows for different age groups. Some shows are designed for very young children and include shorter runtimes and gentler content. Others are better suited to school-age children or adults. Check the age recommendations for each show before buying your ticket.

Is food and drink allowed in the planetarium theater?

Outside food and drink policies vary. The museum has a cafeteria and snack areas, and you can typically purchase food there. Check the museum's website or ask at the ticket desk about what you can bring into the theater itself, as policies may restrict outside beverages or food to protect the equipment.

Can I take photos or videos during the show?

Photography and video recording are typically not permitted during planetarium shows. This protects the intellectual property of the show content and prevents light from cameras from disrupting other visitors' experience. The museum may allow photos in the museum galleries outside the theater.

What if the planetarium is closed on the day I want to visit?

The planetarium closes on certain holidays and occasionally for maintenance. Check the museum's website calendar before planning your trip. If the planetarium is closed, you can still visit the rest of the American Museum of Natural History, or you can reschedule your planetarium visit for another date.

Do I need to buy my planetarium ticket in advance, or can I buy it the day of my visit?

You can buy tickets the day of your visit at the museum's ticket desk, but popular shows often sell out, especially on weekends and during school breaks. Buying online in advance guarantees your seat and lets you choose your preferred showtime without risk of it being full.