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Museums

Hayden Planetarium

📍 Manhattan, NY

4.6(611 Google reviews)👶3+

Dedicated planetarium featuring dome theater space shows for ages 3 and up. Current programming includes Passport to the Universe and Milky Way. Part of the American Museum of Natural History complex.

Immersive dome showsEducational space contentPart of AMNHControlled capacityStunning visualsMixed exhibit quality
★★★★★Featured review by Maiken O.

If you or your ego needs a bit of humble pie, just go watch the “Milky Way” movie currently playing in the Hayden Planetarium. It will make you feel small, insignificant and utterly alone - in the good kind of way that only space can do. The movie is very informational and educational while also beautiful, and the theatre itself is spacious, clean and not overcrowded - the museum makes sure of that.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children ages 8 and up who have a genuine interest in astronomy or space science. The dome shows are the core experience — cinematic, informative, and genuinely awe-inspiring. Manage expectations around the surrounding exhibits, which some visitors find underwhelming relative to the planetarium itself.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Book planetarium show tickets in advance — capacity is controlled and shows sell out
Combine the planetarium with AMNH galleries to extend the visit
🎟️The Milky Way and Passport to the Universe shows both run well for school-age children
🚗The theater is spacious with good sightlines from most seats

💬 What Families Are Saying

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4.6

611 Google reviews

Excellent dome shows and visuals50%
Educational and informative25%
Surrounding exhibits divide opinion15%
Spacious and well-organised theater10%
M

Maiken O.

a month ago

If you or your ego needs a bit of humble pie, just go watch the “Milky Way” movie currently playing in the Hayden Planetarium. It will make you feel small, insignificant and utterly alone - in the good kind of way that only space can do. The movie is very informational and educational while also beautiful, and the theatre itself is spacious, clean and not overcrowded - the museum makes sure of that.

S

Sascha Bragard

7 years ago

The Hayden Planetary is nothing else but excellent. The architecture: unique and inspirational. The exhibition: best I've ever seen. The theatre: amazing and bombastic. An excellent place to learn. To learn by doing, listening or just watching. The Hayden Planetary is embedded in a neighborhood of nice old buildings. A must for every NYC visitor!

A

Amandip Kaur

a year ago

The planetarium was remarkable. Definitely recommend the Passport to the Universe Space Show. For a moment it felt like being in 2001: A Space Odyssey film scene. Cool experience !

J

J 1

2 years ago

My visit to the Haden Planetarium left me with a sense of disappointment and a desire for a refund. The "Peoples" exhibits, while attempting to showcase diverse cultures, seemed to fall short, often overlooking non-European perspectives. The standing planetarium show, unfortunately, paled in comparison to those I've experienced in New England, lacking the immersive quality one would expect. The museum's overall quality doesn't come close to the majestic Royal Museum in Toronto. The planetarium and its silly spiral exhibit felt mediocre, leaving me questioning the value of the entrance fee. In hindsight, I wish I could get a refund, as the experience was far from worth it.

Reviews from Google

Overview

The Hayden Planetarium sits inside the American Museum of Natural History, offering dome theater presentations that take audiences through deep space with narrated visuals and surround sound. Current shows include Passport to the Universe and Milky Way. The theater seats a controlled capacity audience with a spacious layout. Surrounding AMNH galleries extend the visit considerably.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:30
Tuesday10:00 – 17:30
Wednesday10:00 – 17:30
Thursday10:00 – 17:30
Friday10:00 – 17:30
Saturday10:00 – 17:30
Sunday10:00 – 17:30

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