1 / 2UCLA Planetarium
📍 Westwood, CA
Free public planetarium shows every Wednesday evening when UCLA is in session. Sixty-minute presentations split between a special astronomy topic and a star show, hosted by current astronomy graduate students. Seating is sparse — arrive early.
This place is really underrated! I've worked on campus for years, and I can't believe I hadn't heard of it! I attended a special talk and the planetarium show after, and it was very informative and fun. Really nice, especially considering it's free! One thing to keep in mind is that it's best to come at least 5-10 minutes early, as sometimes the seats fill up, and the entry doors close at 7 on the dot.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Families with school-age children who are curious about space and can engage with a 60-minute educational presentation will find this one of the best free science experiences in Los Angeles. The graduate student hosts bring current knowledge and enthusiasm.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →9 Google reviews
Anastasia Vavilina
3 years ago
“This place is really underrated! I've worked on campus for years, and I can't believe I hadn't heard of it! I attended a special talk and the planetarium show after, and it was very informative and fun. Really nice, especially considering it's free! One thing to keep in mind is that it's best to come at least 5-10 minutes early, as sometimes the seats fill up, and the entry doors close at 7 on the dot.”
Google Account
a year ago
“- Public planetarium shows start Wednesdays 8pm April-October and 7pm November-March (except holidays and final exam weeks) - Shows last about 60 minutes, broken up into a special topic show and star show, lasting about 30 minutes each - Located on the 8th floor of the UCLA Mathematical Sciences Building”
Emily Lam
9 years ago
“Though the planetarium can be a little hard to find, it is definitely worth the trip. The planetarium is extremely small so come early to events in order to get a good seat. UCLA will often put on educational talks here and you can actually see the stars and planets.”
Ngoc Tram Nguyen
a year ago
“It was a small place. The show was hosted by students but it was very informative. We were given a whole lecture about the history of the universe, then the star show began. The machine was quite old but the show went well.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
UCLA Planetarium sits on the 8th floor of the Mathematical Sciences Building and opens to the public on Wednesday evenings throughout the academic year. Each 60-minute show divides into a special topic segment — covering constellations, astronomical phenomena, or cosmology — followed by a star show. Graduate students in astronomy run every presentation. The space is intimate, seating is sparse, and the projector delivers a clear star view. Entry is free.
