Event Rentals

Availability

Generally, we can host events: Monday-Thursday after 6:00 pm, Saturdays before 7 pm, or Sundays after before noon or after 6pm. We do not typically host events in August, as that is our maintenance period. Due to our small staff, we can only do a limited number of events per year, so all events are determined on a case by case basis. We cannot take reservations for events more than one year in advance. 

We are also not able to host events during MSU home football games. Please check the schedule in advance.

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Rates

Whole Planetarium - $150/hour

Includes:

• Use of the lobby space for setting up tables, chairs, food, and drink
• 1 hour before and after the event for setup and cleanup
• Use of 8 six-foot folding rectangular tables, see image above
• Use of 32 black metal folding chairs, see image above
• Set up help from Abrams Planetarium staff

Not Included:

• Additional tables and chairs if needed, or different styles of tables and chairs
• Table coverings
• Decor

Planetariumm show add-on

• 30 Minute Show- $2.50 per person
• 45 Minute Show- $3.75 per person
• 60 Minute Show- $5.00 per person

Payment is due the day of the event. We accept cash, most major credit cards, check, and MSU account numbers.

You can choose any show in our library or a live star talk. If you only want a show, please book a private show.

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Decor Policy

You are welcome to decorate in the lobby and theater. We do ask you to be considerate of the space and avoid decor that is difficult to clean up such as glitter, confetti, or other items that leave small bits behind. 

Decor Restrictions

• No standing lit candles as part of decor. Please use battery operated candles instead. It is permitted to use briefly lit candles for birthday cakes or ceremonies.
• Helium balloons are strictly prohibited. We cannot risk a balloon getting lost in the theater. The dome is 35 feet high and there is no easy way to retrieve balloons.

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Food and Drink Policy

You are welcome to food and drink in our lobby, but not in our theater. We do not have a kitchen, so any caterers need to be made aware of that. You can also self-cater.

Alcohol is generally not allowed per university rules, though under certain circumstances a waiver from the Board of Trustees can be requested for beer and wine only. That process requires 8 weeks advance notice.

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Capacity

We recommend keeping events to less than 80 people, due to spatial restrictions for tables and chairs in the lobby.

If you are not setting up tables and chairs in the lobby, and are only hosting in the theater (for example: a wedding ceremony, but not the reception), the theater can seat up to 141 people.

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Custom Content

                  

With sufficient notice, we can accommodate special visualizations in the planetarium. Depending on the complexity and time to create those, we may charge fees on a case by base basis.

We are also able to accommodate standard slide presentations, and have microphones available for use for any presentations you wish to give. 

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Photography

Lighting in the planetarium theater is tricky, as the room needs to be dark enough to see the projections. The dome is also highly reflective. This can pose challenges for photographers who are taking pictures for any events in the dome. We strongly encourage photographers come out and preview the space in advance to fully understand the lighting situation. 

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Cancellations

If you need to cancel, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to alert us with sufficient notice will result in a 50% charge of the original fee. If the planetarium cancels, or there is inclement weather, there will be no charge.