Field Trips and Private Shows
Overview
Abrams Planetarium offers a variety of instructional programs on astronomical topics for groups of all ages. Multiple-visit sequences can also be arranged for groups for a more classroom-integrated experience. All group visits are private and no other groups will join your shows.
Group shows happen by reservation only. Please reserve your visit at least 2 weeks in advance.
Program Availability
Regular programs are available Tuesdays through Fridays at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Other dates and times may be available by special arrangement at a higher cost. For a single show, allow one hour for the program and at least 15 minutes for check-in and restroom use.
Private shows outside of regular showtimes are available as well depending on schedule availability.
Program Description
A single planetarium show typically lasts about an hour. We have a variety of shows you can choose from for all ages which are listed in our Show Library. Most groups choose pre-recorded planetarium shows. These shows are about 25-35 minutes long, and the remainder of the hour is a live star talk about what is in the night sky. We do also offer completely live shows specifically for school groups that are aligned with Michigan Science Standards.
We do offer multi-sequence shows at a discount. Multi-sequence shows are for groups that wish to come to the planetarium multiples times on different days in a school year with the same set of students. These are only available to during the regular weekday time slots.
A 2-sequence show can also be booked as a longer single visit that lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours when the schedule allows.
Late Arrivals
We ask you try and arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and to allow time for seating and restrooms. If you arrive late for your program, we will do our best to accommodate your group for the full-length show. However, if we have another group after yours, we may need to cut the show short.
How to Reserve a Program
Reservations are only taken by phone, so please call us at (517) 355-4676. You can email us at abrams@msu.edu with questions, but you will still need to call to book your show. Our main office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - noon and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30. If you do not reach us, leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we can.
Please make reservations at least two weeks in advance. As shows are scheduled on a first come, first served basis, we strongly recommend making reservations at least one month in advance.
When you call it is helpful to have the following information ready:
- Preferred date and time
- Back up dates and times in case your first choice is filled
- The number of students, teachers, and chaperones you expect. It does not need to be an exact number, only an rough estimate.
- Any accommodations your students or group members may need such as captioning, tactile supports, sensory friendly options, etc.
- What show you would like to see. It is okay if you do not know when you make the reservation. You can review all shows in our Show Library. We are happy to customize shows to your specific curricular needs. If you are unsure of the best show, we are happy to offer recommendations. Teachers are also welcome to schedule an appointment to preview shows if they so wish before visiting.
Program Fees
Fees are charged per person. For groups from larger organizations, staff are free. Fees are only charged for students and chaperones.
We charge for a minimum of 20 people for all group shows. If your group has less than 20 people, you will be charged a flat fee equivalent to a group of 20 people.
Payment for the shows are to be due at arrival. You only pay for who is present that day. Please have your final headcount ready when you arrive. It is much easier and faster if you pay for all people in your group including chaperones.
We accept all major forms of payment including cash, checks, and credit cards. For MSU groups, we also accept account numbers. Please bring payment with you, though we can take payment over the phone. If you need an invoice in advance, please contact us at (517)355-4676 or email us at abrams@msu.edu.
If you are paying by check, please make it out to Michigan State University. Please note that if the check is for more than the cost of the final headcount, we cannot refund the overage.
| Type | Fee per person | Minimum charge |
|---|---|---|
| Single Show | $3.00 | $60.00 |
| 2-Show Sequence | $5.25 | $105.00 |
| 3-show Sequence | $7.50 | $150.00 |
| After hours show | $5.00 | $100.00 |
Additional Information
Address
Parking
Parking on MSU's campus during the weekdays is difficult and limited. We encourage you to consolidate your group onto buses or as few cars as possible. The exact time of your visit may change the parking situation.
Bus Parking
Directly in front of the planetarium we have a curb cutout that can fit about 2 buses for group visits. The buses can park there for free and remain there for the length of your show. For groups without buses we can fit up to 6 cars on this curb. Cars need to be registered and you will receive this information as part of your confirmation email when you book a show.
Cars on Weekdays before 6pm
The closest spot to park cars on weekdays is the ramp behind the planetarium, Lot 51. Use the entrances on North or South Shaw lane farther from the planetarium/closer to the Law school to access the basement floors. These spots are metered. You can pay, using your license plate number, on the MSU Spot On app or at the kiosks. If those are full, Lot 39 or the Wharton Center, Lot 19, are the next closest lots.
Cars on Weekends or Weekdays after 6pm
The lot directly across the street from the planetarium, Lot 41, is free and available to park.
Virtual Tour
Check our our virtual tour before you visit. This is useful for anyone who needs to see the layout of the space for accessibility or to introduce the space to students before field trips. The virtual tour was created by AbleEyes.
Other Places to Visit at MSU
There is more to explore during your visit. Michigan State University is full of exciting places for your group to visit, learn, and discover. Now you can find many of them in one spot: https://visitlearn.msu.edu, where over a dozen destinations are just waiting to be explored. Rediscover a favorite or try something new!
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