Our planetarium offers an immersive experience that brings the wonders of the universe to life. Each show is a captivating journey designed to inspire and educate visitors of all ages.
The Charleston Planetarium currently features an inflatable dome, spanning 23 feet in diameter and accommodating 40 chairs. Constructed with innovative materials and next-generation technology, the inflatable dome offers an uninterrupted hemispherical projection surface.
Seating for the dome includes 40 padded, non-reclining chairs. The planetarium dome theatre is installed in Citadel Mall in Charleston, SC. Tickets are available for individual show times, and yes, we cater to field trips and birthday parties!
Planetarium Seating Advisory: Please note that our current seating, generously donated, does not tilt or include headrests. Guests with back or neck concerns may want to consider this when purchasing tickets. Your comfort is important to us, and we are actively searching for a solution to this issue. We appreciate your patience and understanding!
“The goal of the temporary location is for people to realize the benefits of having a planetarium in Charleston, which could lead to sponsors or businesses raising money to help establish a permanent one. In the meantime, he said this is a nice step to let the public see what it’s like and give kids more options for field trips.” – Chris Fragile, Astronomy Professor at College of Charleston
Explore Our Planetarium Shows
Our planetarium offers an immersive experience that brings the wonders of the universe to life. Each show is a captivating journey designed to inspire and educate visitors of all ages. "Cosmology" takes you through the history of our understanding of the universe, from ancient beliefs to modern discoveries about the Big Bang.
"Out There" reveals how planets like Earth are common in the cosmos and explores the incredible variety of worlds beyond our solar system. "Big Astronomy" transports you to Chile’s world-class observatories, where scientists and engineers uncover the secrets of the universe.
"Max Goes to the Moon" stars Max the Dog and a young girl named Tori take the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era, and their trip proves so inspiring to people back on Earth that all the nations of the world come together to build a great Moon colony. Ages Pre-K to 5
Photograph by Clint Shimer, Astrophotographer
Find Us at The Citadel Mall
BENEFITS OF A PLANETARIUM
An Immersive Experience
The planetarium portrays our universe in ways that flat-screen films cannot. Though similar to the immersion of virtual
reality (VR), the planetarium provides a shared experience, allowing visitors to engage with the presenter and each other.
Spatial Freedom
Planetariums allow audiences to travel to view the universe from different vantage points. Digital planetariums
can speed learners through time and allow observations from different locations on the Earth’s surface.
Inspirational Environment
Every planetarium immerses visitors in a 3D environment that evokes realism. The incredible number and depth of stars in a truly dark sky immediately capture attention and evoke awe.
Lifelong Learning
This kind of informal science learning experience supports lifelong science learning by generating interest in science, improving academic achievement in students, and developing skills and understanding of the natural world.
An Inclusive Environment
Modern planetarium designs offer a variety of solutions to enable accessibility for visitors with physical and sensory disabilities. Seating can include spaces for wheelchair users and companions. Well-designed lighting can support both comfort and safety.
Dynamic Learning
A planetarium shows the locations and movements of the planets and other objects in the universe like stars, comets, asteroids, constellations, galaxies, and other space phenomena.
Non-Profit Status
Charleston Planetarium Society is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to science education.
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