Embark on a breathtaking journey to the stars in the new Thomas Planetarium. Through 3-D graphics, surround sound and a dome screen, the planetarium offers a fascinating way to learn about astronomy, the solar system and more.
The planetarium is home to a wide variety of interactive astronomy demonstrations, educational programs and films.
Buy tickets online or at the museum front desk. Prices do not include museum general admission: You must purchase a museum general admission ticket in addition to your planetarium ticket unless you are a museum member. Seating is limited, so it's recommended that visitors purchase tickets in advance. Planetarium doors close promptly on the hour, so please arrive at least 10 minutes early.
Planetarium show tickets vary from $4 to $10. Museum members receive a $2 discount on planetarium show tickets.
The planetarium has 39 seats and is accessible to people with disabilities.
Astronomy workshops and other planetarium activities are available to school groups September through May.
Many of our most popular shows were developed with young learners in mind, and the Anchorage Museum offers these shows daily throughout the summer. Check the schedule below to find a show that's right for your family.
The Thomas Planetarium features a state-of-the-art Digitarium Kappa Fixed model digital planetarium system manufactured by Digitalis Education Solutions, Inc. Our Digitarium system generates immersive images on the interior surface of a 180-degree dome that's 24 feet in diameter.
Some content generously provided by The British Fulldome Institute.
Observe Alaska's iconic brown bears as they nurture cubs, fish for salmon, and play in their natural environment. This immersive, full-dome planetarium show plants you in the middle of the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, where more than 100 brown bears congregate each summer to bulk up for the harsh winter. Learn how the bears' remarkable intelligence and instincts help them survive in the Alaska wilderness. (25 minutes)
$6 plus museum admission.
Starting from ancient times, learn about the history of planetary discovery, especially that of Pluto, and how it has led to an amazing mission to explore the Kuiper Belt. Explore the New Horizons spacecraft, its mission to dwarf planet Pluto, and how the scientific method applies to our understanding of the Solar System.
$6 plus museum admission.
This double feature includes the best astronomy photography on Earth paired with the story of an engineering feat that is out of this world. First, sit back and watch as images from the 2015 Astronomy Photographer of the Year (APY) competition fill the planetarium dome, and spark imagination and interest in astronomy and photography. Then listen to NASA astronaut and engineer Jeff Hoffman tell the story of how he helped repair the Hubble Telescope so that it could take photographs that peer deeper into space than ever before. $6 plus museum admission
Global Soundscapes takes you on an ear-opening journey into the science of sound and the exciting new field of soundscape ecology. Experience basic acoustics through fun interactive activities and incredible slow-motion footage of pulsating musical instruments, vibrating vocal cords, and slobbering raspberries. Learn how animal sounds occupy unique sonic niches in lush, orchestral soundscapes. Discover how soundscape ecology can be used to assess the biodiversity and health of global ecosystems. $6 plus museum admission
The aurora borealis are a notable feature in the land of the midnight sun. Above Alaska takes you to the remote forests and mountains of Alaska to experience a night under the northern lights. Shot in vivid, high-resolution full-dome format, the presentation features some of the best aurora displays from the last two years, as filmed from different locations throughout the state. You'll see and experience the aurora the same way Alaskans do, but without the frostbite. $6 plus museum admission.
BUY TICKETS 12:30 p.m.
BUY TICKETS 2:30 p.m.
Watch a story about how the airplane has changed the world. Filmed in 18 countries across all seven continents, “Living in the Age of Airplanes” renews our appreciation for one of the most extraordinary and awe-inspiring aspects of the modern world. The film is produced and directed by Brian J. Terwilliger (One Six Right), narrated by Harrison Ford, and features an original score by Academy Award-winning composer James Horner.
$4-$6 plus museum admission.
Be transported by mood-altering art and 3-D graphics choreographed to some of Led Zeppelin’s biggest hits, including “Whole Lotta Love,” “Immigrant Song” and “Ramble On.” This immersive rock ‘n’ roll experience plays out on the museum's full-dome planetarium screen and features a state-of-the-art sound system. Audience advisory: Adult subject matter.
$5 plus museum admission.
