Located on the University of Arizona campus, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium inspires visitors of all ages with the wonders of science.
Explore the solar system and beyond in Flandrau’s state-of-the-art planetarium theater, featuring a fulldome digital projection system that can launch from the Earth and fly to planets, moons, and asteroids. Flandrau also offers fun interactive science exhibits and the dazzling specimens of the UA Mineral Museum.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Where is Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium located?
Flandrau is located on the University of Arizona campus at 1601 E. University Blvd in Tucson.
What are the hours?
- Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm
- Friday 9:00am-10:00pm
- Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm
- Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm
Why would I visit Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium?
- To see a show in the state-of-the-art planetarium theater
- To explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits
- To be dazzled by the mineral specimens in the UA Mineral Museum
- To attend a birthday party
- To go on a field trip
How much does it cost?
Admission to the Science Center exhibits, including the UA Mineral Museum and one (1) Planetarium show, is $16 for adults and $12 for children (ages 4-17), seniors (55+), military, and university ID holders. Admission is free for children 3 and under.
Admission to additional individual planetarium shows is $3/person.
What is the parking situation?
The easiest option for parking at Flandrau is on a yellow curb along Hawthorne Street on the north side of the building. Note that this parking is limited and fills up quickly – especially during the academic year and on weekday mornings.
Additional parking is available in the Cherry Avenue Garage, located one block south of Flandrau. The rate is $2 per hour. Parking garages and parking meters are free on weekends, except on major game days and special event days.
You can also get to Flandrau on the SunLink Street Car. The 2nd Street/Cherry Avenue stop is only one block north of Flandrau.
What should I wear?
Flandrau is indoors with heating in the winter and air-conditioning in the summer.
What should I bring with me?
Water bottles. There are water fountains available for refilling water bottles.
Are bathrooms available?
Yes.
Which days of the week are the most and least crowded?
The most crowded times are Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Weekday mornings can also be busy since many K-12 school groups visit between 9:00am and noon, Mon-Fri.
CURRENT SHOWS
What shows are currently playing in the planetarium theater?
The best part about Flandrau is the shows! Flandrau offers a variety of state-of-the-art planetarium shows on topics ranging from the solar system to the natural world. They also have laser lights music shows on Friday and Saturday evenings. Check the website for the current show schedule.
Show line-up for summer 2018 is as follows:
PERFECT LITTLE PLANET
Discover our solar system through a new set of eyes – a family from another star system seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known Dwarf Planet. Dive down the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms at Jupiter. And walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose? This is the solar system journey for space travelers of all ages.
Recommended for younger audiences.
WE ARE STARS
A fun, gorgeously animated fulldome show about cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins, this dazzling film reveals how hydrogen and carbon, the very building blocks of life, formed in the universe and then brings it all back to us – we are made of stars!
Recommended for younger audiences.
LEGENDS OF THE NIGHT SKY
Experience a mythological legend told with laser-light animation. Hear the tale of Perseus and Andromeda’s defeat of the sea monster, Cetus, followed by a tour of the constellations & planets in the evening’s sky.
Recommended for younger audiences.
BLACK HOLES: THE OTHER SIDE OF INFINITY
No longer the stuff of science fiction, the discovery of the black hole is a triumph of modern science. Explore the fascinating world of black holes in this program narrated by Academy Award nominated actor Liam Neeson.
Recommended for general audiences.
TUCSON SKY & BEYOND
A classic night sky “live show,” but not like you remember it! Explore what you can see in Tucson’s dark skies as one of our skilled “Console Captains” gives you a guided tour of the stars, planets, constellations, and current events happening in the night sky at this time of year. This live show is never the same and there is always a surprise in store.
Recommended for general audiences.
TOURING THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Launch from planet Earth and fly through the Solar System on this “live” guided tour! In this show we stop by each planet and learn what makes it special. We also explore moons, asteroids, the Milky Way, and beyond. With one of our talented planetarium operators steering the spaceship, this is a fun and fascinating ride.
Recommended for general audiences.
PINK FLOYD’S DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
The classic laser music show that many visitors remember from high school, Dark Side of the Moon has attracted a new generation of fans and remains the most popular laser music show of all time.
Recommended for general audiences.
LASER STRANGER THINGS
Fans can’t get enough of the retro vibe of the hit series Stranger Things. Take a trip to the upside-down in the safety of the dome. Experience the ’80s tunes and soundscapes from the show reinterpreted in vibrant laser light. Includes hits from Duran Duran, Cyndi Lauper, The Clash and more!
Recommended for general audiences.
DINING
Is outside food allowed? Are picnic tables available?
You can bring outside food, but there are no tables available. School groups usually picnic on the lawn outside the building or on the central UA mall. No food or drink, except water, is permitted in the Planetarium Theater.
Does Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium have a restaurant?
No, but there are many restaurants located nearby.
What restaurants are located NEAR Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium?
You’re in luck! There are gads of terrific restaurants in the UA/downtown area and in Main Gate Square near campus. Our top picks within a 3-mile radius are:
- Panera Bread, 845 N. Park Ave (0.7 miles away) – soup, salad, sandwiches, kids menu, breakfast, pastries
- The Fix Mac n Chz, 943 E. University Blvd (0.8 miles away) – macaroni & cheese, sandwiches, salad
- Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink, 101 E. Pennington St (2.1 miles away) – lunch, dinner, spirits, wine, beer garden
- Cafe Poca Cosa, 110 E. Pennington St (2.1 miles away) – upscale urban bistro, “imaginative Mexican cuisine,” menu changes twice daily, reservations required
- 47 Scott, 47 N. Scott Ave (2.1 miles away) – neighborhood bistro, dinner daily (4-10pm), happy hour (4-6pm), weekend brunch
- La Cocina, 201 N. Court Ave (2.3 miles away) – brunch, lunch, dinner, sandwiches, salads, southwestern fare, indoor + outdoor seating, live music
- Cafe a La C’Art (inside Tucson Museum of Art), 150 N. Main Ave (2.4 miles away) – Monet inspired garden patio, pastries, breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Maynards Market & Kitchen, 400 N. Toole Ave (2.6 miles away) – indoor + outdoor seating, sandwiches, salads, beer + wine
- Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery, 266 E. Congress St (2.6 miles away) – fun atmosphere, burgers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, beer + wine, ice cream
- Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails, 135 S. 6th Ave (2.9 miles away) – dinner, desserts, happy hour, gourmet American cuisine prepared by a renowned chef
The UA Student Union is also approx. 1 block west of Flandrau and the UA Library across the street hosts a Starbucks.
BABIES & KIDS
What ages would be best suited for a visit to Flandrau Planetarium?
Ages 3+ will probably enjoy the shows the most. Babies and toddlers are certainly welcome, but they may be frightened by the darkness. That said, you can always exit during the show if your baby is crying or restless. Note that once you exit, the doors lock behind you and you will not be able to re-enter without staff assistance.
Should I bring a stroller?
Sure. The Science Center itself does not require much walking, but you may want to explore the UA campus before or after your visit.
Are changing tables available?
Yes.
What about my other “baby” (cat, dog, etc)?
No pets are permitted in the facility, except for service animals.
EVENTS
Can I have my wedding or rehearsal dinner at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium?
Yes. Please call to inquire about dates and fees.
Can I have my child’s birthday party at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium?
Yes! Birthday party packages are available at a rate of $10/person. Your 2-hour party will include Science Center exhibits, the Mineral Museum, a planetarium show, and use of a special events room. Bring your own food, cake, and/or ice cream for a party that is “out-of-this-world.” Call 520-621-4516 or visit their website to make a reservation.
MISCELLANY
Is Flandrau active on social media?
Yes! Find Flandrau on Facebook and Instagram.
