Mueller Planetarium is located inside Morrill Hall. Shows are available to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with the exception of home football gamedays. Tickets may be purchased on site at Morrill Hall.
Planetarium Ticket Prices
Planetarium ticket prices do not include Morrill Hall admission. Museum admission is required for planetarium access. Please note that planetarium ticket sales end 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the show. Admission to the planetarium will not be allowed once the show has begun.
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Adults (ages 19+)* | $6.00 plus tax |
| Children (ages 3-18)* | $5.00 plus tax |
*Members receive $1.50 off general admission price
Group Visit Options
The museum offers discounts for large group visits. Groups must book at least 2 weeks in advance, and payment must be submitted in one installment via one payment method. Group visit rates include admission to Morrill Hall. Learn more here about Group Visits.
This month's shows
Beyond the Sun: In Search of a New Earth
Saturday: 11am
Ages 6-13 | Runtime 25 minutes
While Celeste is fighting off sleep in her room by reading a book on astronomy she receives an unexpected visit from Moon. Together, they will enjoy a journey through the Universe to discover what exoplanets are and how they can be detected. They observe rogue planets, oceanic worlds and super-Earths. Moon tells her about exoplanet hunters, who observe the sky in search of planets like Earth. Many adventures are yet to come. But first, she needs some rest. Celeste drops off to sleep waiting for the next visit of Moon.
One Sky Project
Saturday 1pm | Sunday 1pm
Ages 6+ | Runtime 43 minutes
This is the fulldome feature version of the One Sky Project short films. Each short film represents the perspective of a different culture or Indigenous society from around the globe. Each film stands alone as a short story or in combination as a longer narrative – organized around themes of "Finding Patterns" and developing tools, or as we say, "To Seek Far."
Forward to the Moon
Friday 3pm | Saturday 3pm | Sunday 3pm
Ages 12+ | Runtime 30 minutes
Kari Byron from Crash Test World and MythBusters launches us on a journey beyond the Earth towards a sustainable future in space. NASA’s 21st century Artemis program, named after the Greek moon Goddess and twin of Apollo, is the next step in our mission to explore the universe and land the first woman and person of color on the surface of the Moon. Produced by Fiske Planetarium in collaboration with TEND Studio.
Planetarium FAQs
What is a Planetarium?
A planetarium is a domed theater. Instead of a rectangular screen in front of you, as in a regular movie theater, the dome overhead is the screen. Our seats tilt you back so you may comfortably view the show or presentation. A planetarium offers a unique and immersive experience you cannot get at just any movie theater venue.
Why do you charge separate admission?
Planetarium admission is separate from regular museum admission. This policy has been in place since the planetarium's beginning. Planetarium revenue from ticket sales goes towards maintenance costs, equipment upgrades, and new content for your enjoyment!
What is your age policy?
We recommend children be at least 4 years old to attend a show due to the nature of the theater and the content of presentation(s). However, we do have some shows that could be enjoyed by younger children ages 2-3.
Why can't I come into the planetarium after a scheduled show begins? Why can't I get back in if I leave during the show?
This is for your safety. The planetarium is different from a regular movie theater, with motion presented overhead and around you. This makes for a more immersive and unique experience. However, this motion is enough to make you dizzy or disoriented. Additionally, your eyes will not adjust to the sudden change in lighting between the lobby and theater. If you plan on attending one of our shows, please give yourself ample time to find parking, visit the restroom, etc., before the show begins. Theater doors open 10 minutes prior to show time and close promptly at scheduled time.
Why can't I visit the planetarium when there's not a show happening?
When there is no show or presentation taking place in the planetarium, there's not much to see except a dark room.
Why aren't public shows available during the week?
During the fall, winter, & spring seasons the planetarium is used as an educational component providing shows and learning resources for school groups. There are occasions when public shows are available during the week, including the summer season. Those will be clearly shared on the museum's website when available.
What is your refund policy?
You may receive a refund on a planetarium show ticket before show time. If you purchase tickets and are late to a show, however, you may not enter the theater (as explained above) and will not receive a refund. You may exchange your ticket for another show that day only, but a refund will not be issued.
Mueller Planetarium History
In 1958, thanks to the generosity of UNL alumnus Ralph S. Mueller (for whom UNSM's planetarium is named), the museum opened a "theater among the stars" at Morrill Hall. Mueller Planetarium was the first planetarium to open in Nebraska, coinciding with Space Race just getting underway and public interest growing in space exploration and the stars. The original SkyView shows were popular with scout groups, school groups, and museum visitors from nebraska and neighboring states. Visitors reported feeling like they were alongside astronauts in space while keeping their feet on the ground.
In 1977 Mueller Planetarium brought the first laser light shows to Nebraska. It was also the first facility to bring fulldome technology in 2007.
Today the planetarium continues to explore cutting edge technologies and serves as a portal transporting visitors from their seats to far away galaxies, the depths of the ocean, or other locations on earth. We hope you'll consider a visit the next time your in Morrill Hall.