Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / Museums

Hayden Planetarium

A state-of-the-art astronomical theater within the American Museum of Natural History, featuring a massive dome screen and immersive space shows powered by authentic NASA and ESA data.

Open prototype Official site Get directions

What is the Hayden Planetarium known for?

The Hayden Planetarium is known for its immersive space shows projected onto a giant 67-foot dome screen. These experiences use authentic data from NASA, ESA, and JAXA to bring astrophysics to life.

Where is it located?

It is located inside the American Museum of Natural History's Rose Center for Earth and Space at 175 Central Park West, Manhattan, NY 10023. The main entrance to the Rose Center is on the northern side of the museum near 81st Street and Central Park West.

How much does it cost to see the space show?

The space show requires an additional ticket, although it is free for museum members.

What is the history of the Hayden Planetarium?

The planetarium originally opened in 1935 and was one of the earliest in the United States. It underwent a full renovation and reopened in 2000 within the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

What can I see in the current space show?

The show presents past and future moments in the solar system, including the paths of stars, comets, and interstellar debris.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Hayden Planetarium is a premier venue for astrophysics located inside the Rose Center for Earth and Space, a wing of the American Museum of Natural History. While the planetarium originally opened in 1935 as one of the earliest such institutions in the United States, the facility underwent a full renovation and reopened in 2000 to embrace modern technology. Often referred to as the Hayden Sphere or the Great Sphere, the architecture is designed for maximum immersion. The centerpiece is a 67-foot dome screen that allows visitors to experience the cosmos through high-definition films. These productions include narration-based explorations of the universe, such as a feature narrated by Whoopi Goldberg regarding the birth of the universe. Rather than focusing on static exhibits, the current experience centers on the Hayden Planetarium Space Show. This immersive theater experience utilizes authentic data from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The shows transport viewers through the solar system to witness the paths of stars, comets, and interstellar debris. Located at 175 Central Park West, the planetarium provides a bridge between complex science and public wonder. The space show is situated on Floor 1 of the facility, offering a front-row seat to the past and future of our galactic neighborhood.

Visitor tips

  • The space show requires an additional ticket beyond general museum admission.
  • Museum members can access the space show for free.
  • Enter via the Rose Center's main entrance on the northern side of the museum near 81st Street and Central Park West.
  • Allow extra time to navigate the American Museum of Natural History campus to reach the Rose Center.

Nearby context

The planetarium is housed within the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which serves as the northernmost anchor of the American Museum of Natural History complex along Central Park West.

Sources

Evidence and links