Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Planetariums

Sat., May 3–Sun., May 11

Join Carnegie Science Center – home of the historic Buhl Planetarium – for a week-long celebration marking the centennial of planetariums!

On May 7, 1925, the world’s first planetarium opened at the Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany, forever changing how we connect with the cosmos. In 1939, the Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science opened its planetarium and has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors over the past nine decades. Now housed at Carnegie Science Center, the Buhl Planetarium is the fifth oldest planetarium in the United States.

Planetarium visits continue to ignite curiosity like no other venue can, from astronomical data showcasing the edges of the universe to dazzling laser shows that light up the dome.

Supported by:

Buhl Planetarium Highlight Reel

Sat., May 3–Sun., May 11

Experience our best astronomy-themed planetarium shows throughout the week, included with General Admission. Want more? Add on an eye-popping laser show for even more cosmic fun! While you wait, explore hands-on astronomy demos in the Buhl Lobby, guided by our expert team members.

21+ Night: Astronomy

Fri., May 9
6-10 p.m.

Experience a galactic party atmosphere on all five floors of the Science Center after hours. Drink out-of-this-world cocktails and get groovy with a Martian disco. Must be 21 or older.

SkyWatch

Presented by PPG
Sat., May 10
9–11 p.m.

Take a seat under the stars in Buhl Planetarium then locate celestial objects with telescopes over the Pittsburgh skyline with our astronomy experts on the rooftop (weather-permitting). For all ages!

Space Out Sunday

Cheers to 100 Years of Planetariums
Sun., May 11
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Included with General Admission

Celebrate Mother’s Day with an out-of-this-world experience the whole family will enjoy! Wrap up our weeklong tribute to 100 years of planetariums with a building-wide Space Out Sunday. Enjoy hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and sky-high fun that brings generations together under the stars.

• Observe the Sun through a powerful solar telescope on the Brain Maze, located just outside of our Ticket Counter (weather-permitting; noon to 4 p.m.).
• Enjoy a live, interactive theater show in the Works Theater.
• Engage in space-themed activities in the Main Lobby and Buhl Lobby.
• See “Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit” (3D and 2D) in The Rangos Giant Cinema. Note, film requires an additional ticket and is not included with General Admission to the Science Center.

Fifth Planetarium in the United States – Buhl Planetarium

Opened in October 1939, the Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science was the fifth planetarium in the U.S. In its first full year, more than 200,000 visitors came to marvel at the night sky projected by the state-of-the-art Zeiss Model II.

Thanks to decades of support from the Buhl Foundation, the Buhl Planetarium and Observatory continue to inspire curiosity through cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences that connect us to the universe.

Live, Interactive Theater Shows