Hayden Planetarium
Hayden Planetarium
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
About
No need to settle for just looking at the stars - this $210 million planetarium is a virtual joyride through the universe.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Upper West Side
Nestled between Central Park and the Hudson River, the Upper West Side offers iconic architecture and a quiet, residential respite from the buzzing energy of downtown. Along Central Park West are many of the city’s most iconic apartment buildings, as well as the American Museum of Natural History, which has been welcoming visitors to its historic exhibit halls for over 140 years. Culture fans will love Lincoln Center, home to some of the world’s best opera, dance, film, and theatre performances, all centrally located around a beautiful fountain. Spanning the entire length of the Upper West Side, Riverside Park is ideal for a long, leisurely stroll in a quiet green space.
How to get there
- 81st St – Museum of Natural History • 3 min walk
- 86th St • 8 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
6,276 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,554 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
422 reviews
Excellent
260
Very good
92
Average
45
Poor
15
Terrible
10
Harry A
Long Island, NY36 contributions
Jan. 2023
All right, enough with the puns.
I love anything that has to do with science, so I was super excited to check out the Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History. It was very cool and done very well, but I must say, not quite what I was expecting. I though a planetarium showed you the observable night sky under perfect conditions (something you don’t really get to see near NYC with all the light pollution), maybe with a little bit of narration. What we got instead was kind of like an imax movie about the solar system projected on a big white dome. Don’t get me wrong, it was fascinating and extremely well done, but I would’ve liked to see a bit more of the other stars and galaxies that make up the night sky as we see it. Even still, the presentation about the solar system was breathtaking and fascinating. Definitely worth it.
I love anything that has to do with science, so I was super excited to check out the Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History. It was very cool and done very well, but I must say, not quite what I was expecting. I though a planetarium showed you the observable night sky under perfect conditions (something you don’t really get to see near NYC with all the light pollution), maybe with a little bit of narration. What we got instead was kind of like an imax movie about the solar system projected on a big white dome. Don’t get me wrong, it was fascinating and extremely well done, but I would’ve liked to see a bit more of the other stars and galaxies that make up the night sky as we see it. Even still, the presentation about the solar system was breathtaking and fascinating. Definitely worth it.
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Josh D
Mamaroneck, NY408 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Solo
That was the most creative title I could think of!! I enjoy the cosmos and galaxies and planets and The Weeknd!! What he has to do with astronomy is his 2016 album and hit single!! There is also a very good song I listen to daily called Myself by Bazzi which is on an album called cosmic!! I also heard of cosmo the space dog and a hot sauce called cosmic disco and also the cosmo cocktail!! I know I’m going on a tangent but that’s what happens when you go to outer space!! I went here today because I happen to love astronomy but I hate physics and Neil Degrasse Tyson knows way more about astrophysics than me!! I think virtual reality is one of the coolest things in this life and it reminded me of it!! I looked into the Great beyond while I was here and it was crazy!! It was a personal tour of each planet in our solar system and it was very entertaining!!
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PatriciaWF
San Antonio, TX6 contributions
Jun. 2022
Walking up to this building, it's awe-inspiring, but walking in and standing under the models of our sun to the planets is humbling.
We had the best time walking around and reading the information plaques and learning tons.
My kids loved it as well as the short documentary that you can go see.
A very fun gift shop and plenty of things to pick from if you so choose.
I'm sure we missed something so I think we need to go back very soon. :)
We had the best time walking around and reading the information plaques and learning tons.
My kids loved it as well as the short documentary that you can go see.
A very fun gift shop and plenty of things to pick from if you so choose.
I'm sure we missed something so I think we need to go back very soon. :)
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melanie J
Sarasota, FL16 contributions
Nov. 2021 • Family
We thought we’d done our research, planned well and purchased our tickets online. We were so excited to visit the planetarium! We arrived to find the line wrapped around half of the building. We asked how long it would take to get in but no one could provide an answer. We were told they were doing temperature checks which delayed entry. No where on their website was that mentioned, only proof of vaccines. I’ve worked at attractions so I know they can provide wait time estimates. Additionally, Covid is not new so having an adequate procedure to move guests in should not be a problem. The line looked as though we would be waiting for at least an hour. When it started raining, we called and got a refund. So sad we had to miss it!
Written November 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Candy Ashworth
Clifton, NJ21 contributions
Sep. 2019
I take about 3 hours to walk, take photos and read everything related to the planets, their characteristics, composition, etc. This part of the museum is the most modern, the bad thing that made a lot of chola for some sectors….
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KA445566
Chapel Hill, NC27 contributions
Mar. 2020 • Family
Saw ‘Worlds Beyond Earth’ with our two girls ages 12 and 14. Show was 30 minutes. The educational walk around the planetarium sphere is excellent. We all enjoyed the show, but you have to buy tickets that includes the Natural History Museum, so leave enough time to explore the museum, too.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LakeMamie
Guilford, CT54 contributions
Jan. 2020
We went specifically for the Hayden Planetarium, which was very good. But what we really really enjoyed was the 3-D Volcano movie. We had no idea it would be so fascinating.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
joandon
New York City, NY3 contributions
Jan. 2020
Haven't been to The Hayden Planetarium or Museum of Natural History in years ... Show at the Hayden was great to sit and just take in as much info as you want, or just sit and watch the show. The MN History is just beyond wonderful, great for all ages -there is something for everyone ! Highly recommend
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debra S
Four Oaks101 contributions
Dec. 2019 • Friends
I’ve been wanting to go to Hayden Planetarium for years. The museum’s displays reminded me of when I was a kid going to the museum. The true highlight was the Dark Universe show, I wanted to stay and see it again, it was spectacular.
Written December 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Coffee lover
8 contributions
Sep. 2019
If you like the cosmos, this is the place for you. So much to see and learn about our galaxy and beyond. Enjoyed the geological displays on seismic activity and earthquakes.
Written October 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnmarym3
New York City, NY
What is the Space Show?
BLDTraveler
Fort Worth, TX826 contributions
Think of it as an IMAX for a show about space with really comfortable seats. The show is not long, but always interesting. Subjects vary over time. Look to see what is the current offering.
C M
Norwich, UK7 contributions
Hello, I'm not sure if this is the right place, but I was in NYC 27 yrs ago. I went to a 'planetarium' and the stars danced on the ceiling to Pink Floyd's another brick in the wall. Can anyone please tell if this place still exists and if so what is it called and where is it.
Fenners_in_Bermuda
Hamilton, Bermuda29 contributions
Hi... The Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History is an absolute must when visiting NYC... We were there a couple of months ago and went to the Dark Universe show... Absolutely spectacular and very easy on the pocket for an attraction like this. We didn't experience any problems with queues or anything. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did... :)
hi, was the planetarium free?
Yudansha2017
Montreal, Canada161 contributions
It’s not free but included as part of your ticket purchase to the Museum of Natural History. When you buy your ticket, you can purchase one event for an additional $3 or so. You can select the event as being the show at the Planetarium. Well worth the additional cost.
If there is a line up to purchase tickets to the museum, enter through the Planetarium. Tickets can be purchased there as well.
Gidglis G
123 contributions
Tengo el New York Pass ya comprado e incluye el Museo de Historia Natural, para entrar al Hayden Planetarium hay que pagar un extra o ya esta incluido en el NY pass ? Gracias !
Fara B
7 contributions
El Hayden Planetarium Space está incluido en la City Pass. Te dan a elegir entre Dark Universe (Planetario) o pelicula 3d
misty1913
Boca Raton, FL1 contribution
How much are tickets for planetarium
Arnold P
Manlius, NY187 contributions
General
Admission
Includes admission to all 45 Museum halls and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, but does not include special exhibitions, giant-screen film, or Space Show.
Adult$23
Student (with ID)$18
Senior (ages 60+)$18
Children (ages 2 - 12)$13
General
Admission + One
Includes General Admission plus one special exhibition, giant-screen film, or Space Show.
Adult$28
Student (with ID)$22.50
Senior (ages 60+)$22.50
Children (ages 2 - 12)$16.50
General
Admission + All
Includes General Admission plus all special exhibitions, giant-screen film, and Space Show.
Adult$33
Student (with ID)$27
Senior (ages 60+)$27
Children (ages 2 - 12)$20
kxavier704
Brooklyn, NY6 contributions
Are there displays of planets?
JoeyKennedy
Fort Lauderdale, FL80 contributions
I did not see any exhibits of that kind but I didn't see the entire planetarium..
What was the light show called (years ago )
Al S
La Plata, MD
I think it was called, "Light Waves"???
Sandra Vila
Lima, Peru25 contributions
Hola! La proyección está incluida en el precio de la entrada normal o en el "General Admission Plus One"? Esa proyección me parece una de las más importantes, por lo tanto no me la quisiera perder si compro un ticket que no es el correcto. Muchas gracias! :)
solarvenus1
Staten Island, NY
where are you located. need exact address. Also how does my city pass work for my grandson and I. I have a one year membership, Thank you
MrSaturn64
Philadelphia, PA349 contributions
The Hayden Planetarium is part of the American Museum of Natural History. It is inside of the same building, and is accessible from within the museum itself. (But if you must know, the address is 200 Central Park West.)
For the CityPASS, you just go to the main entrance on Central Park West and present the pass to whoever is distributing tickets. The CityPASS comes with a show at the Hayden Planetarium. However, if you are a member of the museum, as you say, the pass itself may be completely superfluous.
HAYDEN PLANETARIUM (New York City) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Hayden Planetarium
- Hayden Planetarium is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
- Hotels near Hayden Planetarium:
- (0.22 km) Hotel Park 79
- (0.46 km) The Lucerne Hotel
- (0.68 km) The Wallace
- (0.27 km) Central Park & Museum Beauty
- (0.27 km) Central Park Stunning Duplex
- Restaurants near Hayden Planetarium:
- (0.18 km) Andy's Deli
- (0.24 km) Shake Shack Upper West Side
- (0.22 km) Storico
- (0.22 km) Uno Pizzeria & Grill
- (0.20 km) Gari of Columbus